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What is a credit report?
Your credit report is a record unique to you. It shows how you have managed debt in the past and your history of credit applications.
The report is collected by authorised credit reporting bodies, who get information from organisations like banks and utility companies.
What is in a credit report?
Information on loans, credit cards, utilities like electricity, rent payments, interest free plans with retailers and car dealers.
- Personal details like date of birth and driver’s licence
- Current credit (both used and available)
- Loans applied for (including those made as guarantor)
- Repayment history, and whether or not you are making payments on time
- Payment defaults, where you are overdue by 60 days or more in making a payment
- Bankruptcies
- Court judgements
- Financial hardship arrangements (entered after July 2022)
What is it used for?
Lenders access your credit report when you apply for credit. It allows them to see how you’ve managed your money before they can offer you finance.
It’s worthwhile getting a copy of your credit report before you apply, so you know exactly where you stand and can fix any issues that could paint you in a less-than-favourable light.
Financial hardship & your credit report
If you're experiencing financial hardship there are ways to protect your credit report. From 01 July 2022 there are some legislative changes which aim to help customer's protect their credit reports under approved financial hardship arrangements. Find out more on our hardship support page.
More information can also be found here
Helpful fact sheets
How to check your credit report
For further information on how you can access your credit report for free visit the OAIC website for further information or contact the credit bureaus listed below.
Repairing your credit
Take a look at the Government’s Moneysmart website for their tips on how to fix and improve a credit score.
