Know Your Number

Welcome to the Credit-Score Info Hub

Your credit score can help unlock better options, better rates, even your next phone plan. Take five minutes, get your number, and use our quick guides to bump it higher—starting now.

Credit Score Hub
Icon

What is a credit score

A credit score is a three-digit snapshot (0–1,000 in NZ) built from your repayment and account history. It tells lenders, landlords, and even telcos how reliably you handle credit.

Icon

Why does it matter

Higher scores can help to unlock lower interest rates and faster approvals. A weak score can mean paying more—or being declined—so every point saved today can save you money tomorrow.

Icon

Where can you check your score

You can get your score free from any of New Zealand’s three credit reporters—Centrix, Equifax, or illion. Check the FAQ below for details and extra tips.

FAQs

Credit Score Quick Facts

Clear answers to your credit-score questions right here.

Does checking my own score hurt it?

No. When you request your own credit report, it’s logged as a “soft enquiry.” Soft enquiries don't factor into the scoring formula, so feel free to check as often as you like—your number stays untouched.

Where do I check my score for free?

Absolutely. The Credit Reporting Privacy Code requires Centrix, Equifax, and illion to provide one free credit report and score on request. Each provider have different services and timeframes. Check them out below.

You can check out online services here:

ClearScore NZ (online partner to illion) -  Click Here >> 

illion Credit Check - Click Here >> 

Centrix - Click Here >> 

Equifax (My Credit File) - Click Here >> 

 

What’s a “good” score in NZ?

On New Zealand’s 0–1,000 scale, anything above about 700 signals you pay on time and manage credit well. Crack 800 and you’re in “excellent” territory, giving lenders the confidence to offer sharper rates and higher limits.

But don’t stress if you’re below those marks. Scores aren’t set in stone, and they can climb surprisingly quickly once you build a streak of on-time payments, keep card balances low, and resist new debt you don’t need.

How often should I look

It's really up to you, but as general rule try to check in at least every three months to track progress. And it's a good idea to always take a fresh peek before any major application—car finance, personal loan, even a new phone plan.

How long do negative marks last?

Most defaults, missed-payment notes, and collection actions remain on your credit file for up to five years from the date recorded. While they fade in influence over time, the best way to speed recovery is consistent on-time payments and keeping credit balances low.

We help Kiwis turn “Can I afford it?” into “Funds sorted.”

better-finance-No1

Apply online — takes 3 minutes

Tell us what you need—new wheels, a debt tidy-up, or a rainy-day buffer. Our quick form gathers the basics and won’t dent your credit score.

better-finance-No2

We scan the market for you

We compare a panel of trusted NZ lenders, hunting out the sharpest rates and terms to match your income, timeline, and credit profile—no leg-work on your end.

better-finance-No3

Personal guidance, swift approval

A licensed adviser walks you through the options, explains every fee and repayment, and submits the strongest application so decisions come fast—often within hours.

better-finance-No4

Money in your account, on your terms

Sign electronically, upload your ID by midday, and you could see the funds that same day—ready to drive away or tackle life’s next project with confidence.

$15,000
48 months
10.95%

Loan Calculator

$92

Weekly Repayments

$400

Monthly Repayments

$19,200

Total Amount Repayable

The repayment amounts shown include Establishment and Introducer fees totaling $495 and a PPSR Fee of $8.05. These fees are examples only and they exclude ongoing fees. The actual fees charged may vary based on your circumstances and the chosen lender.

*Fixed interest rates for vehicle loans range from 7.95% p.a. to a maximum of 29.95% p.a. on a minimum 12 month to a maximum 60-month loan term. Fixed interest rates for personal loans range from 9.95% p.a. to a maximum of 29.95% p.a. on a minimum 12 month to a maximum 60-month loan term. The actual interest rate charged to you will depend on your circumstances, the type of lending required, the security provided, and is determined by the lender. 

Fees apply, including an establishment fee of up to $350 and an introducer fee of up to $995. Also, lenders may charge a PPSR fee of between $0 and $14. For example: On a loan of $10,000 over 24 months at 9.95% p.a. with Establishment and Introducer fees totalling $495 and a PPSR Fee of $7.39, the total amount to repay is $11,627 which is 24 monthly payments of $485. Those amounts don’t include ongoing fees, such as Service Fees, charged by the lender. You can find full fee information in the loan contract. We recommend that you check the fees before accepting the loan offer. See more about lender fees here.

Approval is subject to meeting lending criteria, and affordability test applies. Our lender will independently assess whether you are eligible for a loan.
Same day payout subject to the applicant meeting the above conditions and completing loan documentation by 12pm.