What you should know before applying for a home loan
July 2015Taking out a home loan is common practice for many Australians, but there is a lot that goes into getting the nod from a credit provider.
When should you not use your credit card?
August 2015A credit card can be a useful tool. But are there some times when it's better to refrain from pulling out that shiny plastic? Here we look at when, and when not to swipe your card.
3 myths about your credit report
April 2016There are many mysteries surrounding what affects your credit score. Take a look at these three commonly believed myths that could catch you out.
If you have reasonable grounds to believe you have been or are likely to be victim of fraud, you can request a ban on the disclosure of your credit information to be put in place.
When Equifax receives and actions such a request, the ban extends not only to personal credit information but also to any commercial credit or publicly available information Equifax holds.
Whilst a ban is in force, credit providers cannot see information on your personal, public or commercial credit report without your specific written permission.
Find out more on what to do if your identity has been stolen.
Credit repair companies claim they can fix your credit report or clear your credit history. Be careful of ‘credit repair' style organisations. Some companies claim to be able to remove negative information from your credit report and charge you to do so. This can often cost over $1,000 and it is likely you are required to pay up front.
Free services available to help
By contacting your credit provider or a credit reporting body they can investigate for free and correct information on your credit report if it is inaccurate. If you are still unsure on what to do you can also ask a financial counsellor or community legal service for advice.
Free financial counselling is available from the National Debt Helpline by calling 1800 007 007.
In addition, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of an investigation by the credit provider or credit reporting body you can utilise the services of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) to which the credit provider or credit reporting body is a member. They provide their services free to consumers.
For more information on the Equifax complaints process please visit our Complaints section in our Help Centre.
Need more information? ASIC MoneySmart also provides information on credit repair.
Our My Credit Alert service credit alerts are delivered to you via email. There is no need to log in to manage your details.
If you have an annual subscription to the My Credit Alert service, your alerts will be sent to the email address you supplied when you signed up for the service.
If you would like to change the email address for your alerts, please contact us or call 13 8332.
Or you can login at the Equifax site to manage your annual subscription to any of these Equifax personal credit and identity products: