Get More From Your Credit Score

A credit score is a number that represents your credit worthiness as a borrower. Your credit score (also known as a credit rating) is determined by a number of different factors such as your borrowing and repayment history, as well as the frequency of your credit applications. The better your credit history is, the higher your credit score will be. Having a high credit score lets lenders know that you make repayments on time and you can manage your credit well.

A credit report is a full report of the data stored in your credit file at one of the credit bureaus (e.g. Experian or Equifax). Although the information in your credit file is generally the same at each credit bureau, each of them organises the data differently and formats its credit report in their own way. Everyone is entitled to one free credit report each year, after which they cost money to obtain and can take weeks to receive. You need to request these directly from the bureau.

Your credit score is calculated by a credit bureau, using an algorithm that looks at the information from your credit file such as accounts open, defaults, missed payments and even bankruptcies. Your credit score will range from 1000 to 1,200 depending on the bureau but generally a higher credit score suggests you are less risky. If you have a low credit score, it can make it difficult to obtain a loan or credit.

Your credit score is important for a number of reasons:

• Your credit score is often used by a credit provider (such as banks, lenders, credit card companies, utilities, and telecommunications companies) to determine the risk of lending you money or extending your credit.
• It provides you with an opportunity to take actions to improve your score, increasing the chances that your future applications will be approved.
• Having a better credit score may also give you access to better offers.

If you notice something that doesn't seem right or believe you've been a victim of identity theft, we'll help you take the next step in reporting issues. Alternatively, you can contact your credit provider directly to correct it.