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How do I check my credit score?

Helpful Money Tips

Keeping track of your credit score is an essential part of maintaining financial health. Whether you're considering loans for bad credit or simply want to manage your debt, checking your credit score regularly in Australia can help you understand your financial standing and make informed decisions.

In this guide, we’ll explain what a credit score is, how to check it for free, and why it matters—especially if you’re looking into bad credit loans or debt consolidation options.

What is a Credit Score and Why Does it Matter?

Your credit score is a number that represents your creditworthiness, based on your financial history. Lenders, including Fair Go Finance, often consider this score to determine if you're eligible for loans and to decide your interest rates. If you've had bad credit loans in the past, your score might be lower, but there are still options for you. Understanding your score is the first step in taking control of your financial future.

How to Check Your Credit Score for Free in Australia

In Australia, there are several ways to check your credit score for free:

  • Equifax: Visit the Equifax website and sign up to get a free report once a year.

  • Experian: Experian offers free credit scores and monthly updates.

  • Illion: Access your credit report for free and receive alerts about changes to your credit score.

By checking your score on these platforms, you’ll gain a clearer view of where you stand and how lenders might view your creditworthiness. Remember, checking your score won’t negatively impact it.

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How Your Credit Score Impacts Loan Eligibility

Your credit score plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various loan products. If you have a high score, you're likely to receive better terms on personal loans and other forms of credit. But don’t worry if your score is low; there are still options like bad credit loans and personal loans for bad credit that cater to people in your situation.

If you’re interested in exploring loan options, check out Fair Go Finance’s range of loans for bad credit (link to relevant page). You might also consider debt consolidation loans to manage existing debts.

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What to Do If You Have a Low Credit Score

A low credit score doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Here are a few steps to improve your score over time:

  • Pay Your Bills on Time: Set up automatic payments to avoid missed payments.

  • Reduce Outstanding Debt: Pay down your balances to reduce your credit utilisation ratio.

  • Avoid New Credit Inquiries: Too many hard inquiries can lower your score.

If you’re considering loans, check out Fair Go Finance’s bad credit options (link to relevant page) that are tailored for individuals with low credit scores. Learn more about how to improve your credit score here.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Credit Score

Maintaining a healthy credit score is an ongoing process. Here are some tips to help you keep your score in good standing:

  • Set a Budget: Keep track of your income and expenses to avoid overspending.

  • Regularly Check Your Credit Report: Mistakes happen—monitor your report to ensure it’s accurate.

  • Limit Credit Card Balances: Aim to use only a small percentage of your credit limit.

Following these steps can help you avoid high-interest bad credit loans and keep you eligible for better financial products.

Q1: How often should I check my credit score?
It’s good to check your credit score at least once a year. Regular checks help you spot errors and monitor any changes.

Q2: Does checking my credit score affect it?
No, checking your own credit score is a soft inquiry and doesn’t impact your score.

Q3: Can I still get a loan if I have a bad credit score?
Yes, lenders like Fair Go Finance take your full situation into consideration, so even if you think you have a bad credit score, we still might be able to help.

If you want to improve your financial health, then you need to understand what a credit score is and how it works in Australia. Regularly checking your credit score can help you stay on top of your finances, and Fair Go Finance is here to provide solutions tailored to your needs. For more tips, tools, and loan options, visit Fair Go Finance.