Fixing Equifax Errors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Your credit report is one of the first things lenders check. But Equifax records aren't perfect. Mistakes happen — wrong repayment dates, accounts you didn't open, or payments marked as late when they weren't. These errors can block your loan approval or cost you thousands in higher rates.

The good news: you can dispute them. And in most cases, Equifax will investigate and remove errors within a month. Here's how.

Why Equifax Errors Matter

Equifax is Australia's largest credit reporting agency. Every time you apply for a loan, credit card, or phone contract, lenders check your Equifax file. A single error — a late payment you never made, a default on an account you closed, or even fraud — can:

Block your loan approval outright. Lenders have strict credit score thresholds. Errors can push you below theirs.
Cost you 0.5–1% in higher interest rates. On a $500K mortgage, that's $2,500–$5,000 a year.
Reduce your borrowing capacity. Lenders shade your income or require a bigger deposit if your credit is flagged as risky.

The problem: Equifax won't tell you about errors. You have to check yourself. And many Australians never do until they're rejected for a loan.

How to Check Your Equifax File

You're entitled to a free credit file every 12 months. Here's how to get it:

Visit equifax.com.au and click "Get Your Credit File".
Create a free account using your email, phone, and ID (driver's license or passport).
Verify your identity. Equifax will ask security questions or send a verification code.
Download your report. You'll see your credit score, payment history, defaults, and all accounts linked to you.

Take your time reading it. Look for:

Payments marked late or missed when you paid on time
Accounts you don't recognize (fraud)
Defaults or court orders you disputed
Outdated information (defaults older than 5–7 years should be gone)

How to Dispute Equifax Errors

Found an error? File a dispute. Equifax has 30 days to investigate.

Log into your Equifax account and navigate to "File a Dispute".
Select the error. Choose the specific account or payment that's wrong.
Explain the error. Be specific: "Payment marked late on 15/03/2025 — I paid on 12/03/2025. See attached bank statement."
Attach evidence. Upload bank statements, receipts, or loan statements that prove your case.
Submit. Equifax will send you a reference number. Save it.

No online account? You can also dispute by phone (1300 762 207) or mail. Online is fastest.

What if Equifax investigates and says the error is accurate? You have options. If you still disagree, you can lodge a "statement of dispute" on your file. This flags your disagreement for all lenders who pull your report — it won't erase the record, but it documents your position.

What Happens After You Dispute

Once Equifax receives your dispute, they'll:

Contact the creditor (the bank or company who reported the information). They'll ask for evidence the error is real.
Investigate (30 days max). If the creditor confirms the error, Equifax removes it. If they say it's correct, Equifax closes the dispute.
Notify you in writing. You'll get a letter explaining the outcome.

Once an error is removed, it can take 2–3 days for your credit report to update. Lenders will see the clean version on their next pull.

Important note: Fixing a legitimate error will help your loan chances — but it's not a guarantee. Approval depends on income, employment, deposit size, and overall credit history. An error removal removes ONE blocker, not all of them.

Unsure What Lenders Actually Care About?

Equifax is just the start. Lenders look at your whole picture: income, employment stability, debt levels, and your actual ability to repay. A home loan health check identifies where you really stand and what lenders will fix on vs. reject you for.

Book Your Free Health Check

Common Questions

How long does it take to fix an Equifax error?

Equifax has 30 days to investigate. You'll typically see results within 4–6 weeks. Once fixed, your credit report updates across lenders. Note: this doesn't automatically guarantee loan approval, but it removes a major eligibility barrier.

What if Equifax says the error is accurate?

You can lodge a statement of dispute directly on your Equifax file. This flags the disagreement for all lenders who pull your report. If you believe there's fraud involved (identity theft), contact the Australian Federal Police. These steps won't erase the record, but they document your position.

Will fixing Equifax errors improve my loan chances?

Fixing errors may improve your chances if the error was the main blocker. However, approval depends on multiple factors: income, employment, deposit, loan-to-value ratio, and overall credit history. We recommend a home loan health check to identify what lenders actually care about for your situation.

Can I dispute Equifax errors online?

Yes. Visit equifax.com.au, create an account, view your credit file, and file a dispute online. You can also dispute by phone or mail. Online is fastest. Keep copies of all correspondence for your records.

General Advice Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and does not constitute financial or credit advice. Your situation is unique. Before making any decisions about disputing your credit file or applying for a loan, consider whether this information is appropriate for your circumstances. If you're unsure, speak with a financial advisor or mortgage broker.