Credit Score Range in Australia: Equifax, Experian & Illion Explained

Quick Answer: Australia has three credit bureaus with different score scales. Equifax runs 0–1,200 (Good starts at 661, Excellent at 853). Experian runs 0–1,000 (Good starts at 625, Excellent at 800). Illion runs 0–1,000 (Average starts at 500, Good at 700). You have a different score at each bureau — check all three. Defaults, court judgements, and excessive enquiries push scores down. Unlawfully listed entries can be removed under the Privacy Act 1988, often producing 100–300 point improvements in 30–90 days.

The most confusing thing about credit scores in Australia is that there isn't one. There are three — held by three separate bureaus, on three different scales, updated independently. Your Equifax score has no bearing on your Experian score. A lender who checks one bureau won't see what's on another.

Understanding all three ranges — and where your scores sit within them — is the starting point for any meaningful credit improvement.

Equifax Score Range (0–1,200)

Equifax is the most widely used bureau in Australia, particularly by the major banks and mainstream mortgage lenders.

The average Australian Equifax score sits around 550–620. A score above 661 places you above the median. The top 20% of Australians have scores above 770.

Experian Score Range (0–1,000)

Experian is used by many non-bank lenders, fintechs, and some mainstream institutions.

Illion Score Range (0–1,000)

Illion (formerly Dun & Bradstreet) is used primarily by telcos, utility companies, and some lenders.

Why Your Three Scores Are Different

The same person can have an Equifax score of 680, an Experian score of 540, and an Illion score of 710 simultaneously. This happens because:

• Not all lenders report to all bureaus — a default from a telco may appear on Illion but not Equifax
• Each bureau uses a proprietary scoring algorithm weighted differently
• The data each bureau holds reflects which creditors have contracted with them

Checking all three reports — free from equifax.com.au, experian.com.au, and creditreport.com.au — gives you the complete picture.

What Moves a Score Up or Down the Range

The single most powerful upward movement comes from removing unlawfully listed defaults under the Privacy Act 1988. Moving up one full band — from Average to Good on Equifax — can unlock mainstream lending, better rates, and significant long-term savings.

Real Case Study: Marco, Geelong — Below Average to Good in 39 Days

Marco, 33, a chef from Geelong, had an Equifax score of 434 — Below Average. He'd been applying for a car loan for eight months, accumulating six rejections and six hard enquiries in the process. His file showed a $590 default from a private gym and two hard enquiries from a broker who had run searches before Marco had formally authorised any application.

The ACS assessment found the gym had listed the default without issuing a Section 21D pre-listing notice — a clear Privacy Act 1988 breach. The two broker enquiries lacked proper individual consent — a Credit Reporting Code breach.

All three items were challenged simultaneously. The gym complied in 26 days. The broker's enquiries were removed in 17 days.

Result: Marco's Equifax score moved from 434 to 671 — from Below Average to Good — in 39 days. He applied for a car loan through a credit union and was approved at 9.4% p.a. He only paid when we succeeded. Subject to individual assessment; results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the credit score range in Australia? Australia has three credit bureaus with different scales. Equifax uses 0–1,200, where 661+ is Good and 853+ is Excellent. Experian uses 0–1,000, where 625+ is Good and 800+ is Excellent. Illion uses 0–1,000, where 500+ is Average and 700+ is Good. Most major bank and home lending decisions are based on the Equifax scale.

Is 700 a good credit score in Australia? On Equifax (0–1,200), 700 sits in the Good band (661–734) — eligible for most standard lending products. On Experian (0–1,000), 700 is Very Good. On Illion (0–1,000), 700 is the start of the Good band. Overall, 700 is a solid score that most mainstream lenders will accept.

Can I have different credit scores at different bureaus? Yes — and it's common. Each bureau holds independent data and uses its own algorithm. A default on your Equifax file might not appear on your Illion file. This is why checking all three bureaus matters, particularly before a major loan application.

What credit score do I need to avoid high interest rates in Australia? On Equifax, you generally need 661+ (Good) to access standard rates at most lenders. For the best available rates, 735+ (Very Good) is the target. Below 661, many lenders apply risk pricing or decline entirely, resulting in higher rates if you're approved at all.

How do I move up the credit score range in Australia? The fastest path is removing unlawfully listed entries — defaults and unauthorised enquiries — under the Privacy Act 1988. This can produce 100–300 point improvements in 30–90 days. Long-term rebuilding through consistent on-time payments and reduced credit applications produces gradual improvement over 6–24 months.

Find Out Where You Sit — and What Can Change It

Check all three bureau scores, then get a free ACS assessment to understand if any entries are holding your score down unlawfully. The assessment is free; the potential score improvement is significant.

Australian Credit Solutions is ASIC-licensed (ACL 532003), lawyer-led by Principal Solicitor Elisa Rothschild, and has helped over 5,000 Australians move up the credit score range since 2014. No Win No Fee. 98% success rate on accepted cases.

Get My Free Assessment → 📞 0489 265 737 🛡️ ASIC Licensed ACL 532003 | ⭐ 4.9/5 from 976+ Reviews | 🏆 Award Winner 2022–2024

Australian Credit Solutions Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence ACL 532003. Credit repair services are subject to individual assessment. Results may vary. This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.

Related reading: What Is a Good Credit Score → | Improve Your Credit Score → | What Is a Credit Score →