If an individual in Australia has been denied a loan or mortgage, the reason is often found on their credit file. Not all information on these files is permanent, and some entries can be challenged or corrected without cost.
Three reporting bodies—Equifax, Experian, and illion—maintain credit information in Australia. These files can include defaults for overdue debts of at least $150 that are more than 60 days late, court default judgments, records of credit applications, and up to two years of repayment history. Defaults and court judgments generally remain on file for five years, while repayment history rolls off after two years.
Individuals are entitled to a free copy of their credit file from each of the three bodies, typically every three months. It is advisable to review all three files, as they may not match. Obvious errors, such as a default that was cleared but still marked unpaid, or a debt that was never incurred, can be disputed directly with the reporting body or the provider that lodged the listing. This process is free and generally involves providing evidence and waiting for a response within 30 days. If unsatisfied, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) can be approached.
While genuine errors can be corrected for free, removing accurate listings for debts genuinely missed is difficult. Paid specialist credit repair services in Australia review files to identify negative entries that can be contested due to flaws, such as a provider skipping a required notice or an incorrect amount recorded. Some services operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, charging only if a mark is successfully removed.