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 can be requested if you believe that you are a victim of credit fraud, or are at risk of becoming a victim. Like the initial credit ban, you can apply for a ban extension with one of the credit reporting agencies (CRAs) and request they notify all other CRAs to extend the ban.

An extension needs to be applied for prior to the ban expiry date.
You may receive a reminder email from the CRA advising you that the ban is about to expire. We recommend you set a reminder 5-10 days prior to the initial ban period ending to ensure you submit your ban extension request in time. Alternatively, you can opt to submit your ban extension request once you have received confirmation of the initial ban being in place with all three CRAs
You can request the ban extension by responding to the link in the ban confirmation email from one of the three CRAs. You can opt to have the ban extension request shared with the other CRAs.
In some situations, you may be asked to provide a police report number or a www.cyber.gov.au report number to validate your request.
The ban extension period is 12 months. After this period, you will need to enquire with each CRA about the possibility of further extensions, if this is required.

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).

Disclaimer

Identity Care Australia & New Zealand Ltd (IDCARE) provides identity and cyber security incident response services (the Services) in accordance with the following disclaimer of service:

IDCARE is Australia and New Zealand’s national identity and cyber incident community support service. IDCARE is a not-for-profit and registered Australian charity.
The Services provided do not constitute legal advice. IDCARE recommends that you consult your own legal counsel in relation to your legal rights and obligations, including but not limited to your legal rights or obligations under Australian and international privacy and data protection laws.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the content provided, to the maximum extent permitted by law all conditions, terms, representations, and warranties (in each case, whether express or implied) in connection with the provision of the Services which might otherwise be binding upon IDCARE are excluded.
IDCARE’S liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person or organisation (including, without limitation, any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage) arising out of or in connection with the Services (including without limited liability for any negligent act or omission, or statement, representation or misrepresentation of any officers, employees, agents, contractors or consultants of IDCARE) shall be limited to the fees paid by you to IDCARE in respect of the Services. For the avoidance of doubt, this limitation of liability extends to any liability arising from any actions performed or not performed as a result of any recommendations made in the course of providing the Services.
If you would like to provide feedback please use our Feedback Form.

Credit Bans - Australia