Disputing a default on my credit report
A wrong default can hurt your credit for years — you can dispute it and ask for it to be corrected.
This guide helps you
- Understand what a credit default is and why it matters
- Know how to get and read your credit report
- Learn how to dispute an incorrect default
- Know who to contact to have it corrected
- Find free help if a default isn't fixed
8 min
What's happening
A default is a mark on your credit report saying an overdue debt wasn't paid. It can stay on your file for several years and affect your ability to get credit. Sometimes a default is listed wrongly — the debt was paid, disputed, never owed, or proper notice wasn't given. You can dispute an incorrect default and ask for it to be removed or corrected. This is general information, not legal advice.
Your first steps
- Get a copy of your credit report — you can usually access it for free.
- Check the default details — creditor, amount, and dates.
- Work out why it may be wrong (paid, disputed, or no proper notice).
- Gather your evidence, such as proof of payment.
Step by step
- Obtain your free credit report from a credit bureau.
- Identify the disputed default and the reason it's wrong.
- Lodge a dispute with the creditor that listed it and/or the credit bureau.
- Attach your evidence and ask for the listing to be corrected or removed.
- Escalate to a free external dispute resolution scheme if it isn't fixed.
What evidence helps
Useful evidence includes proof of payment, records showing the debt was disputed, and any letters about the default. Whether proper notice was given before listing can matter, so keep any default notices you received (or note that you didn't). Look up "default listing" and "credit report" at directory.merion.com.au/glossary.
Where to get free help
You can usually get your credit report and lodge disputes for free. A financial counsellor can help — call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 — and free legal help is available too. If a creditor or bureau won't fix a wrong default, escalate to a free external dispute resolution scheme such as AFCA. See directory.merion.com.au/bodies.
Key takeaways
- A default can affect your credit for years, so wrong ones matter
- Get your free credit report and check the default details
- Dispute incorrect defaults with the creditor and/or credit bureau
- Free help can push for a correction if it isn't fixed
Frequently asked questions
How do I see my credit report?
You can usually get a free copy from the main credit bureaus. A financial counsellor on 1800 007 007 can point you to them.
Can a wrong default be removed?
If a default was listed incorrectly — paid, disputed, not owed, or without proper notice — you can dispute it and ask for it to be corrected or removed.
What if the creditor won't fix it?
Escalate to a free external dispute resolution scheme such as AFCA, which can consider credit reporting disputes.
This is general information, not legal or financial advice. Your situation is unique and rules can vary by state and over time — for advice on your circumstances, speak to a free financial counsellor (National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007) or get legal help.
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