In Australia, what is often referred to as a ‘credit freeze’ or a ‘lock’ on your credit report is generally done by placing a ‘credit report ban’. You may need to apply for a ban if you believe you have been or may be a victim of fraud.
Table of contents:
- What is a credit report ban?
- Extending or lifting a credit ban
- Regularly checking your credit report
What is a credit report ban?
In short, it’s an extra layer of protection to your credit report and provides a short-term response when you are a victim of identity theft. The ban will initially apply for 21 days (and will then expire if you do not do anything). You can have the ban extended beyond the 21 days, usually up to a year.
How do I request it?
You can place a credit ban on your credit report with just one credit reporting body (CRB), who, at your request, can also extend the ban to the other credit reporting body. The two CRBs are Equifax and Experian.
View credit reporting bodies contact details
A ban is intended as one way of protecting you from applications for credit being made using your details. While it won't solve all problems, it can help prevent further misuse of your details as you review your credit report, contact your lenders, and address follow-up actions.
Benefits of freezing your credit report by placing a ban
The credit report ban will block all third parties, such as credit providers or other companies, from accessing your credit report without your consent.
As mentioned, a credit ban protects you if a fraudster applies for a loan in your name as the credit provider won’t be able to conduct a credit check. For many credit providers, credit checks are required before approving a credit application, so the ban can stop the fraudster’s loan application from proceeding.
Impact: manage your credit during a ban
A ban does not stop you from using the credit you already have, and it usually does not affect your current credit line or repayments' commitments.
Of course, keep in mind that while there is a ban on your credit report, it is unlikely that you will be approved for credit that you have applied for, and you will need to have the ban lifted if you are wanting to apply for credit.
Don’t believe anyone who suggests that there is one single effective means to get protection - there isn’t.
A credit ban is a short-term action to protect your credit identity, but it is not a long-term solution if you are actively shopping for a new loan.
Extending or lifting a credit ban
If you still think you’re at risk of fraud after the 21-day ban ends, you can ask to extend it. Contact the credit reporting body (or bodies) where you placed the ban before it expires. You may need to provide proof of why you think you’re still at risk.
You may be able to place a ban with both credit reporting bodies through one provider. But to remove the ban, you’ll need to contact each credit reporting body separately. This is because they do not tell each other when a ban has been removed.
Each credit reporting body will also need to check your identity before lifting the ban. This helps make sure it’s really you making the request, not a scammer.
In the long term, consider additional methods to protect your credit report.
Regularly checking your credit report and additional measures for protecting your credit
A credit report ban is effective, but it works best when combined with other practical measures.
You should also consider:
- Getting a copy of your credit report from each of the credit reporting bodies to help you identify any suspicious activity on your credit report (which could be an indication that a criminal has fraudulently applied for credit using your information).
You can get a free copy of your credit report every three months from each of the credit reporting bodies.
- Respond quickly to data breach events and follow any support steps provided.
- Learn more about identity theft.
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Consider contacting IDCARE for guidance.
Longer-term credit alerts, often referred to as a paid monitoring subscription service offered by Equifax
Unlike putting a ban on your credit report, setting up the alert will not get in the way of you making legitimate applications for credit.
You can subscribe to monitor your credit report with Equifax. This ensures that you are alerted of any suspicious activity, for example if your credit report has been accessed by someone else applying for credit in your name.
List of sources:
- IDCARE (Credit bans Australia).
- OAIC (Fraud and your credit report).
- MoneySmart (Identity theft).
- MoneySmart (What to do if you've been scammed).
- OAIC Privacy (Credit Reporting Code 2025).
- OAIC (Submission to the Attorney-General’s Department review of Australia’s credit reporting framework).
- IDCARE (Learning Centre).
- OAIC (Credit reporting changes to benefit consumers).