What is a credit score?
So first things first, what is a credit score?
Your credit score is a number between 0 and 1,000 that determines how credit-worthy you are. It's one of the factors that lenders use when deciding whether to lend you money and a good indicator of your financial health.
It basically takes into account your financial history and helps lenders determine your borrowing power, so it's vital you take steps to ensure that your credit score is as healthy as possible.
Your Finder credit score is provided by Experian, one of the 3 major credit reporting bureaus in Australia.
How do credit scores work?
You might have noticed that you may get a credit check if you apply for a home loan, credit card or even a new mobile phone plan!
When you apply for most types of credit in Australia, your lender will check your credit score and might request a copy of your credit report.
This score will tell them how strong your credit history is, which is an indicator of how trustworthy and reliable you are when it comes to loans and credit.
What are credit scores used for in Australia?
Generally, a credit score is used by lenders to understand how reliable you will be in paying back credit. There are a few main areas where your credit score is taken into account for lending and money applications.
- Taking out a loan from a bank
- How much banks are willing to lend you for a home loan
- What interest rates to charge you
- Whether you're eligible for a car loan, personal loan or credit card
- Signing up for a new mobile plan
- Setting up an account with an electricity or Internet service provider
- Getting a new credit card and what your limit should be on it
- Buying a car through dealership finance
What credit score should you aim for?
The higher your credit score, the better your chances of getting a loan or credit card. When it comes to your Finder credit score, any score of 625 or higher is considered a "good" credit score.
It's important you take steps to improve your credit score where you can, especially if you have a poor credit score.
Finder credit score ranges
| Experian credit score rating | Experian credit score range |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 800-1000 |
| Very good | 700-799 |
| Good | 625-699 |
| Average | 550-624 |
| Below average | 0-549 |
What's the difference between a credit score and a credit report?
Your credit score is the number that helps lenders decide how much you can borrow, while your credit report contains all the details of how that score was decided on.
It's a good idea to check both your credit score and your credit report. You can check your full credit report and score by visiting the credit score tab on your member dashboard.
What appears on my credit report?
- Your personal details (name, date of birth, employment history and length of time at your home address)
- The type and amount of credit you have applied for in the past (including the credit provider, product, opening and closing dates and the credit limit)
- The number of credit applications you've made
- Your repayment history on credit accounts (showing if you've paid on time)
- Overdue accounts
- Information regarding any court judgments or bankruptcy
More resources on Finder
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What is the difference between Experian and Illion credit scores and why are they different?
Hi Traci,
There are 3 credit reporting agencies and they each have their own scoring system. But they all take the same data into account and you should expect to have a similar score across each one, but they’re just expressed differently
How do I build my credit score when I have no loans,credit cards, or debts? Why is more score below average?
Hi Thomas, If you have no credit history, that can result in a low credit rating, because the reporting agencies have no data to draw from. You can’t demonstrate your responsible approach to managing money if there is no evidence. There are ways to build your credit score in Australia without loans or debts, however. You could start by ensuring your name is on household bills like home internet, your mobile and energy bills, as these providers will send your payment history to credit reporting agencies (if you live with flatmates, family or partners, see if you can have multiple names on the bills so you’re equally responsible for payment). Always pay these bills on time, because consistent, timely payments can establish and improve your credit score. You might also consider opening a low-limit credit card of around $500, using it for small purchases, and paying it off in full each month, as this would demonstrate good money management with the bank. Hope this helps!
Just curious last night my boyfriend applied for a wallet wizard loan (god only knows why but he did) anyway it was denied most likely because I live at home with my parents and don’t have to pay for anything much phone and petrol I would imagine a computer analogue would not be able to fit me in to a box cause I’m 48 still looked after by my parents basically desperate time and that…..
anyway how much damage would that have done to my credit
Hey Freya,
Applying for credit will reduce your credit score, whether your application is accepted or rejected. But it’s not a permanent reduction, if nothing else changes your score should go back to where it was before after a few months.
Am I entitled to a personal loan of $3000
Hi Christine, your eligibility for a personal loan depends on your income, debts and credit score. You can learn more about personal loans in this guide. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for a 0% interest personal loan for up to $3000 for essential costs like rent and bills, through Good Shepherd. Hope this helps!
If I apply to be a joint cardholder for a card that allows joint primary holders, after my partner is accepted first, does the company check my credit score the same as for an individual applicant? Asking because If I apply for a 0% Balance Transfer card (It really needs to be 0%) then also apply to be a joint cardholder of a card which my partner has acquired, (to enable balance transfer from partner’s account to the 0% card), it may jeopardise being accepted as a joint holder of the partner account?.
Hi CC,
When you apply for a joint credit card, the lender will consider the credit scores of both applicants. It sounds like you may need some help managing your credit card debt – a great place to get free, confidential help is the National Debt Helpline. You can call them on 1800 007 007 or visit their website. Their professional financial counsellors provide free and confidential advice and might be able to help you sort out your credit card issues.
Best of luck!