How to help improve your credit score
Written and accurate as at: Jul 13, 2026 Current Stats & Facts
Your credit score probably isn’t something you think about every day. In fact, for most Australians, it probably only pops onto their radar when applying for a home loan, car loan or credit card.
The trouble is that by then, your credit score will have captured several years’ worth of information about your debt and spending habits, and if that information isn’t particularly flattering, it could affect your chances of getting approved.
Below, we look at a few strategies you can use if you want to get your credit score looking healthier.
Switch to online bills
One of the first steps to protecting your credit score is making sure you’re actually receiving your bills.
Paper bills can be surprisingly easy to lose track of, particularly if you’re renting and moving from one property to another every few years. If you forget to update your address, don’t expect the person receiving your mail to attempt to track you down – they’re more likely to simply throw it away.
To make sure bills don’t get lost, try to keep your contact details up to date with service providers, or better yet, switch all your bills from paper to digital.
Pay your rent and bills on time
Late payments, defaults and other negative events can be recorded on your credit report. In fact, defaults of $150 or more that remain unpaid for at least 60 days generally stay on your report for five years, even after the debt has been paid.
If you struggle to remember to pay your bills, there are a few things you can do to help break the habit and stay on top of your commitments, including setting up direct debits or calendar reminders.
And if you’re experiencing financial difficulties, it’s generally better to reach out to your provider sooner than later. Many providers are usually willing to discuss hardship arrangements, including alternative payment options, to keep your situation from worsening.
Be selective with credit applications
Staying on top of your credit card repayments is one of the simplest ways to protect your credit score. But it could be beneficial to be selective about when you apply for new credit cards. Each application usually triggers what’s known as a hard enquiry, and too many can lower your credit score by a few points as it could create the impression that you’re struggling financially or urgently seeking access to credit.
So before applying, take the time to compare your options and only submit an application once you're confident the product is the right fit for your needs.
Check for mistakes on your credit report
In Australia, you’re entitled to request a copy of your credit report from one of the two main credit reporting bodies (Equifax or Experian). Doing so gives you the opportunity to identify any incorrect information that might be dragging down your score, in which case you can ask the credit reporting body or the provider involved to investigate and correct the issue.
Be wary of credit repair agencies
While some credit repair companies provide legitimate assistance, many charge fees for services you can perform yourself at no cost. That might include requesting a copy of your credit report, checking for errors and lodging correction requests.
It’s also important to remember that no company can simply remove negative information from your credit report if it’s accurate. Despite some claims you might see online, paying a credit repair company could provide assistance but it won’t necessarily guarantee a change to your credit score.