Credit scores in South Africa typically range from 0 to 999. Here's the general guideline:

• Excellent: 767-999
• Good: 681-766
• Fair: 614-680
• Poor: 583-613
• Bad: 0-582

Most lenders prefer scores above 600 for loan approval.

It's recommended to check your credit report at least once a year. However, if you're planning to apply for credit (like a home loan or car finance), check it 3-6 months in advance. If you're actively rebuilding credit or suspect fraud, consider checking every 3-4 months.

Remember, you're entitled to one free credit report per year from each major credit bureau in South Africa.

In South Africa, negative information typically remains on your credit report for specific periods:

• Late payments: Up to 3 years
• Accounts in default: Up to 5 years
• Debt review listing: Until you complete the process
• Judgments: Up to 5 years or until paid
• Sequestration: Up to 10 years
• Administration orders: Up to 10 years

While rebuilding credit takes time, you can start seeing improvements in 3-6 months with consistent effort:

• Immediate actions: Pay all current bills on time, reduce credit card balances below 30% of limit
• Short-term (1-3 months): Don't apply for new credit, correct errors on your report
• Medium-term (3-12 months): Build positive payment history, consider a secured credit card if you have poor credit
• Long-term (1+ years): Maintain good habits, let accounts age, diversify credit types responsibly

Credit Report: A detailed history of your credit accounts, payment history, credit inquiries, and public records (like judgments). It's the raw data that lenders see.

Credit Score: A numerical representation (typically 0-999) of the information in your credit report. It summarizes your creditworthiness into a single number that lenders use to quickly assess risk.

Think of it this way: Your credit report is like a detailed school report card with comments from each teacher, while your credit score is like your overall grade point average.