Knowing your credit score is a key step in understanding your financial health. In Australia, checking your credit score is free, secure, and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a clear guide to finding out where you stand and what your score means.
Key Takeaways
- You can check your credit score for free from each major agency every three months.
- Equifax, Experian, and Illion are the main credit reporting agencies in Australia.
- Checking your own score is a “soft enquiry” and won’t affect your rating.
- You’ll need to verify your identity to access your report.
- Reviewing your credit report can help you spot errors or fraud early.
What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a number that reflects your borrowing and repayment history. Lenders use this number to decide whether to approve your applications for loans, credit cards, or other financial products. In Australia, your score is calculated by agencies using information from your credit report, including your debts, repayments, and credit applications.
Why Check Your Credit Score?
- Understand how lenders see you
- Spot mistakes or fraudulent activity early
- Track your progress if you’re working to improve your score
- Prepare for loan, mortgage, or credit card applications
Where to Check Your Credit Score
Australia’s three main credit reporting agencies are:
- Equifax
- Experian
- Illion
Each agency may hold different information, so it’s wise to check your score with all three.
1. Equifax
- Visit the Equifax website and sign up online.
- Provide your name, address, date of birth, and identification (such as a driver’s licence or passport).
- You can request a free credit report once every three months, or if you’ve been declined credit in the last 90 days, or after correcting information on your report.
- Reports are usually available within one business day after your identity is verified.
2. Experian
- Go to the Experian Australia website.
- Fill out the online form with your personal details and ID.
- Your Experian credit score is a number between 0 and 1,000.
- You can access your report for free and see what’s affecting your score.
3. Illion
- Sign up on the Illion website or call their customer service line.
- Provide your name, address, and ID details.
- You’re entitled to a free credit report every three months, or after being refused credit or correcting your report.
- Illion also offers free credit scores through partners like Credit Simple.
4. Third-Party Providers
- Some banks and financial apps, like CommBank, let you check your credit score through their platforms.
- You’ll need to verify your identity, but these checks are free and secure.
What Information Do You Need?
To access your credit report, you’ll typically need:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Current address (and previous addresses if you’ve moved recently)
- Driver’s licence or passport number
Having these details ready will speed up the process.
How Often Can You Check Your Credit Score?
You can request a free credit report from each agency every three months. If you’ve been refused credit or had information corrected, you’re entitled to another free report within 90 days.
Does Checking Your Score Affect It?
No. Checking your own score is considered a “soft enquiry” and does not impact your credit rating. Only applications for new credit (such as loans or credit cards) are “hard enquiries” and may affect your score.
What Will You See in Your Credit Report?
Your credit report includes:
- Your credit score and the band it falls into (e.g., good, very good, excellent)
- Details of current and previous credit accounts
- Repayment history
- Applications for credit
- Defaults or overdue debts
- Any negative events such as bankruptcies or court judgments
Reviewing this information helps you understand what’s affecting your score and spot any errors.
What If You Find a Mistake?
If you notice incorrect information, contact the credit reporting agency to dispute it. They are required to investigate and correct any errors for free. Fixing mistakes can help improve your score and prevent problems when applying for credit.
How Long Does It Take to Get Your Credit Report?
- Online requests are usually processed within a day or two.
- If requested by mail, it may take up to 10 days to receive your report.
Important Tips
- Avoid providers that ask for payment or credit card details to access your score—free options are available from all major agencies.
- Always check the privacy policy before signing up with a third-party provider.
- Regularly reviewing your credit report can help protect you from identity theft and fraud.
Related Topics for Further Reading
These articles can help you make the most of your credit knowledge and take control of your financial future.
Conclusion
Checking your credit score in Australia is simple, free, and secure. Use Equifax, Experian, or Illion to access your report, understand your financial standing, and spot any issues early. If you want support interpreting your report or improving your score, Easy Credit Repair is here to help. Check out our services or get a free quote.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on research and our views only. If you have questions about your credit score or need personalised advice, please reach out to us.
