Most Australians have no idea they have powerful legal rights when it comes to their credit file. This page explains those rights in plain English.
Credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, Illion) make it seem like defaults and judgments are permanent — carved in stone for five years with no chance of removal.
That's not true.
Under Australian law — specifically the Privacy Act 1988 and the Credit Reporting Code — you have powerful legal rights to challenge incorrect, incomplete, or unfairly listed credit information.
If your credit file has errors, you have the legal right to challenge them — and get them removed.
Your rights under Australia's primary credit reporting legislation. Learn about accurate information, proper notice requirements, and dispute rights.
Industry code that supplements the Privacy Act with additional protections. Fair reporting, time limits, and complaint rights explained.
How ASIC regulates credit repair services and protects consumers. Licensing requirements, conduct standards, and your consumer protections.
National Consumer Credit Protection Act explained. Responsible lending obligations and how they affect your credit applications.
Credit bureaus MUST ensure information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete. If wrong, you can request correction or demand removal.
Before listing a default, creditors MUST send written notice at least 14 days before. No proper notice = invalid listing.
You're entitled to one free report per year from each bureau (Equifax, Experian, Illion).
You can lodge formal disputes. Credit bureaus MUST investigate within 30 days and correct/remove unverified information.
If a dispute fails, you can add a 200-word correction statement explaining your side.
If a credit provider or credit bureau refuses to correct your file despite clear evidence of errors, you can lodge a free complaint with:
AFCA provides free, independent financial services complaint resolution.
Too many Australians accept bad credit as their fate. But you have powerful legal rights. If your credit file has errors, you can challenge them and get them removed.
Remove defaults from your credit file legally
Learn More →Challenge and remove court judgements
Learn More →Fix credit for mortgage approval
Learn More →Get approved for vehicle finance
Learn More →Understanding your credit report
Learn More →What makes up your score
Learn More →