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What is a good credit score?

A good credit score in Australia is between 500 and 734 or higher, depending on where you get it.

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By

Amy Bradney-George

Updated

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What is a good credit score in Australia?

A good credit score is generally one above 625, but it depends on which credit reporting body you get it from:

  • Equifax: 500 to 699 (or higher)
  • Experian: 661 to 734 (or higher)
  • Illion: 625 to 699 (or higher)

Credit rating systems in Australia

You can choose where you get your credit rating or score from, including through Finder.

But there are only 3 credit reporting bodies in Australia: Illion, Equifax and Experian (which Finder partners with). They record and provide the details listed on your credit report, and each of them has a different credit rating system.

For example, your credit score will be a number between 0 and 1,000 with Illion and Experian but can be up to 1,200 with Equifax. What's always the same is that a higher score is better.

Credit score ranges in Australia

Here, we've listed the different credit score ranges for the 3 credit reporting bodies in Australia. If you get your credit score through Finder, it will match up with Experian's ratings.

Credit score rangeIllionEquifaxExperian
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent		800–1,000853–1,200800–1,000
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very good		700–799735-852700–799
⭐⭐⭐
Good/Average		500–699661-734625–699
⭐⭐
Fair		300–499460-660550–624
⭐
Low/Below average		0–2990–4590–549

How many people have a good credit score in Australia?

Finder data shows 79% of people have a good credit score or higher. But 21% of people have an average or below average score.

Score ratingScore range% of people
Excellent800-100015%
Very Good700-79946%
Good625-69918%
Average550-6246%
Below Average0-54915%

What can a good credit score help me do?

  • Ask for a home loan discount. You could use your credit score and other financial details to negotiate a better rate on your home loan, or even get certain fees waived.
  • Increased borrowing capacity. You may be able to borrow more money, but it will still depend on your other financial details.
  • Increase the chance of approval for rental properties. Your credit score could put you at the top of the list for landlords and real estate agents if they check it as part of their screening process.
  • Get lower rates on personal loans. A range of personal loans and peer-to-peer loans offer interest rates based on your credit score. A higher score means a lower interest rate, which could be as low as 4.45% depending on the personal loan.
  • Upgrade your phone plan. Telstra, Optus and Vodafone check your credit score for different types of phone plans. So a better score can help you get a better deal on phone plans and new phones.
  • Choose a credit card with rewards. If your financial situation is stable and you're considering getting a new credit card, your credit score could increase your chance of approval for one with rewards. And if you repay your full balance for each statement period, you won't have to pay any interest.

What is the average credit score in Australia?

Finder's research has found the average credit score in Australia is 735.

This is based on analysis of 59,016 credit reports in 2022. We also found the average has improved since 2021, when it was 711.

What is the average credit score by age?

According to our data, the older you are, the higher your credit score is likely to be. Baby boomers have an "excellent" credit score on average, with an average score of 846. Gen X have an average credit score of 760, which is considered a "very good" score, followed by gen Z at 741 and millenials at 713.

Average credit score by generation

  • Baby boomers: 846
  • Gen X: 760
  • Millennials: 713
  • Gen Z: 741

Average credit score difference between men and women in Australia

  • Highest average credit score: Men over 60 years of age (788.3).
  • Lowest average credit score: Women between the ages of 21 and 30 (671.7).

Average credit score by state

The ACT is the state with the highest average credit score, followed by South Australia and Victoria. Western Australia has the lowest average credit score.

StateAverage score
ACT763
NSW741
NT744
QLD720
SA753
TAS729
VIC745
WA716

What is a bad credit score?

Credit scores between 0 and 500 are generally considered bad or low. This makes it harder to get approved for a credit card, loan or other form of credit.

If your credit score is low, Finder's guide on how to improve your credit score has simple ways to build up positive credit history.

What counts as positive credit history?

Any activity on your credit report that show you're responsible with your finances can be seen as positive. For example, making payments on time is a simple way to build up positive credit history. But other factors can include the amount of credit you have access to, the length of time you've had your accounts and how often you apply for credit (less often is better).

Credit score ratings explained (From low to perfect)

Credit score ratingWhy do you have this score?What do lenders think?
1,000 or 1,200 (perfect score)
  • If your score is 1,000 for Illion or Experian or 1,200 for Equifax, you have a perfect credit score. Just 3.5% of all Australians achieve this score. It usually takes a lot of time to build up such positive credit history and it shows a high level of financial responsibility.
You'll have a strong chance of approval for most credit products and could be able to negotiate better lending terms than most people. Just remember that other factors are also considered when you apply.
800–999 (excellent)
  • A credit score around 800 is very solid and shows you have built a strong credit history. Financial institutions will offer you credit if it's within your ability to repay.
You could get better rates and terms than people in the very good or good credit score range.
700–799 (very good)
  • A credit score in this range indicates a history of responsibly managing loans, credit cards and other products.
You can still apply for most loans and credit cards, as long as you have the ability to pay off a new account.
500–699 (good)
  • A good credit score usually means you haven't made any large mistakes with your money, like defaults.
Securing a big loan will depend on the lender's criteria and other individual factors like your current employment and debts.
300–499 (fair)
  • A fair score shows there's room for improvement or a lack of credit history.
Lenders may focus more on other factors when you apply, such as proof of stable and regular income, bank statements or a form of security.
0–299 (low)
  • This is typically considered a low or "bad" credit rating, which may be due to late payments, defaults or other ongoing issues.
It could be difficult to get a new loan or another credit product. If you can, focus on improving your credit score first.

Finder research has found 46% of Australians don't know their credit score – and it only takes around 3 minutes to get it with the free Finder app.

  1. Finder and Experian, average credit score for over 50,000 credit reports (2022).
  2. Finder, average credit score by age and gender based on member data (all-time).
  3. Australian Information Commissioner information on credit reports (accessed 9 February 2023)

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