Understanding credit card fees
September 2015Do your research carefully before signing up for your new credit card to understand any additional fees and charges, as well as your repayment responsibility.
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.
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.
The 3 stages of using your credit card
April 2016Looking to take on a credit card? Have a look at the three stages that you can follow in order to keep your credit file healthy.
3 budgeting pitfalls that no one avoids
March 2016How is your 2016 budget going so far? Here are a few handy tips and tricks to avoid common pitfalls that nearly everyone encounters.
Is using a credit repair company really worth it?
September 2016Are you thinking of taking on the services of a credit repair company?Ensure you know what free methods are available to you before paying their expensive fees.