How to Check Your Credit Score in NZ
Your credit score is a crucial factor in your financial life, affecting everything from credit card approvals to loan interest rates. Here's how to check and understand your credit score in New Zealand.
Where to Check Your Credit Score
In New Zealand, you can get your credit score for free from three main credit reporting agencies:
- Centrix - www.centrix.co.nz
- Free credit score and report
- Online application
- Instant access
- Equifax - www.equifax.co.nz
- Free credit report
- 10-day delivery
- Premium options available
- illion - www.illion.co.nz
- Free credit score
- Score monitoring
- Mobile app access
What You Need to Apply
Required Documents
- Valid photo ID
- Proof of address
- Previous addresses
- Contact details
Optional Information
- Current employer
- Previous names
- Bank details
- Credit references
Understanding Your Credit Report
Your credit report contains several key sections:
Personal Information
Basic details like your name, address, and employment history.
Credit History
Details of your credit accounts, including payment history and defaults.
Credit Enquiries
Records of who has checked your credit report.
Public Records
Court judgments, bankruptcies, or other public notices.
Credit Score Ranges
- 0-300: Below Average
- 301-500: Fair
- 501-700: Good
- 701-850: Excellent
Monitoring Your Credit Score
Regular monitoring helps you:
- Detect identity theft early
- Track improvement efforts
- Prepare for credit applications
- Identify reporting errors
Common Questions
How often should I check my credit score?
Check at least once a year or before major credit applications.
Does checking my own score affect it?
No, checking your own score is a "soft" enquiry and doesn't impact your rating.
What if I find errors?
Contact the credit reporting agency directly to dispute any inaccuracies.
Key Takeaways
- Check your score for free from multiple agencies
- Gather required documents before applying
- Understand what your score means
- Monitor regularly for changes
- Dispute any errors promptly