Where can I track my credit record?
Every credit-active consumer has a credit report that is compiled by credit bureaus like TransUnion, Experian and VeriCred.
Why would I need to check my credit record?
- You can spot errors or fraud early.
- You can understand why credit may be approved or declined.
- You can see whether you may qualify for better interest rates.
- You can track whether your financial habits are improving your credit health.
- You can fix problems before applying for a loan, cell phone contract or store account
Checking your credit score helps you stay in control of your financial reputation.
To check your credit score, you can sigh up on any platform, such as Experian, Sanlam, DebtBusters or JustMoney. It requires uploading your ID document and some personal details.
Checking your credit score is usually free, and you are entitled to one free credit report every year from each credit bureau. Here’s an example of how your credit score could be presented on a credit monitoring platform:
In general, the higher the score, the better. Here’s TransUnion’s score bands as an example:
- EXCELLENT: 767 – 999
- GOOD: 681 – 766
- FAVOURABLE: 614 – 680
- AVERAGE: 583 – 613
- BELOW AVERAGE: 527 – 582
- UNFAVOURABLE: 487 – 526
- POOR: 0 – 486
Factors that influence your credit score
When you apply for a loan, lenders check your credit report and score to see how you’ve managed debt in the past. Here’s what affects that score.
Payment history
Why? Because lenders want to see whether you pay your accounts on time. If you miss payments or pay late, it tells them you may struggle to repay future debt.
Type of credit used
Why? Because different types of credit carry different levels of risk. For example, regularly maxing out short-term or high-interest credit (like store accounts or payday loans) can signal financial pressure, while managing longer-term credit responsibly shows stability.
Length of your credit history
Why? The longer you’ve responsibly used credit, the more proof there is that you can manage debt.
Credit mix
Why? Lenders like to see that you can handle different kinds of credit responsibly — not just one type. It shows you can manage various repayment structures.
