Equifax vs illion
Same person, two different numbers — and that's completely normal. Equifax and illion are two of Australia's three credit bureaus, each with its own scale and its own data. Here's how they compare, who uses which, and why your scores don't match.
Equifax vs illion at a Glance
| Equifax | illion | |
|---|---|---|
| Score scale | 0–1,200 | 0–1,000 |
| Former name | Veda Advantage | Dun & Bradstreet |
| Used most by | Major banks and mortgage lenders | Telcos, utilities and some lenders |
| ‘Good’ band | 661–734 | 500–699 |
| Free report | One free copy every 3 months | One free copy every 3 months |
| Note | Most widely used bureau in Australia | First bureau to adopt comprehensive credit reporting |
You don't have one credit score, you have three. Equifax and illion are two of Australia's three credit bureaus, and because they hold different data and use different scales, 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?
Equifax and illion are both Australian credit reporting bodies, but they use different scales and hold different data. Equifax scores run 0–1,200 and are used by most major banks and mortgage lenders; illion scores run 0–1,000 and are widely used by telcos, utilities and some lenders. Because not every provider reports to both, your two scores can differ.
Source: CreditSmart (ARCA); illion
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 the most widely used credit bureau in Australia, particularly by the major banks and mainstream mortgage lenders, while illion is commonly used by telcos, utility providers and some finance providers. Many lenders check more than one. There is no single bureau that every lender relies on.
Source: CreditSmart (ARCA); illion
If you're applying for a home loan, the Equifax score is the one most likely to be pulled — but it's worth checking all three before any major application.
Score Bands Side by Side
illion score bands (0–1,000)
| Band | Score range |
|---|---|
| Excellent | 800–1,000 |
| Great | 700–799 |
| Good | 500–699 |
| Fair | 300–499 |
| Low | 0–299 |
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 |
Why is my Equifax score different from my illion score?
Your Equifax and illion scores differ because each bureau uses a different scale (Equifax 0–1,200, illion 0–1,000), 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. A negative listing like a default usually drags both down.
Source: illion; Canstar
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
Equifax (0–1,200) and illion (0–1,000) are two of Australia's three bureaus, and different scores are expected, not alarming. If any of your scores sits well below the others, 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
- CreditSmart (ARCA) — what is a good credit score — creditsmart.org.au
- illion — credit score information — illion.com.au
- Canstar — illion credit scores — canstar.com.au
Equifax & illion Questions
What's the difference between Equifax and illion?
Which credit bureau do lenders use in Australia?
Why are my Equifax and illion 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 — you only pay if we succeed.
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: 14 June 2026 · Reviewed by Elisa Rothschild BA/LLB · ASIC ACL 532003