Getting A Annual Credit Report In Australia

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You can get a copy of your credit report from these credit reporting agencies:Veda Advantage (previously known as Baycorp Advantage), Dun and Bradstreet, and Tasmanian Collection Service

A credit reporting agency must take all reasonable steps to make sure that you can access your credit report. You should be able to receive a free copy of your credit report by applying in writing to the credit reporting agency.


Dun and Bradstreet or Veda Advantage may take up to ten days to mail your credit report from the day they receive your application, or sooner if you pay a fee. Tasmanian Collection Service will provide you with a free copy of your credit report if your application relates to the management of your credit arrangements or a refusal of credit. Otherwise they will charge a small fee.

Disputing incorrect information on you credit report file

Check your personal details:

Are your addresses and your names correctly spelled? Names and addresses that are misspelled might mean you have someone else's defaults listed on your report or you have multiple listings for one loan application. Ask the credit reporting agency to fix any mistakes.

Has someone stolen your identity to apply for credit? You may be the victim of identity theft if you believe someone else is using your identity to obtain credit. Fraud or identity theft is a crime and should be reported to the police, the credit reporting agency, and the credit providers.

Check the age and accuracy of any listed credit defaults.

Where the defaults more than sixty days old when listed and did you receive a letter about the default before it was listed? Inform the credit reporting agency and the credit provider of any mistakes and ask them to amend your credit report.

How old is the listing? It can't be listed for more than 5 years.

Are they listed as unpaid or paid? Repay any outstanding credit defaults if you can. When you make payment, ask the credit reporting agency and credit provider to amend your credit report. The defaulted credit item will no longer be outstanding but still be listed.

Check the age and accuracy of any serious credit infringements, bankruptcy order or listed court judgments.

Has something been listed as a serious credit infringement when you were contactable and weren't trying to avoid the debt? This shouldn't be listed as a serious credit infringement. Contact a consumer credit legal centre if there is a mistake.

How old is the credit infringement listing? It can't be listed for more than 7 years. Inform the credit reporting agency and the credit provider of any mistakes and ask them to amend your credit report.




If you are unable to fix any incorrect information on your credit report you can also take your complaint to:

an independent complaints scheme for complaints about credit unions or banks

the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman for complaints about phone companies

the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner for all credit reporting complaints

Your credit report is just a single factor that a credit provider may take into account when assessing your application for credit. Other factors may include your income, employment, any existing liabilities, and your savings.

If a application for credit gets rejected ask the credit provider to explain exactly why. You cannot rewrite your credit history but you can try to create a brighter credit future if you regularly check your credit report and use your credit wisely.