Comparing your options fairly
Free credit report or professional assessment: what do you need?
You can access your credit information and dispute errors yourself at no cost. Paid interpretation is optional. Here is an honest comparison so you can choose what suits your situation.
Getting access to your credit information
Your starting point is access to your own credit information. In South Africa you have the right to obtain your credit report directly from the credit bureaus, and to dispute information you believe is inaccurate, at no cost. Free providers may also offer guidance and frequent access to your report.
Start with a credit-report self-check to see which information you can understand and query yourself. Many people can read their report, identify obvious issues and dispute inaccurate entries without paying anyone.
We do not pretend free options do not exist, and we do not exaggerate their limits. The fair question is simply what you need help with.
Experian describes its free report and direct dispute options. TransUnion also explains its free process for querying inaccurate information. These independent bureau routes are not services supplied by SA Credit Clear.
Compare self-service and paid interpretation fairly
The difference is the service you choose, not whether free credit information has value. You may review the available records yourself, or pay for the agreed SA Credit Clear assessment and interpretation. Free services vary; compare the actual offering rather than assuming every provider is the same.
Compare the assessment's stated scope with the support you actually need before paying.
Keep assessment fees versus further-work costs separate when comparing the alternatives.
| What to compare | Reviewing your own bureau report | SA Credit Clear personal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Information | The information supplied through the bureau or provider you use. | Review across the bureaus covered by the agreed personal package. |
| Understanding the entries | You interpret the record, using any education or support available from that provider. | Professional analysis of the relevant reported information. |
| Next steps | You decide what to investigate and may use direct query/dispute channels. | Recommendations, an action plan and the included personal consultation. |
| Further work | Direct options may be available without paying an intermediary. | Additional assistance is optional, separately scoped and subject to applicable fees/terms. |
| Commitment | Check the terms of the direct service you choose. | A once-off assessment, not an ongoing subscription or compulsory repair package. |
When professional interpretation may help
A professional assessment may suit you when you want someone to interpret the agreed information, explain questions to investigate and discuss a practical action plan. It remains your choice. Review personal assessment inclusions and consultation against the price before deciding.
A business has a separate question: the company and director-risk assessment has its own scope and fee. It should not be confused with the personal package in this comparison.
Use these questions about a provider's fee and scope when deciding whether professional help is worthwhile - for any provider, including us.
Questions before choosing an assessment
Ready to understand your credit record?
Start with a professional assessment of your credit information, then decide whether any separately quoted help is right for you.
Once-off assessment. No subscription. Any further work is quoted separately.