Credit Scores in Australia: Equifax, Experian and illion
ADS Team
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August 13, 2026
about 10 hours ago
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In short: Australia has three credit bureaus - Equifax, Experian and illion - each producing its own score on its own scale from the data lenders supply to them. Because not every lender reports to all three, your score can differ substantially between them, and the lender you apply to may use whichever one you have never checked.
Key takeaways
- Three bureaus, three scores, three different scales - they are not comparable.
- You are entitled to a free report from each, at least annually.
- Comprehensive credit reporting means 24 months of repayment history is visible.
- Repayment history and enquiries move the score more than most people expect.
The three bureaus
| Bureau | Score range |
|---|---|
| Equifax | 0-1,200 |
| Experian | 0-1,000 |
| illion | 0-1,000 |
A number is meaningless without knowing which bureau produced it. Check all three before a significant application - errors on one and not the others are common.
What moves your score
- Repayment history - the largest factor. Payments more than 14 days late are recorded, and stay for 24 months.
- Credit enquiries - each application leaves a mark; a cluster reads as distress.
- Defaults - overdue amounts of $150 or more, at least 60 days late, after required notices. They stay five years.
- Credit limits and utilisation.
- Length of credit history - closing your oldest account can reduce your score.
Fixing errors
- Get your report free from each bureau.
- Check every listing - incorrect defaults and identity errors are not rare.
- Dispute directly with the bureau or the credit provider. It is free and they must investigate.
- Escalate to AFCA if unresolved - also free.
Never pay a "credit repair" firm for something you can do yourself at no cost. They cannot remove accurate listings, whatever they advertise.
Frequently asked questions
Does checking my own score lower it?
No. Checking your own report is a soft enquiry and is not visible to lenders. Only applications for credit create hard enquiries.
How long do defaults stay?
Five years from the date listed, whether or not you pay it. Paying updates it to show as paid, which lenders treat far more favourably.
What score do I need for a home loan?
There is no universal threshold - lenders combine the score with income, deposit and conduct. A clean file with no defaults and few recent enquiries matters more than any particular number.
Related reading
- Why Home Loan Applications Get Declined: The Top 12 Reasons
- Buy Now Pay Later: Regulation and Credit Impact
- Bad Credit Business Loans: What Is Actually Available
Sources
- Credit scores and credit reports — ASIC Moneysmart
- Credit reporting privacy code — Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Information current as at 2 August 2026.
General advice warning: This article contains general information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it is not personal credit or financial advice. Consider whether it is appropriate for you and seek advice from a licensed credit representative before acting.
Any interest rate shown is an example only and is not an offer of credit. Where a rate is quoted, the applicable comparison rate is available from the relevant lender and should be considered alongside it.
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