When one applies for a loan or a credit card, the banks will check your recent CIBIL score (last six months). In general, a score above 700 is considered excellent, though it may differ from bank to bank.
Only the interest rate payable on the loan taken has been changed. Everything else remains the same. Also, remember that in case a loan is taken then the account does not earn any interest until the repayment of the loan is done in full.
The fact that the Department of Posts offer many different investment schemes is one of the major reasons why many retired and senior citizens prefer this form of investment.