In South Africa, your credit profile is one of the most important tools lenders use to assess your ability to manage debt. But have you ever wondered how your credit information actually gets to the credit bureaus — and why sometimes, not all the bureaus have the same information?

Let’s break down how monthly credit reporting works, why delays happen, and how you can dispute incorrect information to keep your credit record accurate and healthy.

Who Are the Credit Bureaus in South Africa?

South Africa has four major registered credit bureaus:

1. Experian
2. TransUnion
3. Compuscan (now part of Experian)
4. XDS (Xpert Decision Systems)

Each of these bureaus collects, stores, and updates consumer credit data, including your payment history, account balances, and defaults.

How Credit Providers Report Your Information

Every month, banks, retail credit providers, microlenders, telcos, and other credit-granting institutions send updated consumer data to the bureaus. This includes:

• Payment history (on-time, late, or missed);
• Outstanding balances;
• New accounts opened;
• Closed or settled accounts; and
• Defaults, judgments, or debt review statuses

But here’s the catch:

While the process is governed by the National Credit Act (NCA), credit providers are not obligated to report to all bureaus. They can choose which bureaus to report to based on their agreements and costs. That means one lender might report your account to TransUnion and Experian, but not to XDS.

Why Your Credit Report May Differ Across Bureaus

Since not every lender reports to every bureau, your credit profile may look slightly different depending on which bureau you’re viewing. You might see:

• Some accounts missing
• Balances not updated across all bureaus
• One bureau showing an account in arrears while another doesn’t

This doesn’t mean the data is incorrect — it just means not all information is being shared with each bureau.

Reporting Delays: Why Updates Aren’t Instant

Even when a lender submits updated data, it doesn’t show up in real time. Here’s why:

• Monthly cycles: Most credit providers report once a month — typically at month-end or around your payment due date.
• Batch processing: After submission, the bureaus must process, validate, and integrate the data.
• Internal delays: If you make a payment or close an account, your lender might take days (or even weeks) to update their internal systems before sending it to the bureaus.

So, if you’ve settled a debt or caught up on arrears, it might take up to 30–60 days before the updated information reflects across all bureaus.

How to Dispute Incorrect Information

If you notice something inaccurate or outdated on your credit report — such as a paid-up account still marked as unpaid — you have the right to dispute it at no cost.

Here’s how to do it with each bureau:

1. Experian

• Website: www.experian.co.za
• Dispute form: Available via your profile on My Credit Check
• Email: [email protected]

2. TransUnion

• Website: www.transunion.co.za
• Dispute portal: Log in to your profile or use https://dispute.transunion.co.za
• Email: [email protected]

3. XDS

• Website: www.xds.co.za
• Email: [email protected]

4. Compuscan (Experian)

• Website: Now part of Experian; disputes handled through Experian channels.

Tips When Disputing

• Always get written confirmation of account closures or settlements from your credit provider.
• Include supporting documents with your dispute (proof of payment, settlement letters, etc.).
• Bureaus have 20 business days to investigate and respond to your dispute.
• If the bureau confirms the data is accurate, and you disagree, you can escalate to the Credit Ombud.

While the credit reporting system is designed to maintain transparency and fairness, it’s not perfect. Delays, partial reporting, and occasional errors can affect your credit profile — and, ultimately, your access to credit.

Regularly checking your credit report across all major bureaus is the best way to stay informed and protect your financial reputation. You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each bureau — take advantage of it, and don’t hesitate to dispute incorrect data. A well-managed credit profile opens doors.

Getting ready to apply for a home loan?

If you’re getting ready to apply for a home, it might be a good idea to get in touch with a mortgage broker – who will check your profile, complete a pre-assessment and give you the best advice to prepare for your application going forward.

Using a reputable broker will ensure you get more clarity out of the bureau data and how it might affect your chances of approval. By using a broker, you can access multiple offers simultaneously and negotiate on fees and interest rates so you can have the confidence knowing you received the best deal in the market at the time.

Phoenix Bonds is a premium mortgage broker in South Africa, with a proven track record (check out the reviews on Google).  For expert advice and personalised service, fill in your details HERE and one of our experienced Consultants will be in touch.