Key Takeaways
- Regularly checking your credit report and credit scores is a good way to ensure your personal and account information is correct.
- Checking your credit reports or scores does not affect your credit score, but hard inquiries in response to credit applications do.
- Some credit score apps offer premium services if you want to access more of their features.
- Equifax, Experian, and Illion, the three major credit bureaus, may offer all available credit information.
Your credit report includes a thorough account of your credit history and can influence many important decisions in your life. A good credit score is essential to secure the best rates when opening a new credit card, or purchasing a home. This is because most financial institutions, potential lenders, and creditors use these scores to make lending decisions. Therefore, you should know whether your credit score is in good standing when taking out a loan
You should also check your credit report at least once a year to ensure there are no inaccuracies. The more frequently you check it, the better. Fortunately, there are a lot of apps that allow you to check your credit ratings for free.
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is a number that evaluates your creditworthiness and financial management capabilities. It is computed by reviewing your accounts, particularly your outstanding debt, current payments on those accounts, payment history, and if you make payments on time.
Lenders consider this score or rating when deciding whether to offer credit or a loan. Depending on the credit bureau, the score ranges from 0 to 1000, or occasionally 1200. Your credit score will often fall on a five-point scale: below average (0-459), average (460-660), good (661-734), very good (735-852), and excellent (853-1200). Your likelihood of receiving credit increases with your score since it reflects your previous good financial behaviour.
What are credit score apps?
Credit score applications allow you to view your credit score. Since many of us are quite dependent on our smartphones, using a credit score app enables us to quickly receive credit score updates. They are easy to use, and you often get much more than simply your score.
Aside from letting you monitor your credit scores, a credit score app may also:
- Send notifications if there is suspicious activity or changes in your credit report or score
- Explain the main factors that impact your credit score
- Offer suggestions so you can improve your credit score
- Let you check your credit report
- Offer identity monitoring services and insurance
How do credit score apps work?
All credit score applications function in the same way. Credit scoring apps may obtain a person’s credit information straight from one or more of the three main credit bureaus, Experian, Illion, and Equifax and present it to you in an accessible way. Some of these credit applications will provide you with access to various credit scores based on a single credit report or scores based on many credit reports.
Credit bureaus have different credit scoring models and may use different algorithms to analyse the information in your credit reports. In addition, the information in your credit reports can change over time as creditors update their records and report new information to the credit bureaus.
It’s a good idea to obtain your credit score from each of these agencies to get a more comprehensive view of your creditworthiness and to identify any discrepancies or errors that may exist in your credit report.
Using a credit scoring app can be a useful tool for tracking your credit score and monitoring changes in your credit report over time. This can help you identify areas where you may need to improve your credit and take steps to build a stronger credit profile.
Does checking your credit score hurt it?
Checking your credit score will not have an impact on your credit score unless hard inquiries are done.
An inquiry is recorded on your credit report whenever your credit report is checked and can be classified as either a soft or hard inquiry depending on who is examining your credit and why. Soft credit inquiries do not affect your credit scores, however hard inquiries do.
Soft inquiry or soft credit check is when you request a copy of your credit report or check credit scores. It’s also when companies send you promotional credit card offers and existing lending account reviews with whom you have an account. It also occurs when you fill out a form to get prequalified for a mortgage, a student or educational loan, a personal loan, or a credit card. They do not affect your credit rating and they are not visible to potential lenders that may review your credit report.
However, once you take the next step and apply, the lender will make a hard inquiry or a hard credit check. A hard credit check occurs when a lender pulls your credit report as a result of your application for new credit or an existing line of credit increase. This will show up on your credit report and can temporarily lower your credit score. Additionally, multiple inquiries in a short time can indicate financial distress and lenders may not look favourably at it.
Why should I use credit score apps?
You should use a credit monitoring app to check your credit health. If there are issues or inaccuracies, you can immediately address them. Other reasons why you should use a credit app include:
- Get access to your credit score. Using credit score apps will let you access your credit score easily. They can help people get a better idea of what their credit score is, and whether or not there is a chance they could qualify for loans or other types of financial products.
- Receive email alerts when changes occur on your credit file. A credit scoring app may also send you email alerts when changes occur on your credit file. This means that you’ll be able to track your progress and make sure that your credit score is in good standing.
- Learn tips to help you understand your score. There are situations when a credit score app serves a function other than its intended one. Some applications even suggest strategies to reduce debt or provide advice on which assets are best for you. As a result, one app provides you with all of the tools you need to achieve financial independence.
- Get access to tools to help you track your money. Using credit score apps gives you access to resources that can help you manage your money, know how much you owe, and ensure you’re not overspending.
- Access to personalised credit offers. Some credit score apps will also give you access to credit card, loan, and mortgage deals you’re most likely to be approved for when you apply.
We have also reviewed and ranked the best score applications to help you choose the best fit for you.
Best Free Credit Score Apps in 2023
These are some of the best free credit score apps that you can check out.
1. Tippla
Cost: Free
Tippla is a credit score management platform that offers users a range of tools and services to help users manage their credit scores and make informed financial decisions. By allowing users to view their Equifax and Experian credit scores and reports, Tippla is helping them stay informed about their creditworthiness and identify areas where they may need to improve.
Tippla needs to verify the identity of users before providing access to sensitive credit score information. Tippla accepts multiple forms of ID, such as a driver’s licence, medicare card, or passport, which can make it easier for users to verify their identity using the method that is most convenient and accessible for them.
Services it offers
Tippla is a free service that gives you access to your Equifax and Experian credit scores. Other services include the following:
- A ‘Spending Habits’ feature
- Customised personalised offers
- ID and fraud protection
- Information on credit repair, which is a service that helps you fix your credit report
- Credit school online courses
- Loans customised to your credit score and personal details in the ‘Offers’ section of your dashboard
Credit score range
Tippla reports credit scores from both Equifax and Experian so they’ll show the credit score range the credit bureaus have. Here are the credit score bands from Tippla.
For Experian:
| Credit score | Rating |
| 800 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 700 – 799 | Very Good |
| 625 – 699 | Good |
| 550 – 624 | Fair |
| 0 – 549 | Below Average |
For Equifax:
| Credit score | Rating |
| 833 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 726 – 832 | Very Good |
| 622 – 725 | Good |
| 510 – 621 | Average |
| 0 – 509 | Below Average |
How to get credit scores with Tippla
To get your credit score with Tippla, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Tippla website at www.tippla.com.au.
- Click on the “Get your free credit score” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
2. ClearScore
Cost: Free
Lenders provide data about your credit and how you manage it to Experian, one of Australia’s three credit reporting companies, in order for them to create a thorough credit report. You may check your Equifax credit score and how banks and lenders see you on ClearScore.
You can register for a ClearScore account by presenting identification, such as a passport, driver’s licence, or Medicare card, to prove your identity. This is a safety precaution to guarantee that nobody else may access your credit record or score.
Services it offers
Your credit report’s data can be used by ClearScore to give you a credit score. This may be used by you individually to get a sense of your financial situation as well as by creditors to decide whether you are eligible for credit, such as a credit card or loan.
- Provides access to your credit score
- Monitor your spending with your credit report.
- Find out what affects your credit score.
- Look for fraudulent activity on your credit report.
- Check the dark web to see if your credentials have been compromised.
Credit score range
Your ClearScore credit score ranges from 0-1000. A higher score increases your chances of getting your application approved and may qualify you for lower interest rates whether borrowing money or applying for a mortgage.
Here are the credit score bands from ClearScore.
| Credit score | Rating |
| 800 – 1000 | Soaring high |
| 700 – 799 | Looking bright |
| 625 – 699 | On the ground |
| 550 – 624 | On the up |
| 0 – 549 | Raise your game |
How to get credit scores with ClearScore
To get your credit score with ClearScore, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the ClearScore website at www.clearscore.com.au.
- Click on the “Get my free credit score” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- You will also need to answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to link your credit data. This involves providing your credit account details, such as your credit card number, loan account number, or mortgage account number.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
ClearScore is available on different platforms:
3. GetCreditScore
Cost: Free
Like ClearScore, GetCreditScore uses your credit information directly from Experian. They operate to obtain information about your credit history, explain what it means, and show you how your credit score compares to other people.
GetCreditScore allows you to create an account by providing your personal information and driver’s licence to help identify yourself. Access to your email is also required to activate your account and validate your address.
Services it offers
GetCreditScore is a free service that gives you access to your Equifax credit score. Other services include
- A customised credit dashboard that you may use to view your most recent credit score and your credit score history
- Advice on how to raise your credit score and determine what is advancing or delaying
- Monthly reminders to check your credit score
- Access to finance deals
Credit score range
Your credit score with GetCreditScore is computed using the Equifax model. Your score will range from 0 to 1,200. Here are the credit score bands from GetCreditScore.
| Credit score | Rating |
| 833 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 726 – 832 | Very Good |
| 622 – 725 | Good |
| 510 – 621 | Average |
| 0 – 509 | Below Average |
How to get credit scores with GetCreditScore
To get your credit score with GetCreditScore, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the GetCreditScore website at www.getcreditscore.com.au.
- Click on the “Sign up” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to link your credit data. This involves providing your credit account details, such as your credit card number, loan account number, or mortgage account number.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
4. Credit Simple
Cost: Free
Credit Simple is a credit report tool powered and owned by Illion, one of the 3 main credit bureaus. You may use it to check your credit score for free and see how it varies by community, gender, and age. Additionally, you’ll have access to insights that can assist you in understanding what it all means.
Create an account with Credit Simple using your email, Facebook, or Google account to get started. You must also present proof of identification to prove your identity, such as a passport, driver’s licence, or Medicare card. Verifying either your email address or phone number is the last step.
Services it offers
Credit Simple provides details from your credit report in an easier-to-understand manner. With their free online service and app, you can:
- Access your credit rating
- Get email notifications when your credit file updates
- Customised personalised offers
- Access tools that will let you keep track of your finances.
Credit score range
Your credit score is used by Credit Simple to rate you on a scale of “Excellent” for the highest scores to “Zero” for the lowest. A higher score indicates a better credit rating on the rating system.
| Credit score | Rating |
| 800 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 700 – 799 | Great |
| 500 – 699 | Average |
| 300- 499 | Room to improve |
| 1 – 299 | A low score |
| 0 | Zero score |
Credit Simple allows for the possibility of zero credit ratings, which shows that your file contains negative information. This can involve a court ruling, bankruptcy, summons, or payment default. Even a few credit inquiries and a few late payments might result in a score of 0 for you.
How to get credit scores with Credit Simple
To get your credit score from Credit Simple, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Credit Simple website at www.creditsimple.com.au.
- Click on the “Sign up” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- You will also need to answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to link your credit data. This involves providing your credit account details, such as your credit card number, loan account number, or mortgage account number.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
Credit Simple is available on different platforms:
5. Credit Savvy
Cost: Free
Credit Savvy is a free internet service that provides access to their credit score. It debuted in 2015, and CBA New Digital Businesses Pty Ltd. owns and runs it (the Commonwealth Bank).
You may open an account with Credit Savvy by providing identification such as your driver’s licence, Medicare card, or passport. Your credit score and credit file information will then be securely retrieved from Experian by Credit Savvy, who will provide it to you in a matter of minutes.
Services it offers
Credit Savvy collaborates with Experian, one of Australia’s three major consumer credit reporting organisations. It offers information to assist you in understanding how credit scores function and how to raise a low score, as well as the option for you to learn your credit score using Experian data.
You can use Credit Savvy’s free online service to:
- Access your credit rating
- Monitor your credit rating, with monthly updates
- Find out what affects your credit score.
- Get notifications when your credit file is changed.
Credit score range
Here are the credit score bands from Credit Savvy.
| Credit score | Rating |
| 800 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 700 – 799 | Very Good |
| 625 – 699 | Good |
| 550 – 624 | Fair |
| 0 – 549 | Below Average |
How to get credit scores with Credit Savvy
To get your credit score with Credit Savvy, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Credit Savvy website at www.creditsavvy.com.au.
- Click on the “Join Credit Savvy for free” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, and residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- You will also need to answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to link your credit data. This involves providing your credit account details, such as your credit card number, loan account number, or mortgage account number. Credit Savvy uses this information to retrieve your credit report and score from credit bureaus.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
Credit Savvy is available on different platforms:
6. Finder App
Cost: Free
Finder’s credit score service, which is only presently offered in Australia, was created to help individuals save money and receive better deals. Their prefered credit reporting agency is Experian. Experian is a multinational provider of information and analytics services.
The credit reporting and scoring services offered by Finder are free. To register, you will need to provide an Australian driver’s licence or passport is required to register.
Additionally, you’ll need to provide personal information like your home address and phone number. With the use of this data, Finder can confirm your identification and make sure the credit information you’re looking for belongs to you. They check your ID against those on file with the government agency that issued it using a third-party provider.
Services it offers
Some of the services Finder offers include:
- Access to your credit score
- Provides full credit report
- Shopping deals
- User reviews on Finder to learn about other people’s experiences. If you want to learn more about a good or service before buying it, this might be useful.
- Price notifications for particular goods or services using the “Alerts” option
Credit score range
Here are the credit score bands from Finder.
| Credit score | Rating |
| 800 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 700 – 799 | Very Good |
| 625 – 699 | Good |
| 550 – 624 | Fair |
| 0 – 549 | Below Average |
How to get credit scores with Finder
To get your credit score with Finder, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Finder website at www.finder.com.au.
- Click on the “Credit Score” option in the top navigation menu.
- Click on the “Get your free credit score” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, and residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- You will also need to answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to link your credit data. This involves providing your credit account details, such as your credit card number, loan account number, or mortgage account number.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
Finder App is available on different platforms:
7. Credit Karma
Cost: Free
Credit Karma provides free estimates of your credit score based on information from your Equifax credit report. They also offer recommendations for credit cards, loans, and other financial products based on your credit profile.
To create an account on Credit Karma, you’ll need to provide some basic personal and financial information, including your full name, email address, address, and date of birth. Once you’ve provided this information, Credit Karma will use it to create your account and generate your free credit score and credit report.
Services it offers
- A credit monitoring feature that alerts you to major changes in your credit report
- ID monitoring services to help you detect if your personal information has been part of a data breach
- Budgeting tools that can help you track your spending and manage your finances
Credit score range
Here are the credit bands from Credit Karma.
| 800 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 700 – 799 | Very Good |
| 625 – 699 | Good |
| 550 – 624 | Fair |
| 0 – 549 | Below Average |
How to get credit scores with Credit Karma
To get your credit score with Credit Karma, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Credit Karma website at www.creditkarma.com.au.
- Click on the “Sign Up” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, date of birth, and residential address, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- You will also need to answer a few security questions to verify your identity.
- Once your identity is verified, you will be asked to link your credit data. This involves providing your credit account details, such as your credit card number, loan account number, or mortgage account number.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
8. Credit Health by Finty
Credit Health by Finty is another credit score monitoring and management app that is available in Australia. The app provides users with free credit scores and credit reports from Equifax, as well as personalised recommendations for improving their credit profile.
To create an account, you need to download the Credit Health app and follow the instructions to sign up. You will be asked to provide personal information, such as your name, date of birth, and address, as well as your Equifax credit report. You may also need to verify your identity by providing additional information, such as your driver’s license number or passport details.
Services it offers
Some of the key features of Credit Health include:
- Free credit scores and credit reports from Equifax
- Monitors your credit report and sends alerts for any changes or suspicious activity
- A detailed analysis of your credit report, including factors that are affecting your credit score
- A credit simulator tool that allows you to see how different financial decisions or events
- Provides identity theft protection services, including monitoring for suspicious activity
Credit score range
Here are the credit bands from Credit Health
| Credit score | Rating |
| 833 – 1000 | Excellent |
| 726 – 832 | Very Good |
| 622 – 725 | Good |
| 510 – 621 | Average |
| 0 – 509 | Below Average |
How to get credit scores with Credit Health
To get your credit score with Credit Health, you can follow these steps:
- Go to the Credit Health website at www.credithealth.com.au.
- Click on the “Get My Free Credit Report & Score” button to create an account.
- Fill in your personal information to create an account, including your full name, email address, and mobile number.
- Verify your email address and mobile number by entering the verification codes sent to you.
- Once your account is set up, you will be able to view your credit score and credit report for free.
Conclusion
You may have a better understanding of your current financial condition by checking your credit history and credit ratings. Checking your credit reports frequently might help you become more aware of what potential lenders could notice. You may also find any erroneous or missing information by checking your credit reports.
A credit scoring app occasionally serves purposes other than those that were intended. Some applications even provide advice on how to reduce your debt or suggest assets that could be a good fit for you. When deciding among these top free credit score applications, you should also evaluate the services they provide. One app effectively provides you with all the resources needed to go towards financial independence.
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