Building a stable and credible lifestyle for you and your family is likely one of your biggest aspirations. Often, this requires the support of credit providers. However, in South Africa, obtaining credit can be challenging, and many people fear they might not be approved for a loan after going through the application process.

To ensure you're eligible for the credit you need, it's crucial to regularly check your credit score. In South Africa, creditors use credit reports to determine an applicant's credit score before deciding on their loan eligibility. By knowing your credit score beforehand, you can feel confident in your ability to access the credit you need to build the lifestyle you've always wanted.

What is a Credit Score?

A credit score is a numerical representation of an individual's creditworthiness. It is a three-digit number that ranges from 300 to 850, with a higher score indicating better credit. A credit score is used by lenders to determine the risk of lending money to a borrower. It takes into account an individual's payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, types of credit accounts, and recent credit inquiries.

Lenders use credit scores to determine whether to approve a loan, what interest rate to charge, and what credit limit to extend. A good credit score can make it easier to obtain loans and credit cards with favorable terms, while a poor credit score can make it difficult to obtain credit or result in higher interest rates. It is important for individuals to regularly check their credit score and take steps to improve it, such as paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and limiting the number of credit inquiries.

How To Check Your Credit Score In South Africa

In South Africa, many credit bureaus offer free access to credit scores through their websites, allowing consumers to easily check and monitor their credit information.

There are four well-known websites where you can check your credit score in South Africa free of charge:

1. Clearscore

This credit bureau offers access to your credit report and scores and also permits you to unlock banking information.

They have a website page committed to assisting customers to understand more about their credit scores and offering valuable information and guidance for increasing their credit scores.

2. Transunion

This credit bureau offers the most thorough information on several aspects of credit reports to assist customers to make smart financial selections.

They are in partnership with the banks, healthcare workers, and other businesses to assist their customers to apply beneficial enterprise policies.

3. Experian

This credit bureau offers free credit reports and scores on their straightforward virtual portal site to all South Africans with credible IDs who are credit consumers. Their virtual portal sites are “My Credit Check” and “My Credit Expert”.

Furthermore, they provide useful suggestions to aid their clients to gain a better understanding of their credit reports to guarantee that the right credit information is reflected on their reports.

After the valid free credit report check that is accessible to all credit consumers annually, Experian charges a fee of R25 for subsequent credit report checks.

4. Kudough

Kudough has a vast spectrum of digital instruments to assess your economic condition to offer suitable assistance and suggestions.

Their customers enjoy savings and deluxe bids.

Credit Score Ranges and Ratings

1.Under 300

This indicates that you don’t have a credit record as you are not operating any credit account.

It is an opportunity to create a reasonable credit score.

2. 300 – 579

This score implies a low credit score resulting from a wrecked credit record caused by numerous negligence to pay several credit providers.

3. 580 – 669

This reflects a modest credit score. It further suggests a limited unfavorable effect on your credit reports.

4. 670 – 739

This scoring range infers a favorable credit score. The credit customer with this credit score range enjoys robust interest percentages but is not eligible for explicit tariffs.

5. 740 – 799

This is a sufficient credit score range that indicates lesser risk ratios to lenders and it depicts a reasonable measure of financial accountability with loans.

Prompt payments and zero negligence on credit assists you attain this credit score range.

6. 800 – 850

Consistent financial accountability depicted by constant prompt loan reprisals and surveillance helps you attain this exceptional credit score.