Equifax vs illion (illion Is Now Part of Experian)
illion is no longer a separate credit bureau. Experian completed its acquisition of illion in 2024, and from 1 April 2026 the two operate as a single Experian credit reporting body. So the real comparison today is Equifax vs Experian: two bureaus, each with its own scale and its own data. Here's what changed, where your illion information went, and why your scores don't match.
What Happened to illion?
Experian completed its acquisition of illion on 30 September 2024. From 1 April 2026, illion and Experian operate as a single Experian credit reporting body. Experian now provides one credit report that includes all the information previously held by illion and Experian, so your old illion file is now part of your Experian report.
Source: CreditSmart (ARCA); Experian
Lenders may take a while to update their letters, so you may still see ‘illion’ mentioned. That generally refers to the combined Experian report. To see what's on it, request your free Experian credit report — it's free every 3 months, and also free if you've been refused credit in the past 90 days or had information corrected.
Equifax vs illion at a Glance — Then and Now
| Equifax | illion (until 2026) | Experian (now includes illion) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Score scale | 0–1,200 | 0–1,000 (no longer issued) | 0–1,000 |
| Former name | Veda Advantage | Dun & Bradstreet | — |
| Used most by | Major banks and mortgage lenders | Telcos, utilities and some lenders | Fintechs, BNPL and the lenders that used illion |
| Free report | A free copy every 3 months | Now via Experian | A free copy every 3 months |
You now have two credit files, one at Equifax and one at Experian. Because they hold different data and use different bands, the same person can get two very different numbers on the same day. That's normal — not a mistake.
How They Differ
What's the difference between Equifax and illion?
illion is now part of Experian, so the comparison today is Equifax vs Experian. Equifax scores run 0–1,200 and are used by most major banks and mortgage lenders. Experian scores run 0–1,200, and Experian's report now includes the information previously held by illion, which telcos, utilities and some lenders used. Because not every provider reports to both bureaus, your two scores can differ.
Source: CreditSmart (ARCA); Experian
Neither score is the ‘real’ one. What matters is which bureau a particular lender checks when you apply.
Which bureau do lenders actually use?
It depends on the lender. Equifax is widely used in Australia, particularly by the major banks and mainstream mortgage lenders. Lenders that used to check illion, such as telcos, utility providers and some finance providers, now get that information through Experian. Many lenders check more than one bureau. There is no single bureau that every lender relies on.
Source: CreditSmart (ARCA)
If you're applying for a home loan, the Equifax score is the one most likely to be checked — but it's worth checking both your Equifax and Experian reports before any major application.
Score Bands
Equifax score bands (0–1,200)
| Band | Score range |
|---|---|
| Below Average | 0–459 |
| Average | 460–660 |
| Good | 661–734 |
| Very Good | 735–852 |
| Excellent | 853–1,200 |
Former illion score bands (0–1,000, historical)
For reference only: before the merger, illion grouped its 0–1,000 score as Excellent (800–1,000), Great (700–799), Good (500–699), Fair (300–499) and Low (0–299). illion no longer issues consumer scores; you now get an Experian score instead, and these bands don't apply to it.
Why is my Equifax score different from my old illion score?
Your Equifax and Experian scores differ because each bureau uses its own bands (both scales run 0–1,200), holds different data, and applies its own scoring model. Not every credit provider reports to both bureaus, so one file can look stronger than the other. If you remember an old illion score, it can't be compared directly with your Experian score today. A negative listing like a default usually drags down whichever score it appears on.
Source: Experian
If one score is far lower than the other, it's worth pulling both reports to see whether a default, judgement or enquiry is sitting on one and not the other. See our Australian credit score statistics for the national picture.
Bottom Line
illion is now part of Experian, so Australia has two credit bureaus: Equifax (0–1,200) and Experian (0–1,200). Different scores are expected, not alarming. If one of your scores sits well below the other, the usual cause is a negative listing — and that's worth checking, because some listings can be challenged under the Privacy Act 1988.
Related Comparisons & Guides
Sources & methodology
- Experian plc — Experian completes A$820m acquisition of illion (1 October 2024) — experianplc.com
- CreditSmart (ARCA) — changes to the Experian and illion credit reporting bodies
- Experian Australia — order your free credit report — experian.com.au
- OAIC — access your credit report — oaic.gov.au
- CreditSmart (ARCA) — what is a good credit score
Equifax, illion & Experian Questions
What's the difference between Equifax and illion?
Does illion still exist as a credit bureau in Australia?
Which credit bureau do lenders use in Australia?
Why are my Equifax and Experian scores different?
Is One of Your Scores Dragged Down by a Listing?
A free, no-obligation assessment shows you what is listed across the bureaus and whether any listing can be challenged under the Privacy Act 1988. No Win No Fee — flexible payment plans are available.
Australian Credit Solutions Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence ACL 532003. Credit file correction services are subject to individual assessment and results may vary. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Score bands are drawn from third-party sources current at the date of publication and may change — always check the original source for the latest data.
Last updated: 26 October 2026 · Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB · ASIC ACL 532003