How to get your free report
Each credit reporting body must give you a free copy every three months. You can also get one free if you've been refused credit in the past 90 days, or after your information has been corrected. Each body may hold different information, so check more than one.
Equifax
Phone 138 332 or request your free report online.
Equifax: free credit reportExperian
Phone 1300 783 684 or request online. Experian says its integration with illion is complete, so information previously held by illion now appears in one Experian report.
Experian: order your credit reportRequesting your own credit report doesn't affect your credit score. Applications for credit are what get recorded as enquiries.
What's on your credit report
Your report includes personal details, credit products you've held in the last two years, repayment history, hardship arrangements, defaults, credit applications, and any bankruptcies or debt agreements.
| Information | How long it generally stays |
|---|---|
| Repayment history, including payments more than 14 days late | 2 years |
| Financial hardship arrangement information | 12 months, and it doesn't affect your credit score |
| Defaults ($150 or more, at least 60 days overdue, after notices) | 5 years, or 7 years if the provider couldn't contact you |
How to fix an error
- 1
Get your reports
Request a free copy from each credit reporting body and note anything that looks wrong or out of date.
- 2
Contact the credit provider or bureau
The credit provider that listed the information is usually the quickest route, but you can also contact the credit reporting body. Whoever you ask must help, consulting others if needed.
- 3
Allow up to 30 days
If they agree the information is incorrect, they must correct it within 30 days, or a longer period you agree to, and tell you in writing.
- 4
If they disagree
They must explain why in writing and tell you how to use external dispute resolution or make a complaint.
- 5
Check again
Request a new copy of your report to confirm the change has been made.
Moneysmart warns that credit repair businesses can only have incorrect information removed, which you can ask for yourself at no cost. Negative information can't be removed if it's correct.
Protect your credit file
- Check your reports at least once a year, and before applying for credit.
- Look for accounts or enquiries you don't recognise; they can be a sign of identity theft.
- If you think you're a victim of fraud, ask the credit reporting bodies to place a temporary ban on your file.
- Contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 for free identity-theft support.
- Keep your contact details up to date with lenders so notices reach you.
Credit report questions
Does checking my credit report lower my score?
No. Checking your own report doesn't affect your score. Applications for credit are recorded as enquiries.
How often can I get a free credit report?
Every three months from each credit reporting body, and also if you've been refused credit in the past 90 days or your information has been corrected.
Can a paid default be removed?
Not if it was listed correctly. It stays for the full period but is updated to show it's been paid. If it was listed incorrectly, you can ask for it to be corrected at no cost.
Will a hardship arrangement hurt my credit score?
No. A hardship arrangement doesn't affect your credit score. Your report shows the months it was in place, and that information is removed after 12 months.