What is a good credit score in South Africa?
Last updated 2026-10-01
QuickEasyLoans is not a credit bureau. Scores and ranges differ between bureaus; your official report is the one from a registered credit bureau.
- Most SA bureaus use a scale up to around 999.
- Roughly: 670+ is good, 580–669 is fair, below 580 is poor — but ranges vary by bureau.
- Lenders also check affordability, not just your score.
Typical ranges
Bureaus label bands differently. As a rough guide:
- 767 and above: excellent
- 681–766: good
- 614–680: favourable / fair
- 583–613: average
- Below 583: below average to poor
What moves your score most
- Paying on time, every month (the biggest factor)
- How much of your available credit you use
- How long you've had credit
- Number of recent applications
- Defaults and judgments
Score isn't everything
Under the National Credit Act, lenders must check that you can afford the repayment. A good score with no spare income can still be declined; a fair score with steady income can be approved.
What score do I need for a personal loan?
There's no single cut-off. Many lenders prefer 600+, but income and existing debt matter as much.
What score is needed for a home loan?
Banks usually look for a good score (often 650+) together with a deposit and stable income.