The Fastest Way to Remove a Credit Report Error (Without the Headache) 

If you’ve spotted an error on your credit report — whether it’s an old default you’ve already paid, a debt that was never yours, or a repayment marked late when you know it wasn’t — you’re probably thinking: 

“How do I get this removed… fast?”

Good news: credit report errors can be removed, and in many cases much quicker than people realise. But only if you handle it the right way.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the fastest and most effective way to remove a credit report error in Australia — without wasting months going in circles with lenders and credit bureaus.

Step 1: Identify Exactly What’s Wrong — Don’t Guess 

Before taking action, download your full reports from all 3 credit bureaus:

Look for: 

• Defaults you don’t recognise
• Late payments you know were on time
• Accounts that aren’t yours
• Debts that were settled long ago
• Duplicate listings or incorrect balances

Important: Don’t assume the information must be correct just because it’s on the report. Mistakes are extremely common — especially after refinancing, changing providers, or having joint accounts. 

Step 2: Gather Proof Before You Contact Anyone 

This is where most people go wrong. 

They jump straight into emailing Equifax or the lender saying “Please remove this, it’s wrong.” 

That rarely works. 

Instead — collect overwhelming evidence:

• Bank statements showing payments were made on time 

• Settlement letters proving a debt was finalised 

• Police reports / fraud declarations (if identity theft is suspected) 

• Emails or contracts proving cancellation or incorrect charges 

Step 3: Send a Formal Correction Request — To the Creditor First 

Under the Privacy Act (Australian law), the creditor who listed the error (not the credit bureau) is legally required to investigate and correct it.

This means you contact the company who reported it, not Equifax or Experian — at least not yet.

Here’s a simple structure for your dispute:

Subject: Request for Correction Under Privacy Act – [Account/Reference Number] 

Hi [Creditor Name], 

I am writing to formally request the correction of incorrect information you have reported to the credit bureaus. 

• Listing Type: [Default / Late Payment / Inquiry] 

• Account Number: [Insert] 

• Date Listed: [Insert] 

The information is inaccurate because: [Brief explanation with evidence attached] 

Under Section 20T of the Privacy Act 1988, you are required to investigate and respond within a reasonable time. 

Please confirm in writing when this listing has been corrected with all relevant credit reporting bodies. 

Kind regards,
[Your Name] 

Step 4: Escalate If They Refuse or Ignore You 

If the creditor:

• Takes longer than 30 days

• Rejects your request without proper investigation

• Provides a vague or automated response

You can escalate to:

• The relevant credit bureau with your evidence
• The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
• OAIC (Privacy Commissioner) for serious breaches

Want the Fastest Possible Outcome — Without the Stress? 

At Credit Repair Australia, this is all we do — every day.

• We write legal-grade correction notices on your behalf

• We push creditors to act within their legal obligations

• We escalate immediately if they try to delay or deny without grounds

• In many cases, we have defaults removed in weeks (sometimes days)

If you’re not sure whether your listing is removable — we’ll check it for free.
Just send us your credit report and we’ll tell you exactly what can be challenged — and how long it should take.

Want Us to Check Your Listing for You? 

Click here to request a free credit report assessment (no obligation, no pressure).

The longer an error stays on your file, the longer lenders will say NO.
Fixing it fast could be the difference between getting approved — or stuck for years.

Gavin Symes MBA, Dip FS (FP)

Gavin holds an MBA and a Diploma in Financial Services (Financial Planning). He has been a driving force behind the growth of Credit Repair Australia since its inception in 2003.