Found a mistake on your credit report? Here’s what to do.
Your credit file is an important part of your financial identity. A poor credit record makes it difficult to access finance for larger purchases like a car or a home and may also mean you are only accepted by less competitive lenders that may charge higher fees or interest rates.
A lot of information is recorded on your credit file including loan applications, late loan repayments, defaults and details about your identity. It's important to check all of this information to make sure it is accurate
You can check your credit report for free with finder and check it at any time in your finder account. We'll also let you know if something on your report changes.
Why is there a mistake on my credit file?
You may have a mistake on your credit report because the information is:
- Inaccurate. Wrong loan amounts or an incorrect name.
- Out-of-date. All listings have an expiry so check that they are still valid.
- Incomplete. Once you pay a default, the listing should change to recognise this.
- Irrelevant. Information not relating to your creditworthiness.
- Misleading. Information that doesn’t reflect your true ability to have and pay for credit.
How do I check my credit report for errors?
The first step is to request a copy of your credit file, which you can do for free with finder. The credit report you receive when requesting it through finder will be delivered through Experian and you'll receive it in a few minutes.
You can also get a free copy of your credit file once every 12 months or within 90 days of having a credit application rejected if you'd prefer to request it directly from a credit bureau. You will receive it within 10 days.
Once you have your credit file it will include the following information:
- Debts or loans. Check that each debt is yours and that the amounts are correct.
- Defaults. Defaults can only be listed for debts over $150 that are overdue by 60 days. Creditors must also inform you in writing before listing a debt as a default, so check that you received notification.
- Serious credit infringements. A serious credit infringement can only be listed six months after it is listed as a default and only if the debtor is unable to contact you at your last known address. Make sure the creditor took the correct action before listing.
- Credit applications. Make sure the applications listed were made by you. If they weren’t, someone may be using your identity to apply for loans.
- Name and date of birth. Make sure both are accurate.
- Current and previous addresses. Being contactable is essential to maintaining a good credit file, so make sure your details are up to date.
What to do if there's an error on your credit file
You can report an error to any credit reporting body or creditor. Credit reporting bodies are obliged to investigate reported errors regardless of who made the listing. The responsibility is on the credit reporting bodies to prove that the listing is valid. Here are some steps to follow if you find an error:
- Check your own records. Make sure that there really is an error. Don’t just assume that direct debits were taken out of your account or that a property manager paid all your bills. Confirm it on your bank statements.
- Gather information. Depending on the type of inaccuracy or listing you may need to gather some documentary evidence to justify your claim.
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Lodge a request for correction. You can request a correction from either the credit bureau or the credit provider directly:
- Contact the credit provider that listed the mistake. For example, if there is a credit card listed on your report as a current credit account but you have closed the credit card, you can contact the card provider to have it removed.
- Contact the credit bureau directly. If the credit provider does not remove it or you would prefer to deal with the credit bureau, you also have that option. Contact the bureau you ordered your report from and they will be able to help you remove the listing. If you order your credit report from finder the credit bureau is Experian.
- Escalate the issue. If the creditor or credit reporting body does not respond to your initial request to correct an error, you can start the external dispute resolution process for that organisation. Alternatively, you can make a complaint to the credit reporting regulator, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner.
What mistakes might I find on my credit report?
Here are some common mistakes you may find in your credit file:
- Incorrect address. This is a simple error that can occur if you move house frequently.
- Incorrect default. This may be listed due to a processing error on the bill collectors behalf. It can happen if you use third-party services to pay bills (eg, a property manager) or if a credit card expires.
- An expired listing. Defaults only stay on your credit file for five years, after which they expire. Make sure that any legitimate listings are not beyond their expiry date.
- Fraudulent credit applications. If your identity has been stolen it may have been used to apply for loans or services. You may find multiple applications, or even loans or unpaid services that you never applied for.
How can I keep my credit file free from errors?
The simplest way to keep your credit file error-free is to check it regularly. If you request your credit report through finder you can access it again at any time in your finder account. We will also notify you whenever something on your report changes so you can keep an eye out for inaccuracies.
You also need to make sure that all payments and debits actually go through, don’t just rely on someone else or automatic transfers to pay your bills. Physically check to see if the money has left your account.
Your credit report is important and it should be checked regularly for accuracy. If you find a genuine mistake it is relatively simple to have it rectified by any of the credit reporting bodies. Doing so will help ensure that you’re treated fairly by lenders.
Picture: Shutterstock
I was sent an email that says something has changed on my credit report. What was charged: new credit enquiry/enquiries added. Nothing has changed since I first got my first credit score.
Hello Sheryl,
Thank you for your comment.
You would be fine if you’ll request an updated credit report to see what’s changed. If there are changes and new entries on your report, best to validate it.
If you feel that there’s a mistake on your credit file, you may contact the lender or the provider. You can also file a request for an investigation to the credit reporting agency. They need to determine if these defaults could really be taken out. Each credit bureau has their own standard process on doing this so it may vary per credit reporting agency.
Additionally, you may then consult a credit repair specialist for advice on how to go about removing the default. You can go through this page for a guide on how to remove the defaults on your file. I hope this helps.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
I have a score of 883 what does this mean?
Hi Lisa,
Thanks for your question.
Your score falls under the Excellent (833-1200) bracket. This means that adverse events are highly unlikely to happen within the next 12 months when compared to the average Australian. The odds of no adverse events occurring on your credit file in the next 12 months are five times better than the population average and you are in the top percentile range (81-100%).
For more information on what your credit score means, you can check our guide here.
Cheers,
Anndy