Since starting MatchMe Money, we've discovered something surprising: many Kiwis have limited knowledge about credit scores – something never taught in depth at school but impacts nearly every financial decision we make as adults.
Did you know your credit score is like your financial report card? It's a number between 1-1000 that tells lenders how likely you are to pay your bills on time.
Why should you care?
- Higher score = better interest rates (potentially saving thousands on your mortgage)
- Lower score = harder to get approved for loans or higher interest rates
- Impacts everything from mortgages to mobile phone contracts
- Shows you where you've applied for credit (helping spot identity theft)
Your credit report also reveals:
- Who's checking your credit (banks, lenders, utility companies)
- If someone is attempting to use your identity to obtain goods or cash
- Every application you've made in the past 5 years
In New Zealand, you can get your credit report for FREE from:
🔹 Centrix - NZ's only locally owned credit bureau covering 95% of credit-active Kiwis
🔹 Equifax - Global credit reporting agency with comprehensive NZ coverage
This isn't financial advice – it's about awareness and education. If you're planning to buy a house or borrow money, understanding your credit score isn't optional – it's essential.
Please share this with anyone who might benefit – which is virtually everyone who will ever apply for credit!
