Knowing where you stand financially starts with understanding your credit score and you don’t have to pay for it! This guide will help you:
- Check your credit score for free safely
- Know what counts as a good credit score in South Africa
- Find out if you’re “blacklisted” and what that really means
- Understand whether ClearScore is truly free
Let’s get into it.
1. Is There a Safe Way to Check Your Credit Score for Free?
Yes, absolutely.
All registered South African credit bureaus offer at least one free credit report each year, as required by law. You’re entitled to access your credit report without paying a fee or harming your score.
- Experian: Use the “Up powered by Experian” platform (web app). It’s secure, free, and allows you to view your credit report and score. You can also dispute errors directly online. (experian.co.za, RCS Group, ooba, My Debt Hero, BOSS Revolution, directaxis.co.za)
- TransUnion: Offers a free annual credit report and score, plus alerts and tools to monitor your credit health, all without needing a credit card. (TransUnion)
Checking your credit record is safe, secure, and won’t impact your score.
2. What Is a Good Credit Score in South Africa?
Credit scores vary by bureau and scoring model. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Bureau / Service | “Good” Score Range | “Excellent” / “Very Good” |
|---|---|---|
| Experian | 660–750 | — |
| TransUnion (0–999 scale) | 681–766 (Good) | 767–999 (Excellent) |
| Other ranges (e.g., RCS) | 670–739 | 740–799 (Very Good), >800 Excellent |
- Experian defines 660–750 as a good credit score. (Meerkat, ClearScore, transunion.co.za)
- TransUnion uses bands where 681–766 is good, and 767–999 is excellent. (transunion.co.za)
- Ranges from third-party sources show similar tiers: 670–739 is good, 740–799 very good, and 800–850 is excellent. (RCS Group)
As a general guideline:
- Above 660 (or 681) = good
- Above 740 = very good or excellent
Below 610–650 may signal issues; lenders may charge higher interest or refuse credit entirely. (ooba, Investec)
3. How to Check If You’re “Blacklisted” in South Africa
In South Africa, “blacklisted” isn’t an official term, but it commonly refers to having too many defaults, judgments, or adverse listings in your credit file.
How to check:
- Request your free credit report from any bureau (Experian, TransUnion, XDS). Your report will show Negative Listings (e.g., defaults, collections, judgments). (transunion.co.za, My Debt Hero)
- If your score is low or you see adverse listings, you may face challenges in obtaining loans or insurance. (Meerkat)
- If inaccuracies appear, you have the right to dispute them with the bureau. (My Debt Hero)
4. Is ClearScore Completely Free?
Yes—ClearScore is 100% free to use in South Africa. There are:
- No subscription fees,
- No credit card required,
- Sign-up takes minutes, and checking your score doesn’t affect your credit rating. (ClearScore)
Like many free services, ClearScore may share offers from banks and lenders based on your profile, but your personal use remains free and safe.
Summary Table: People Also Ask
| Question | Quick Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a safe way to check your score for free? | Yes, use official platforms like Experian’s Up, TransUnion, or other bureaus, free and secure. |
| What is a good credit score in SA? | Generally, 660–750 (Experian) or 681–766 (TransUnion) is considered good; 740+ is even better. |
| How do I check if I’m blacklisted? | Get your free credit report and look for negative listings (defaults, judgments, etc.). |
| Is ClearScore completely free? | Yes, it’s entirely free in South Africa, no hidden costs or effect on your credit score. |
Final Thoughts
Checking your credit score is easy, safe, and free to do and it’s a critical step in managing your financial health. Whether you’re aiming to get a loan, manage debt, or just stay informed, regularly reviewing your credit report will empower you to make smarter decisions.
