Credit Bans - Australia

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What is a Credit Ban? 

When a ban is put in place it ‘freezes’ access to your credit file. This means that the Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs) are not able to disclose any personal information from your consumer credit file to any credit providers unless you provide written consent for them to do so, or if they are required by law. A ban on your credit file does not impact your current credit line or credit payments unless credit is due for renewal (e.g. credit card about to expire). You will still be able to use any credit cards you currently hold and repay any existing loans.

 

Applying for a Credit Ban

You can apply for bans with all of the Australian CRAs by engaging just one credit reporting agency and requesting that they place bans with all CRAs if you agree to their terms and conditions.

Applying through each agency
  • Equifax: Go to Placing a ban with Equifax and fill in and submit the form. Once submitted, Equifax will email you to let you know the ban is in place.
  • illion: Go to Placing a ban with illion and fill in and submit the form. Once submitted, illion will email you to let you know the ban is in place.
  • Experian: Complete the ban request form on the Experian website.
Applying for an Extension 

A ban is initially valid for 21 days. An extension may be provided with evidence supporting that you are, or are at risk of becoming, a victim of fraud. In most cases this will require you to show that you have either a police report number or a www.cyber.gov.au report number. You can apply for a Ban Extension with one CRA and request they notify all other CRAs to extend your ban.

  • An extension needs to be applied for prior to the expiry date. It is recommended you set a reminder a few days prior to the initial ban period ending.
  • You may receive an email from each of the CRAs telling you the ban period is about to expire. 
  • You may directly respond to the email by saying you want to extend the ban or create a new one and remember to state your customer number. 
  • You will be required to provide a reason for the extension e.g. you have been subject to a compromise or theft of your personal identity information. 
  • You will also be required to provide either a police report number or a www.cyber.gov.au report number in order to validate your request. 
Ban Extension Periods 

The length of time a ban may be extended varies between the Credit Reporting Agencies.

  • Experian will allow an individual to extend for 12 months. 
  • illion will allow extensions for 12 months.
  • Equifax will allow extensions for 12 months.
Relevant IDCARE Fact Sheets

You can find more information in the following IDCARE Fact Sheets

Relevant Websites

For additional support or information, contact IDCARE by submitting a Get Help Form or call 1800 595 160 (Aus) or 0800 121 068 (NZ).

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