How do I get a free copy of my credit report in Australia?
You are entitled to one free credit report per year from each of the three credit reporting bodies — Equifax Australia, Illion (formerly Dun and Bradstreet), and Experian Australia. You can also get a free report within 90 days of being declined credit. Request your reports directly from each agency's website.
What types of errors can appear on an Australian credit report?
Common errors include incorrect personal information such as your name or address, accounts you did not open indicating potential identity theft, incorrect payment default listings, outdated information that should have been removed, and duplicate listings for the same debt.
How do I dispute an error directly with a credit reporting body in Australia?
Contact the credit reporting body in writing — Equifax at equifax.com.au, Illion at illion.com.au, or Experian at experian.com.au — and provide your full name, date of birth, the specific error, and supporting documents. Under the Privacy Act 1988 they must investigate your complaint and correct or delete the information if it is inaccurate.
What is the time limit for a credit reporting body to respond to my dispute in Australia?
Under the Privacy Act 1988 and the Credit Reporting Privacy Code, a credit reporting body must respond to your correction request within 30 days. If the matter is complex they may request an extension, but they must notify you of this.
What if the credit reporting body refuses to correct my credit report in Australia?
If the credit reporting body refuses to correct your report, or does not respond within 30 days, you can escalate to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) at afca.org.au. AFCA is a free external dispute resolution scheme that can direct the credit reporting body to correct errors.
Can I complain to AFCA about a credit provider that listed an incorrect default on my credit report?
Yes. If a credit provider such as a bank, lender, or telco incorrectly listed a default on your report, you can complain directly to that credit provider and also escalate to AFCA if they do not resolve your complaint. AFCA can direct the credit provider to request removal of the incorrect listing.
How long does information stay on my Australian credit report?
Default information stays on your credit report for five years. Serious credit infringements stay for seven years. Court judgments stay for five years. Enquiries stay for five years. Repayment history information stays for two years. Incorrect information must be corrected regardless of these periods.
Is there a cost to dispute a credit report error in Australia?
No. Disputing errors directly with credit reporting bodies under the Privacy Act is free. Lodging a complaint with AFCA is also free for consumers. You do not need a lawyer at any stage of this process.
Can I get compensation if incorrect credit information caused me financial harm in Australia?
Yes. If you can demonstrate that an inaccurate credit listing caused you to be declined credit, pay higher interest rates, or suffer other financial loss, you may be entitled to compensation through AFCA or through a complaint to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
How does uplaw.ai help with a credit report dispute in Australia?
Tell us which credit bureau has the error, what the error is, and what evidence you have in the chat. We help you write a formal correction request letter to the credit reporting body and, if needed, prepare your AFCA complaint.
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Found an error on your credit report? Tell uplaw.ai what it is.
No account required. uplaw.ai writes your correction request and escalation complaint to AFCA if needed.