How to boost your credit score

If you’ve recently been turned down for a personal loan or struggled to secure a rental property, your credit score could be the reason why. A poor credit record can limit your financial options, making it harder to access credit or even rent a home.

Yet, many South Africans are still in the dark when it comes to understanding their credit health. A mini poll by our sister site, Moneybags, revealed that 73% of respondents didn’t know their credit score, while only 27% were aware of theirs. That’s a significant knowledge gap—especially when your credit score plays such a big role in your financial future.

Tip: Check your credit score for free today and take the first step toward better financial health.

What is a credit score?

According to Michelle Dickens, Managing Director of credit bureau TPN, a credit score is a number that summarises your credit profile and helps lenders assess your risk as a borrower. “The credit bureau score takes all the information on your credit profile and weighs it based on risk. For example, judgments and defaults carry more weight than a simple enquiry,” she explains.

In short, your credit score is a snapshot of your financial behaviour—and it can influence everything from loan approvals to interest rates.

How to check your credit report

Getting your credit report is easier than you think. South African credit bureaus are required to give you one free credit report per year. After that, you can request additional reports for a small fee (usually around R20).

Your credit report includes:

• Judgments
• Defaults
• Adverse listings
• Positive payment history

Yes, good behaviour counts too! If you consistently pay your bills on time, that will reflect positively on your report.

How to improve your credit score

If your credit report isn’t looking great, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to turn things around. Here’s what Dickens recommends:

1. Review your report for errors
   Go through your credit report carefully. If you spot any mistakes, contact the credit bureau to correct them.

2. Understand your credit profile
   Credit reports can be confusing at first. Take time to learn what each section means. Some bureaus, like TPN, even use colour coding to help you identify good and bad credit behaviour.

3. Pay on time, every time
   Always pay your debts in full and on time—even if the due date falls on a weekend or public holiday. Late or partial payments can hurt your score.

4. Watch your credit limits
   Just because you have access to a high credit limit doesn’t mean you should use it all. High available credit can affect your ability to get new loans, like a home loan.

Know your rights

The National Credit Act (NCA) is designed to protect consumers. It ensures fair lending practices, accurate credit reporting, and proper affordability assessments to prevent reckless lending. However, if you default on payments, credit providers are within their rights to report this to credit bureaus and take steps to recover the debt.

Take charge of your credit health

Understanding and managing your credit score is one of the smartest financial moves you can make. It opens doors to better loan options, lower interest rates, and greater financial freedom.

Need to borrow money?
Make sure your credit score is in good shape before you apply. Check your credit report today - it’s free, quick, and could save you money.