If the bureau could talk, here’s what it would say

“Hello, I’m your Credit Bureau. I know your financial story and want you to know it too.”

You may not know me personally, but I work in the background of your credit. Every bank card you swipe, each account you pay and any loan you take out leaves a trace.

My job is to keep all this information organised, accurate and safe.

So, when people say, “I need to check my credit report” they are really checking in with me. Your credit bureau check is my way of showing you everything I’ve recorded about your finances in one place.

What I do and what I show

Each month I collect information from places like banks, retailers and service providers. With every update, I build your credit score and credit report contents. My goal is to put together a summary of how you manage your credit and debt.

I start with calculating your credit score. It’s a number between 300 and 950 that shows how well you repay money you owe. After this, I will go into more detail in your credit report. This information includes:


• Personal details like your name, ID, address and employer information


• A list of your credit accounts with balances, limits and payment history


• A summary of your payment behaviour like on time or late payments


• Mentions of any debt review or judgments against you, if they apply


• Credit enquiries that show who has checked your file and when


This information is what banks, insurance and cellphone companies (and other credit providers) use to decide if they will approve your application and what interest rate to offer.

How I collect and protect your data

I also get monthly updates from registered credit providers across South Africa. My role is to process this information while following the National Credit Act and POPIA. These laws help me ensure your personal data stays private, relevant and correct.

How you can check on me

You can ask for your credit check online through any of the main credit bureaus in South Africa – but it’s only free once a year. If you use Finance365 – it’s free. Forever.

You’ll need to:

• Have your South African ID and recent proof of residence ready.


• Choose a bureau or validated platform like Finance365 and register online.


• Then you’ll have to verify your identity by answering security questions.


After this, you’ll be shown your credit score and will be able to ask for a report.

Download and review your report, and save a copy for your records.

When you find something wrong

If there is a mistake on your report, ask me to fix it. For example, if you see an error, like a closed account still listed as active, contact me in writing with proof.

I must investigate and respond within 20 business days. Once verified, I must also correct confirmed errors at no cost. At that point, if you are unhappy with the result, you can escalate the case to the Credit Ombud or the National Credit Regulator.

Remember: Regular checks do not lower your score. They help you stay informed.

Also remember I don’t decide whether you get credit. I only keep the record that helps others decide. But I do care about accuracy, and I want you to understand what your numbers mean.

Please check on me often. Ask questions when something does not look right. Use Finance365’s unlimited credit check tools and reports anytime.

Your future financial story is being written right now. I’d like to see you make it a good one.

Yours reliably,


Your Credit Bureau

Make your credit good with Finance365

A credit bureau check is your financial reflection, a look at where you stand today and how to build stronger credit habits for tomorrow. We help you access reports, monitor updates and get alerts so your credit stays accurate and ready for when opportunity knocks.