Why you don’t have a credit file
Credit files aren't financial records that are given to everyone – here's why you may be "credit invisible".
Your credit file is one of your most important financial records and it's often the main thing that will help or hinder your application for credit. However, not everyone will have a credit file. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 15,443,150 credit-active Australians in July 2013. These Australians will have engaged with credit providers by enquiring for credit or holding an account, and this activity will have been recorded on their file.
If you have attempted to order your credit file or apply for a credit account and found that your report didn't exist, you may be "credit invisible". Here's what it means and what you can do about it.
You haven't held a utility account
Utility accounts include phone (landline), gas, electricity and Internet accounts. These accounts are considered credit accounts and so are recorded on your credit file along with your repayment history. If you default on the account it will also be listed on your credit file.
You have never held a postpaid mobile phone account
If you have only ever held prepaid mobile accounts then these will not be listed on your credit file. Postpaid mobile accounts are ongoing contracts and require the provider (Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and the like) to check your credit file in order for the contract to be approved.
You haven't made a credit enquiry
Applications for credit, whether or not they're approved, are listed on your credit file and includes all types of credit accounts. The lender will need to check your file to ensure the information on your application is accurate, and when the application is approved the account will be listed on your file.
How can I develop a credit history?
There's no single surefire way of developing your credit history, but there are a few techniques you can consider. Remember to examine your own personal financial situation before choosing the path for you:
- Switch to a postpaid mobile phone. Compare your phone plan options and consider switching to a postpaid phone contract. You may be able to take advantage of more competitive prices for your handset.
- Get a low-cost credit card. There are a number of low-interest credit cards you can consider to build up your credit history, there is also no annual fee credit cards you can opt for. Just ensure you pay back your balance in full each month.
- Apply for a personal overdraft. If you don't want a credit card, a personal overdraft could also be an option to consider. This is a line of credit that is attached to your bank account and allows you to overdraw your balance up to a certain limit.
Curious about your credit score? Find out now for free.
Hi,
I recently tried to apply for a credit card but got declined, so i thought of getting a report out but i cant because i dont have an Aussie driving licence, what do i d?
I feel like i havent paid my post paid vodafone bills for sometime thats why it has happened, so how long does it stay on my file if i pay it off immediately?
In how much do you think i can apply for another credit card and actually get approved for it?
Hi Kay,
Thanks for your question.
If you don’t have a driver’s license, you may want to get a free credit report directly from Equifax by clicking the “go to Equifax’s website” this link.
If you have an overdue accounts listed as a payment default, it will stay on your credit file for 5 years, from the time it is listed.
Aside from your credit score, there are other reasons that might have caused your credit card application declined. You can check this page for more information.
The length of time that you can apply again for a credit card with a high probability of getting approved depends on whether you meet the eligibility criteria that these credit card providers require.
Cheers,
Anndy
I use the short form of my name usually “Lee”. However my full name, Leonette, is on my drivers license. How do I get my score in this situation?
Hi Lee,
Thank you for your inquiry.
So Equifax can locate and verify your identification, please use the name that appears in your driver’s licence. It’s important that what you put in the form also matches to your ID.
Cheers,
May
Says I don’t have a loan well I do have a loan lol so I guess this isn’t the site I need
Hi Deborah,
Thanks for your question.
Just to confirm, are you trying to get your score through finder.com.au? If so, it could be possible that Veda’s system was not able to locate the information you’ve entered. You may have to properly enter your information and make sure to enter two addresses in case you have moved in the past 3 years.
Please let us know if you still encounter issues when getting your score.
Cheers,
May
“There is no credit file for you” – well, there should be as I have a credit card, telstra acct, and mobile post paid account.
Please advise why I don’t have a file. Thanks, John
Hi John,
Thanks for your question.
You may not have entered enough information for Veda to locate your credit file. If you have moved in the past three years you need to enter two addresses and ensure your information is correct.
Cheers,
May
Hi, i am unable to obtain my credit score, have tried numerous times???
Hi,
You may not have a credit file (for the reasons listed on the page above) which is why you could not receive your credit score. Other reasons may be that you did not provide enough information (e.g. a previous address) or that some of the information you entered was incorrect.
I hope this has helped,
Elizabeth
Cannot get my Credit Rating. Please check and advise why.
Hi,
The tech team has investigated your issue and it appears you did not enter the city/suburb or it was entered incorrectly. Please fill out your details again and ensure this field is entered correctly, along with the other fields, and you will receive your score.
Hope this information helps, please get in contact if you have further issues.
Thanks,
Elizabeth