TL;DR: Australians can get a free credit report every 3 months from each credit reporting body, and Moneysmart suggests checking at least once a year. Since 1 April 2026 there are only two: Equifax and Experian, which now includes the former illion data. They hold different information, so check both. Online reports usually arrive in a day or two; by email or post, up to 10 days. Fixing errors is free: ignore companies that charge to "repair" your credit. Unknown loans or enquiries on your report can be a sign of identity theft.
The rules
From Moneysmart:
- Free every 3 months from each credit reporting agency.
- Check at least once a year, and more often after a breach.
- Different agencies hold different information, so one report may not show everything.
- Online: usually a day or two. Email or post: up to 10 days.
The OAIC adds two more free triggers: you can get a free copy if you’ve been refused credit in the last 90 days, or after your information has been corrected. Outside those, a fee can apply, but it must not be excessive.
Two bodies now, not three: what happened to illion
Australia used to have three credit reporting bodies. From 1 April 2026, illion and Experian became a single Experian body, according to the government-backed CreditSmart service. What that means for you:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Where’s my illion report? | It’s part of the new Experian report |
| Why does a lender letter still say "illion"? | Usually it means the new Experian report |
| My score changed. Is that fraud? | Not necessarily: the calculation changed. Pull the new report to check |
| I had a ban on my old Experian file | Probably no longer needed; bans on other files continue as normal |
| Body | Phone (OAIC) |
|---|---|
| Equifax | 138 332 |
| Experian (incl. former illion) | 1300 783 684 |
Go to each website directly and look for the free report option. Some will steer you toward paid products first. Polite, but no.
What’s on your report
- Personal details: name, date of birth, address history
- Credit products and repayment history (last two years); a payment counts as missed if it’s 14 days late
- Financial hardship arrangements (these don’t affect your score, and are deleted after 12 months)
- Defaults: a debt of $150 or more, 60+ days overdue, where the lender couldn’t reach you. They stay five years, or seven for a "clearout"
- Credit applications, bankruptcies and court judgments
- Who has requested your report
Credit scores
Scores run from 0 to 1,000 or 1,200 depending on the agency, with bands like low, fair, good, very good and excellent. Some agencies show your score free; free score services exist too. Moneysmart warns to avoid providers that ask you to pay or want your card details.
Spotting identity theft
Look for:
- loans or cards you don’t recognise;
- credit enquiries from lenders you never applied with;
- addresses you’ve never lived at;
- defaults on accounts you never opened.
Moneysmart says unknown loans or debts may mean you’re a victim of identity theft. Next steps:
- Contact the lender and the agency.
- Place a credit ban.
- Report to police and ReportCyber; get help from IDCARE (1800 595 160).
Fixing errors
Ask the agency to correct anything wrong or out of date. It’s free. Moneysmart warns against companies that charge to remove negative information: only incorrect information can be removed, and you can request that yourself.
When to check
- every few months as routine;
- after any big breach you’re in (see the list);
- before applying for a home loan;
- after losing your wallet or ID.
A free exposure check tells you which breaches your email is in, a good prompt to pull a report.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often can I get a free credit report in Australia?
Every three months from each credit reporting body, plus after a credit refusal in the last 90 days or a correction.
Does illion still exist for credit reports?
From 1 April 2026, illion and Experian operate as a single Experian credit reporting body. Your former illion information is in the new Experian report.
How long does it take to get my credit report?
Online usually a day or two; by email or post up to 10 days.
Do I have to pay to fix errors on my credit report?
No. Fixing incorrect information is free. Only incorrect information can be removed.
How can my credit report show identity theft?
Look for loans, enquiries, addresses or defaults you don’t recognise.
Sources
- Moneysmart: Credit scores and credit reports
- OAIC: Access your credit report
- CreditSmart: Changes to the Experian and illion credit reporting bodies