Key Takeaway
Your credit report contains a complete log of every organisation that has accessed your file. You have the legal right to check this access history for free, and if you discover unauthorised enquiries, you may be able to have them removed — protecting both your privacy and your credit score.
Introduction
You've just checked your credit report and noticed something odd — there are enquiries from companies you don't recognise. Or perhaps you've been rejected for finance and want to know who's been looking at your credit file. That unsettling feeling of "who's been snooping through my financial history?" is completely valid.
At Australian Credit Solutions, we help thousands of Australians take back control of their credit files every year. As ASIC licensed specialists (ACL 532003) and award-winning credit repair experts (2022, 2023, 2024), we've seen firsthand how unauthorised or excessive credit enquiries can damage credit scores.
Understanding Credit File Agencies in Australia
In Australia, three main credit file agencies hold information about your credit history:
- Equifax — Uses a scoring scale of 0-1,200 (formerly Veda)
- Experian — Uses a 0-1,000 scoring scale
- illion — Also uses a 0-1,000 scale (now part of Experian)
These agencies may hold different information about you. Not every lender reports to all three bureaus, which means your credit file at Equifax might show different enquiries than your file at Experian or illion.
Concerned About Unauthorised Enquiries?
Get a free assessment to check what's on your credit file.
Who Can Legally Access Your Credit File?
Credit Providers Assessing Applications
When you apply for any form of credit, the lender has the right to check your credit file. This includes banks, car finance companies, phone providers, energy companies, and buy now pay later services.
Existing Credit Providers
If you already have credit with a company, they can access your file to manage that existing account.
Debt Collectors
If you have overdue debts, the debt collector working on behalf of the original creditor can access your credit file.
Expert Tip from Elisa
"One thing that surprises many of my clients is discovering enquiries from companies they don't immediately recognise. Often, these are legitimate — the company providing your store finance might have a different corporate name than the retailer. Before assuming the worst, check with the named organisation about which products they work with. That said, if you genuinely can't explain an enquiry, take it seriously. It could be a sign of identity theft."
Who Cannot Access Your Credit File
The following are NOT permitted to access your consumer credit report:
- Employers (no matter what they tell you)
- Real estate agents and landlords (despite often asking)
- General insurance companies (for standard policies)
- Government agencies (with limited exceptions)
- Random individuals or businesses without a legitimate credit purpose
Warning
Never pay for a basic credit report. Free reports from the official bureaus contain everything you need. Some third-party services charge for what you can get at no cost directly from the bureaus.
How to Check Who Has Accessed Your Credit Report
Step 1: Order Your Free Credit Reports
Request your free credit report from Equifax (mycreditfile.com.au), Experian (experian.com.au), and illion (checkyourcredit.com.au).
Step 2: Review the Access History Section
Look for sections titled "File Access Information" or "Credit Enquiry History." This section shows the organisation name, date of access, and type of access.
Step 3: Compare Against Your Records
For each enquiry, ask yourself: Did I apply for credit with this company on this date? Do I recognise this company name?
What to Do If You Find Suspicious Access
For enquiries you don't recognise:
- Contact the company directly and ask what the enquiry relates to
- File a formal dispute with the credit bureau
- Report to the credit provider who made the enquiry
For suspected identity theft:
- Request a credit ban from all three bureaus
- Report to IDCARE (1800 595 160)
- Lodge a report with your local police
Key Stat: At Australian Credit Solutions, we maintain a 98% success rate when we take on cases. We've helped over 5,000 Australians remove incorrect or unauthorised listings from their credit files.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Our Clients Say
928+ verified reviews from real clients
"Had a default from a dispute with a telco that was unfair. Australian Credit Solutions got it removed and my credit score jumped significantly. Amazing service!"
"I was skeptical at first, but the results speak for themselves. The team was transparent about the process and kept me informed at every stage. Highly recommend!"
"After struggling with credit issues for years, I finally found a solution. The team's expertise and professionalism made the whole process smooth and stress-free."
"Professional, efficient, and they delivered exactly what they promised. My credit score improved significantly and I was able to refinance my mortgage at a much better rate."
Elisa Rothschild
(BA/LLB)Principal Lawyer & Director
With over 12 years of experience in credit law, Elisa has helped thousands of Australians remove unfair credit listings and rebuild their financial futures. She leads Australian Credit Solutions' legal team with a focus on consumer advocacy and regulatory compliance.
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