Comprehensive Credit Reporting

What is credit reporting?

Credit reporting is the sharing of information between credit providers and credit reporting bodies about the lending products you have such as credit cards, personal loans, home loans and formal overdrafts. The information is disclosed by each credit provider to the credit reporting bodies to create your credit report, which is then used by each credit provider when assessing your new credit or loan applications.

What's comprehensive credit reporting?

Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR), an Australian government initiative, changes the information we share with credit reporting bodies. Previously we only reported information including new credit enquiries (credit applications) and payment defaults. Now we report:

• The types of loan and credit accounts you hold
• When accounts were opened – and closed (if relevant)
• Current credit limit on each account
• If your account is in a financial hardship arrangement or has been permanently varied under a hardship agreement
• Your repayment history, including:
  • when you make payments on time
  • when you're late by 14 days or more on a repayment
  • when you exceed your credit card limit by more than 44 days

What does comprehensive credit reporting mean for you?

We may share credit information for any of your credit products. So how you manage your money is important, like making your repayments on time, as it may influence your future lending applications.

Keep on top of your money for a healthier credit report

We’ve got some helpful tips to get you started on managing your money and having a healthy credit report.

Set up automated payments

Details of your repayment history will now appear on your credit report, including when you pay on time and when you miss any payments. The more repayments you make on time, the better you look.

Top tip: The easiest way to stay on top of your repayments is to set up automated payments like direct debits.   

Get to know your accounts

Spend a few minutes going through your loan and credit accounts. Make sure you know which ones are open, and which ones you have are closed or are not in use. Also, make a note of your credit limits and aim to stay within them.

Check your credit report

Check the information that’s recorded about you is correct.  If you find something that doesn’t look right, contact us and we will check it for you. Click here to submit your credit report correction request or enquiry. 

Top tip: You’re entitled to a free copy of your credit report from each credit reporting body every three months.

Don't go overboard

Your credit report shows not only your current loan and credit accounts, but also every application you’ve made. Too many applications can have a negative impact on your report, so try and keep them to a minimum.

The sooner you start, the better

If your current credit report doesn’t have the best score, don’t lose heart. By getting on top of your money, like making repayments on time, you can start working to improve it – but it will take time.  Most importantly, be cautious of any ‘quick fix’ offers.

Want more information?

To understand more about credit reporting and how you can check your credit report click here.

FAQs