How to Get Your Free Credit Report in South Africa (and Fix Errors)

By Finance Guide Editors Updated October 2026 · 5 sources · 4 min read

Prices and facts checked 16 October 2026. We don't accept payment for rankings.

Short answer: the National Credit Act gives you the right to inspect your credit bureau file free of charge once every 12 months. The National Credit Regulator (NCR) names four consumer credit bureaus to ask: Experian, TransUnion, XDS and Consumer Profile Bureau. You can also challenge wrong information for free, and the bureau must investigate (National Credit Act, s72; NCR).

Your rights under the National Credit Act

Section 72 of the National Credit Act gives every person the right to:

• Inspect their credit bureau file without charge once in any 12-month period, and again for free after successfully challenging information, to check it was corrected
• Challenge the accuracy of information a bureau holds about them, and require the bureau to investigate at no cost
• Be told before adverse information is reported by a credit provider, and get a copy of it

The NCR summarises this as the right "to receive one free credit report once a year from a credit bureau and to challenge any incorrect information" (NCR consumer rights).

Where to get your free report

The NCR lists these four consumer credit bureaus (NCR):

Each bureau keeps its own file, and the information can differ between them. It's worth checking more than one, especially before applying for a home loan (see our bond repayment calculator).

You'll usually need to verify your identity with your ID number and answer security questions. Use the bureau's own website or app.

What's on your credit report

• Personal details: name, ID number, addresses and employers
• Credit accounts: loans, credit cards, store cards and accounts, with balances and payment history
• Enquiries: who has checked your credit recently
• Adverse listings and judgments: missed payments, defaults and court judgments
• Debt review status: if you're under debt review, it shows on your report. See our debt review guide.

Many bureaus also show a credit score. Scores differ between bureaus and lenders use their own models, so treat the score as a guide.

How to dispute an error

1. Write down exactly what's wrong: an account you don't recognise, a wrong balance, a paid-up account still shown as in arrears, or an address you never lived at.
2. Dispute it with the bureau that issued the report. The bureau must investigate at no cost to you (National Credit Act, s72). The NCR says you won't be charged, whether or not the dispute goes in your favour (NCR media release).
3. Also tell the credit provider that reported the information, and keep proof such as a paid-up letter or statements.
4. Escalate if it isn't fixed. The NCR says to go to the credit ombud if the bureaus can't help (NCR). The credit ombud is now part of the National Financial Ombud Scheme, which is free to use (NFO).

An account you don't recognise could mean identity fraud. Report it to the credit provider and the bureau straight away.

How to improve your credit record

• Pay every account on time. Payment history matters most.
• Keep credit card and overdraft balances well below their limits.
• Don't apply for lots of credit at once. Many enquiries in a short time can count against you.
• Close store cards you don't use.
• Check your report every year using your free entitlement.

FAQ

Is my credit report really free in South Africa?

Yes. The National Credit Act gives you the right to inspect your credit bureau file free once every 12 months.

Can I get a free report from every bureau?

The Act gives the right to inspect "any credit bureau" file free once in any 12-month period. The NCR lists four consumer bureaus to request from.

How do I check my credit score for free?

Request your free report from a bureau. Most include a score, but scores vary by bureau.

How do I remove wrong information from my credit report?

Dispute it with the bureau that issued the report. It must investigate at no charge. Escalate to the National Financial Ombud if it isn't resolved.

Does checking my own credit report hurt my score?

Checking your own report is a different kind of enquiry from a lender's credit check. Lenders' enquiries are what can count against you.

Changelog: 16 Oct 2026, first published.