As bond originators in South Africa, we know how important it is to help our clients secure the financing they need to purchase their dream homes. However, before any loan can be approved, financial institutions need to conduct a thorough assessment of the applicant's creditworthiness. This involves looking at various factors, such as credit history, income, and expenses.

In this blog, we will explore who does credit checks on people looking to apply for bonds and other forms of credit in South Africa, and why this is an essential step in the bond application process.

What is a Credit Bureau and What is its Purpose?

A credit bureau is a company that collects and maintains information about consumers' credit and payment histories. Their purpose is to provide credit providers with accurate and up-to-date information to assess the creditworthiness of individuals and determine their ability to repay loans. Credit bureaus collect information from various sources, such as banks, lenders, and retailers, and use this data to generate credit reports that contain information about an individual's credit history, including their payment behavior, outstanding debts, and credit utilization.

The credit reports generated by credit bureaus are used by credit providers to make informed decisions about whether or not to approve loan applications, and to set the terms and conditions of the loan, including the interest rate. Credit bureaus play a crucial role in the financial system by providing lenders with the information they need to manage risk and make responsible lending decisions.

Are Credit Bureaus Regulated?

Although credit bureaus are profit-making organizations, some consumers may perceive them as a potential threat. However, these entities play a crucial role in managing credit, which is essential to the financial framework established by the National Credit Act (NCA). Under the NCA, credit providers are obligated to ensure that applicants can afford the credit they seek and comprehend the obligations involved to safeguard them from taking on more debt than they can manage.

Credit bureaus must be registered with the National Credit Regulator (NCR), which enforces the NCA. If you have unresolved disputes about credit information listed with the bureaus, you can approach the Credit Ombud, who has jurisdiction over credit providers and bureaus that are members.

Where Do Credit Scores Come From?

A credit bureau will determine your credit score whenever a credit report is requested as a comprehensive and current indicator of your creditworthiness at a specific point in time. However, different credit bureaus use their own methods of calculating credit scores, so there is no universal credit score for any given consumer.

Do Credit Bureaus Make Credit Decisions?

Credit bureaus do not make lending decisions on behalf of credit providers; their primary function is to provide accurate and up-to-date answers to critical questions regarding an individual's credit history. This may include information such as the frequency of debt repayments, credit utilization habits, and the recent credit application and approval status.

Who Can See My Credit Report?

The information contained in your credit report is personal and significant, which is why the National Credit Act (NCA) mandates credit bureaus to maintain strict confidentiality and use the information solely for the purposes stipulated by the NCA. These include evaluating your ability to afford credit or other services and assessing your credit management practices, investigating cases of fraud, corruption or theft, and considering your employment application for positions that require financial integrity and trust.

If a credit bureau discloses your information without your consent, you have the right to file a complaint with the Credit Ombud. As a consumer, you are entitled to access your credit report once a year free of charge. However, if you want to monitor your credit record more frequently, you can subscribe to regular report updates by becoming a paying client of a credit bureau. In the event of any inaccuracies in your report, you have the right to demand their correction by the relevant credit bureau, with the assistance of the Credit Ombud if necessary. You are also entitled to receive 20 days' notice from a credit bureau before it classifies you negatively (using terms like "default," "delinquent," "slow to pay," or "absconded") or refers your case to enforcement action, such as legal or collection proceedings, so that you can challenge the information.

Can I challenge Incorrect Reporting?

As part of their obligations, all registered credit bureaus are required to provide you with a free credit report annually, and the National Credit Regulator (NCR) urges consumers to review their credit information regularly. If you discover any inaccuracies in your report, you can take the following steps:

• Contact the credit bureau that issued the report and request a complaint form, which may cost up to R20.

• Provide details of the disputed information and request an explanation or correction.

• If you are not satisfied with the bureau's response, you can escalate the matter to the Credit Ombud's office for further assistance.

Phoenix Bonds – Bond Origination Services South Africa

As a reputable bond origination company in South Africa, Phoenix Bonds is committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of the home loan process. We understand that credit checks and credit scores can be daunting, which is why we provide expert guidance and support throughout the application process.

By partnering with us, you can benefit from our extensive experience and knowledge of the industry, as well as our access to multiple lenders and competitive rates.

Contact Phoenix Bonds today to discuss your home loan needs and take the first step towards achieving your property ownership dreams.