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Wrong Default on Your Credit Report? How to Get It Removed

Updated 26 June 2026 · FairClaim Guides

A default on your credit file can stay for years and make borrowing far harder — so it is worth checking that it was listed lawfully. Under the credit reporting rules in Part IIIA of the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), a default can only be listed if several conditions were met. If they were not, you can have it corrected or removed, for free, through the credit provider, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), or AFCA.

A default can generally only be listed if

  • You were given a written notice of the overdue amount, and a separate written notice of intention to list the default at least 14 days beforehand.
  • The payment was at least 60 days overdue at the time of listing.
  • The overdue amount was at least $150.
  • The listed details (amount, dates) are accurate.

If any condition was missed

If you never received the required notices, the debt was not yet 60 days overdue, the amount was under $150, or the listed details are wrong, the listing may be non-compliant — and you can ask for it to be corrected or removed.

How to fix it

  1. Get a free copy of your credit report and identify the default and the lister.
  2. Write to the credit provider (and/or the credit reporting body) explaining why the listing is wrong or non-compliant, and ask for correction.
  3. If they refuse or do not respond, lodge a free complaint with the OAIC or AFCA.
  4. Keep copies of everything — your letters, their replies, and any proof you never received the required notices.

How FairClaim helps

FairClaim checks your situation against each listing requirement — the notices, the 60-day rule, the $150 minimum, and accuracy — and drafts a structured correction request or complaint. Free to start.

Check your rights and build your complaint — free to start

Answer guided questions or just describe what happened. FairClaim checks your facts against the relevant law and drafts your complaint.

Start your credit report correction complaint

Frequently asked questions

When can a default be listed on my credit file?

Generally only if you were given the required written notices (including a notice of intention to list at least 14 days before), the payment was at least 60 days overdue, and the amount was at least $150. If any of these were not met, the listing may be removable.

I never got a warning before the default — does that help me?

Yes. The credit provider must give specified written notices before listing a default, including a notice of intention to list. If those notices were not given, the listing may be non-compliant and you can seek its removal.

Who do I complain to about a credit report error?

Start with the credit provider or credit reporting body. If that fails, the OAIC handles privacy/credit-reporting complaints and AFCA handles disputes with the credit provider — both are free.

How long does a default stay on my file?

Default listings generally remain for five years. That is why removing a wrong or non-compliant listing promptly matters — it can affect your ability to borrow for years.

Related guides

This guide is legal information, not legal advice. It describes general rights under Australian consumer credit law and may not account for the specifics of your situation. For advice about your circumstances, contact a community legal centre, the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007), or a qualified legal practitioner.