Who can see my credit report?
Your credit file is not public. Here is who can access it, and when.
This guide helps you
- Understand who can lawfully access your credit report
- Learn what a permitted purpose is
- Know your rights to see who has accessed your file
- Recognise access that should not happen
- Find free help if your file was accessed improperly
5 min
What's happening
Your credit report is not available to just anyone. Access is restricted to organisations with a lawful reason, generally tied to credit. The most common is a credit provider assessing an application you have made. Access is governed by privacy and credit reporting rules, and organisations generally need a permitted purpose and, in many cases, your consent.
Who can access it
- Credit providers, such as banks and lenders, when you apply for credit.
- Certain organisations assessing your application for a service involving credit.
- You, through your free report.
Employers and landlords generally cannot access your credit report in the same way a lender can; their ability to obtain credit information is limited.
Step by step
- Get your credit report, which includes a record of enquiries.
- Review the list of organisations that have accessed or enquired on your file.
- Check each enquiry matches an application you actually made.
- If you see an enquiry you do not recognise, treat it as a possible warning sign.
- Raise unrecognised access with the bureau and consider a ban period.
Watch out for
An enquiry you did not authorise can be a sign of identity theft or an error. Your credit report is not a public document, so be cautious if someone claims a right to see it without a clear, lawful reason. You can challenge improper access for free.
Where to get free help
If you believe your file was accessed without a proper reason, you can raise it with the bureau and, if unresolved, complain to AFCA for free. See the directory of bodies, or read definitions like 'permitted purpose' and 'credit enquiry' in the glossary.
Key takeaways
- Your credit report is not public; access needs a lawful reason.
- Credit providers are the main legitimate accessors, usually with your consent.
- You can see who has enquired on your file in your report.
- Unrecognised access can signal fraud and can be challenged for free.
Frequently asked questions
Can an employer see my credit report?
Generally not in the way a lender can. The ability of employers and landlords to obtain credit information is limited. Check the current rules for specifics.
How do I know who has accessed my file?
Your credit report includes a record of enquiries. Review it and check each one matches an application you made.
I see an enquiry I do not recognise. What do I do?
Treat it as a possible warning sign of fraud or error. Raise it with the bureau, consider a ban period, and seek free help.
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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