Your credit report is a compilation of your personal and financial data, gathered and maintained by a credit reporting agency. The information contained on your personal credit report can mean the difference between "approval" and "decline" on your next application for credit. Find out what kind of information may be contained in your personal credit report.
Of greatest interest to potential lenders is the history of your past and current credit transactions, including any accounts with banks, retailers, credit card companies, and other lenders. This information is used by creditors to determine your past financial behavior, current level of debt and available credit, and other factors which may affect your creditworthiness.
Your report also includes personal information like your current and prior mailing addresses, year of birth, spouse's name, and employment information. It may also contain public record information, such as bankruptcies, defaults paid or unpaid or any monetary judgments against you.
A credit reporting agency must take all reasonable steps to ensure you can access your report. You should be able to get a copy of your credit report for free by applying in writing to the credit reporting agency.
Veda Advantage or Dun and Bradstreet may take up to 10 days to send your report from the day they receive your application, or sooner if you pay a fee. Tasmanian Collection Service will provide you with a free copy of your report if your application relates to a refusal of credit or the management of your credit arrangements. Otherwise they charge a small fee
You can get a copy of your credit report from apply for your credit file here
Laws help regulate how your credit file is used, and who can access the information in your credit report. Only companies with a legitimate reason to view your credit information, such as banks, mortgage lenders, etc., are permitted to access your personal credit information. Potential employers can only access your credit report with your express permission.
Due to the massive volume of information processed by credit bureaus, inaccuracies may occasionally occur. By reviewing your credit report regularly and properly disputing any discrepancies, you can help prevent potential delays or denials in receiving credit.
