Know with ease what’s in your credit record

It’s natural to only think about your credit when something goes wrong. Like you get given a high interest rate or don’t get a loan from the bank. 

When these things happen, a free credit report check helps you out as it gives you full sight of your credit history. 

It shows you exactly what any lender can see about your credit and gives you a clear starting point from which to manage your money with the right information. 

As the one place that shows your full financial track record, your credit report is where the real detail sits.

And this detail shows you how you’ve been paying your accounts. It also lists all the credit you have received and have at the moment, covering things like bank loans, insurance premiums and shop accounts e.g. retail credit for clothing or home goods.

These are the big reasons why you should check your report. Firstly to see if everything is correct and secondly, to spot any signs of fraud early on. 

Where to check safely
You can do free credit report checks with Finance365 anytime of the day, any day of the year. All you’ll need is yourSouth African ID number, cellphone number and basic personal details

Once you have your report, the next step is to go through it. As you go line by line, you can ask yourself a few simple questions.

“Do I recognise all these accounts?”
“Are all the payment statuses correct?”

“Are there any accounts I thought were already paid up?”

“Are there any missed payments I don’t remember?”

“Have I applied for all the credit checks listed here?”

Finance365’s Credit Report Check Checklist 

Making sure you cover all your credit report check points:

• My personal details are correct

• I recognise all accounts listed

• Payment history looks right
• No unrecognised credit checks
• No unexpected defaults or judgments

• I know what I need to fix next

What to do if something is wrong

Fix it early before it affects you. 

If something doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Act on it straight away as even small mistakes can affect your chances of getting credit later. 

Start by highlighting the item that doesn’t look right. Then gather any proof you have, like receipts or a paid-up letter. Submit a dispute with the credit bureau, and if you don’t hear back, make sure you follow up.

Remember that by law, credit bureaus must investigate your dispute and correct any information that is proven to be wrong. 

The earlier you fix issues, the less impact they have on your credit profile.

When all is said and done, your credit report is not something to fear. It is something you can make work for your financial wellness. And while it may sound simple to ‘start small, check and read your credit report, and fix what needs fixing’, these are some of the most powerful money moves you can make. 

On top of it all, the best thing about these moves are they can fit into your everyday routine

FAQs about free credit report checks

Q: Does checking my report affect my score?


A: No. When you check your own credit report, it does not lower your score. This is called a soft check so make sure you check in with your score and report regularly. 

Q: What is the difference between a credit score and a credit report?


A: Your credit score is a number. Your credit report is the full story behind that number. It shows your accounts and payment history. It also flags any credit problems linked to your ID number. 

Q: Can I check for fraud on my report?


A: Yes. In fact, this is one of the most important reasons to check regularly. Unknown accounts or credit checks can be early warning signs that you need to act on immediately.

Take one simple step today
Get your free credit report check with Finance365 and stay in control of your credit, one quick check at a time.