This surprises many consumers who assume a single "credit score" follows them everywhere. It means a rejected application at one lender doesn't necessarily reflect what every bureau or lender would show. Under the National Credit Act, consumers are entitled to one free credit report from each bureau every year, a practical way to check for errors before applying for significant credit like a home loan.
Source: National Credit Regulator
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credit bureaus operate in South Africa?
Several are registered with the National Credit Regulator, with TransUnion, Experian, Compuscan and XDS among the most commonly used by lenders.
How often can a consumer get a free credit report?
Once every 12 months from each registered credit bureau, at no charge, under the National Credit Act.
What most commonly damages a credit score?
Missed or late payments, high credit utilisation relative to limits, defaults, and judgments are typically the biggest factors across bureau models.