Everything you need to know about credit files, credit scores, and how to fix bad credit in Australia — completely free.
Most Australians know almost nothing about their credit file until something goes wrong. You apply for a home loan — rejected. You try to get car finance — knocked back. You check your credit score — “Poor.” And you have no idea why.
The credit system is deliberately complex. Credit bureaus, lenders, and creditors use jargon, confusing codes, and hidden rules that keep consumers in the dark. We're here to change that.
Everything you need to know about defaults — what they are, how they're listed, how long they stay, and how to remove them.
Read the Guide →Step-by-step guide to fixing your credit file so you can get approved for a mortgage.
Read the Guide →Understand the powerful legal rights you have when it comes to credit reporting.
Read the Guide →“Once a default is on your file, it's there for 5 years no matter what.”
TRUTH: Defaults can be removed early if they were listed incorrectly (no proper notice, wrong dates, procedural breaches).
“Paying a default removes it from your credit file.”
TRUTH: Paying changes status to 'paid' but it stays on your file for 5 years. However, both paid and unpaid defaults can be challenged if listed incorrectly.
“Checking your credit score hurts your score.”
TRUTH: Checking your own score is a 'soft enquiry' and does NOT hurt your score. Only 'hard enquiries' from lenders impact your score.
“Credit repair is illegal or a scam.”
TRUTH: Legitimate credit repair (disputing incorrect listings under the Privacy Act) is 100% legal in Australia. ASIC-licensed specialists operate legally and ethically.
“You can't do anything about bad credit except wait 5 years.”
TRUTH: If your credit file has errors, you have legal rights to challenge them and get them removed. You don't have to wait 5 years if the listings are incorrect.
All content is created by Australian Credit Solutions — Australia's award-winning credit repair specialists (2022-2025).
Elisa Rothschild is a qualified Australian lawyer specializing in credit law, consumer rights, and the Privacy Act 1988.
All information is specific to Australian credit reporting laws (Privacy Act 1988, Credit Reporting Code, ASIC regulations).
Credit laws change. We update our content regularly to ensure accuracy. Last updated: February 2026.
Want to know if you have errors on your credit file that can be removed? Get a free professional assessment from our team.
