Mistakes on credit reports are more common than most people expect — a default listed twice, an account that was never yours, a payment marked late that was on time. The good news is you have a clear right to dispute an error, and you can start it yourself for free. This guide walks through how.
Australian Specialist
Credit Clean Australia
Find What Is Hurting Your Credit Score
Understand what's affecting your credit score and what options you may have to fix it by booking a credit file assessment below.
Your Assessment Includes:
- Both Equifax & Experian credit files audited
- Potentially incorrect or disputable listings identified
- Understand what’s affecting your credit score
- Clear options and next steps
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Next Steps
Next Steps After Your Assessment
Investigation
We investigate the circumstances behind each listing on your credit file, identifying potential breaches of the Privacy Act or non-compliance with the Credit Reporting Code. This is completed with you over the phone through 40+ simple yes, no, or unsure questions, along with your personal circumstances at the time.
Approved or Denied
If our investigation identifies multiple potential breaches, you may be approved for our credit restoration services. If not, your application will be declined, and your consultant will explain why, providing complete clarity.
Note: Approval does not guarantee the removal of any listing.
Disputes & Result
Formal removal requests are lodged with Equifax, Experian, and relevant credit providers, with escalation to AFCA, the OAIC, courts, or other bodies where required.
If a breach is confirmed, listings may be removed, in most cases boosting your credit score and helping future finance applications.
First, get your actual credit files
You cannot dispute what you cannot see. Australia has three credit reporting bodies — Equifax, Experian and illion — and a listing can appear on one but not another. You are entitled to a free copy of your report from each. Here is how to check your credit report for free. Read every listing: account names, dates, amounts, enquiry records and repayment history.
Common errors worth checking for
- A default or account that is not yours (possible mixed file or identity error).
- The same debt listed twice, including once by the original lender and again by a debt buyer.
- A default listed without the required notices, or for less than the $150 minimum.
- Incorrect dates, balances, or a paid debt still showing as unpaid.
- Enquiries you did not authorise, or duplicate enquiries from a single application.
Found something that looks wrong?
For $39.95 we review all your files with you, pinpoint what is inaccurate or listed in breach of the rules, and tell you honestly whether it has grounds for challenge — before you spend a cent on anything more.
How to lodge a dispute yourself
You can raise a correction request directly with either the credit reporting body or the credit provider that listed the entry — both are required to handle it, and it is free. Put it in writing, identify the exact listing, explain why it is wrong, and attach anything that supports you (statements, receipts, letters). The credit reporting body generally has 30 days to investigate and respond, and it can consult the credit provider during that time.
When to get help
Straightforward errors — a clear duplicate, a paid debt still marked unpaid — are often worth doing yourself. It gets harder when the credit provider pushes back, when the debt has been sold, or when the breach is in the notices or process behind the listing rather than the amount on the page. Those are the matters where our team works through the credit reporting rules, escalates to the provider and, if needed, to the relevant ombudsman. We are upfront that some listings are accurate and cannot be challenged — and we tell you that rather than take the work.
Common questions
Does disputing cost anything?
Raising a correction request with a credit reporting body or credit provider is free. A repair service charges for doing the work and handling contested cases for you.
How long does a dispute take?
The credit reporting body generally responds within 30 days, though contested matters that go to a provider or ombudsman can take longer.
Can I dispute a default that is genuinely mine?
A listing that is accurate and was made following the rules is not simply removable. What can be challenged is a listing that is wrong, out of date, or made in breach of the process.
If the error is a default, see how default removal works. For the full picture, read how credit repair works end to end.
Start with the facts about your own file
A $39.95 credit file assessment shows you every default, judgement and enquiry on your Equifax and Experian files — and which ones may be open to challenge.
Book My Credit File Assessment →
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