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How long do credit enquiries stay on your credit report?

Credit enquiries can stay on your report for 5 years but other details could be listed for longer. Here’s how to request their removal.

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By

Amy Bradney-George

Edited by

Jason Loewenthal

Updated

Fact checked

If you find incorrect details on your credit report, such as unfamiliar credit enquiries, you can ask for them to be removed. Doing so will make your credit report more accurate and can help improve your credit score.

However, it's not possible to remove correct enquiries and listings from your credit report and the details on your credit report will typically be listed for between 1 and 7 years in Australia.

For example, normal credit enquiries (like applying for a credit card) will remain on your report for 5 years, while serious infringements can stay there for 7 years.

How long do certain enquiries stay on your credit report?

Type of enquiryHow long it stays on your credit report
Serious credit infringement7 years
Bankruptcy5 years*
Court judgement5 years
Credit enquiry5 years
Debt agreement5 years**
Default5 years
Current credit obligation2 years
Repayment history2 years
Financial hardship information1 year

*Bankruptcies will remain on your credit report for 5 years, but will disappear after 2 years from the point you are no longer bankrupt.

**Debt agreements will be removed from your credit report 2 years after they have been terminated, declared void or ended.

Finder survey: How many Australians have been rejected for a financial product?

ResponseMaleFemale
None of the above84.55%82.79%
Loan6.71%11.28%
Credit card10.77%9.18%
Phone plan2.03%2.29%
Other1.02%0.76%
Source: Finder survey by Pure Profile of 1016 Australians, December 2023

Do you know what's on your credit report?

See what's on your credit file by checking your free detailed credit report with Finder. You can confirm what enquiries are still on your report and the date they were added.

Can I remove any enquiry from my credit report?

You can't remove a legitimate enquiry from your credit report. In most cases, credit enquiries will be listed for 5 years before they are automatically removed from your report.

You can only get incorrect or inaccurate details removed from your credit report at a different time. Some examples of when you could request a correction include:

  • Enquiries you have not authorised
  • Credit accounts you never opened
  • If your name is still listed on a joint account that you have been removed from
  • Accounts that are incorrectly listed as "in default"
  • Late payment details when you have proof of making payments on time

How to remove incorrect details and enquiries from your credit report

1. Check your credit report

You can get a free copy of your credit report and score through Finder every month. You can also request a copy of your credit report directly with each of the credit reporting bodies in Australia (Finder gets its details from Experian).

Go through the details on your report and note down any that are incorrect or unfamiliar. This includes soft and hard credit enquiries for loans, credit card applications and utilities that you're not aware of or haven't approved.

2. Follow up on unfamiliar enquiries

Contact the lender listed for an unfamiliar credit inquiry and ask it for details of the enquiry. This will help you determine if you authorised it or not.

If the lender agrees it has made a mistake, it should correct the error on your credit report.

Tip: Keep in mind that sometimes ticking a box means you've given approval for a credit check. For example, if you agree to terms and conditions for a product without reading them to see if a credit check is included.

3. Submit a request for incorrect details to be removed

You need to do this directly through the credit reporting body that issued your credit report. For example, if you checked your report through Finder, you'd contact Experian. Or, if you requested a copy from Equifax, you'd contact it.

What happens after I've made the request?

The credit reporting body will review your request for a correction and contact you with an outcome.

If you are successful, the details will be removed from your credit report.

If you are unsuccessful, the listing will remain on your credit report for the required time (e.g. 5 years from when a credit enquiry was made).

What is a credit enquiry?

A credit enquiry is a record that shows when your credit report has been accessed by you or a third party. There are 2 main types of credit enquiries:

"Soft" enquiries are recorded any time you request a copy of your credit file. This includes when your file is accessed through a separate platform, like the Finder app, and doesn't really have an impact on your credit score.

A "hard" enquiry refers to any request for your credit file that's made by a third party, such as a lender. For instance, every time you apply for a line of credit, such as a card or personal loan, the lender you've applied with will submit a request for your credit file.

This request is recorded on your credit history as a "hard credit enquiry". Too many hard enquiries can lower your credit score and your chance of approval.

Both soft and hard enquiries stay on your credit report for 5 years.

How credit enquiries impact your credit score

Lenders use information from your credit history to help them determine your eligibility for loan products like credit cards and personal loans.

This includes the number of credit enquiries you've made. These enquiries stay on your credit report for 5 years and are then removed automatically.

If you have too many credit enquiries on your file in a short amount of time, it can negatively impact your credit score and your ability to get a credit card or loan.

Tips to avoid too many credit enquiries on your credit report

  • Limit new applications. You can keep the number of credit enquiries on your file down by only applying for new products when it's necessary. Applying for one account at a time and waiting a few months between applications will also help keep your credit enquiries to a minimum.
  • Pay your accounts by the due date. Information about late payments can also have a negative impact on your credit file. Aim to make repayments by the due date on your statements.
  • Settle outstanding debts. Repay any debts you can afford to pay off. This can show lenders that you are responsible with money.
  • Close old accounts. Go through your credit file and check if there are any accounts that are still open that you don't use. For example, an old joint electricity account from a sharehouse. Closing these or removing your name from them will ensure that only current, relevant details are on your credit report.

What other errors should I look out for on my credit report?

Once you've got your credit report, here's a list of the details you should double check:

  • Debts or loans. Check that each debt is yours and that the amounts are correct.
  • Defaults. Defaults can only be listed for debts over $150 that are overdue by 60 days. Creditors must also inform you in writing before listing a debt as a default, so check that you received notification.
  • Serious credit infringements. A serious credit infringement can only be listed six months after it is listed as a default and only if the debtor is unable to contact you at your last known address. Make sure the creditor took the correct action before listing.
  • Credit applications. Make sure the applications listed were made by you. If they weren't, someone may be using your identity to apply for loans and you need to address it right away.
  • Name and date of birth. Make sure both are accurate.
  • Current and previous addresses. Being contactable is essential to maintaining a good credit file, so make sure your details are up to date.

How can I keep my credit file free from errors?

The simplest way to keep your credit file error-free is to check it regularly. If you request your credit report through finder you can access it again at any time in your finder account. We will also notify you whenever something on your report changes so you can keep an eye out for inaccuracies.

You also need to make sure that all payments and debits actually go through, don't just rely on someone else or automatic transfers to pay your bills. Physically check to see if the money has left your account.

Your credit report is important and it should be checked regularly for accuracy. If you find a genuine mistake it is relatively simple to have it rectified by any of the credit reporting bodies. Doing so will help ensure that you're treated fairly by lenders.

Frequently asked questions

Dig in deeper with our credit score guides

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Jason Loewenthal as part of our fact-checking process.
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Editor

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full bio

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Amy has written 582 Finder guides across topics including:
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65 Responses

    Default Gravatar
    BostanNovember 20, 2015

    I have too many credit enquiries that cause my credit score go down.
    Does my credit score goes up monthly?
    If so, how much does it go up every month?

      AvatarFinder
      JonathanNovember 22, 2015Finder

      Hi Bostan,

      Thanks for your inquiry!

      Credit scores improve with positive financial signals such as paying your bills on time, rather than increasing with time. Repairing or improving your credit score is not a quick and easy process. It may take a significant amount of time and require a long period of financial responsibility on your part. You may like to consider these simple and practical tips in improving your credit score.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Default Gravatar
    bostanNovember 10, 2015

    I have too many credit enquiries in my file that caused my credit score too low.
    How long should I wait for my score to go up?

      AvatarFinder
      YsaNovember 11, 2015Finder

      Hi Bostan Rahimi,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      Credit card bankruptcy, defaults and enquiries are kept on your credit file for two years from the annulment date or five years starting from the day when the default began – whichever is later. If you have applied for several enquiries for a short span of time, it may have a negative effect on your credit.

      Repairing or improving your credit score is not a quick and easy process. It may take a significant amount of time and require a long period of financial responsibility on your part. You may find this guide useful to improve your credit score.

      You may also wish to refer to a guide on how you can repair your credit rating.

      I hope this has helped.

      Cheers,
      Ysa

    Default Gravatar
    coryJuly 27, 2015

    Hi there,

    I was wondering if i can remove credit enquiries instead of using a credit repair company?

      AvatarFinder
      JonathanJuly 28, 2015Finder

      Hi Cory, thanks for your inquiry!

      Credit enquiries can be removed if there is supporting evidence of the claim for the record to be removed. Credit enquiries/ applications will remain on an individual’s credit file for up to 5 years.

      Cheers,

      Jonathan

      Default Gravatar
      coryJuly 29, 2015

      So what has happened was, Telstra had put a default on my credit file 3 years ago. I had not noticed that I was being rejected a lot for credit, so I purchased my credit report last year in December. My report had the default and many credit enquiries, I contacted Telstra and they have since removed the default but the credit enquiries are still there. What i’m curious about is that i was being rejected due to a default that was put there incorrectly and the numerous credit inquiries have impacted my score greatly. How can i get them removed? Should i seek legal advise? If so who is the best to ask?

      AvatarFinder
      JonathanJuly 30, 2015Finder

      Hi Cory,

      Thanks for your inquiry!

      In the event that credit records have been incorrectly placed on your credit file it can be ideal to consult with a credit repair service, who specialise in cleaning up incorrect listings on credit files.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Default Gravatar
    varunJanuary 31, 2015

    Is it possible to remove credit enquiry. and what is the process.

      AvatarFinder
      JonathanFebruary 2, 2015Finder

      Hi Varun,

      Thanks for your inquiry.

      Credit enquiries can be removed if there is supporting evidence of the claim for the record to be removed. Credit enquiries/ applications will remain on an individual’s credit file for up to 5 years. Repairing or improving your credit score is not a quick and easy process. It may take a significant amount of time and require a long period of financial responsibility on your part. You may find this guide useful to improve your credit score.

      You may also wish to refer to a guide on how you can repair your credit rating.

      I hope this helps.

      Cheers,
      Jonathan

    Default Gravatar
    just_askingJanuary 23, 2015

    I have 1 credit default from 4 1/2 yrs ago. the debt collection agency have made 36 inquiries on my credit file since having the default with them, it has been paid, but all those inquiries will remain on there for 5 years. does that not mean that even after the 5 years of having a default against me that now i will have to wait another 4 1/2 yrs for all the inquiries made by the debt collection agency to be gone?

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethJanuary 28, 2015Finder

      Hi just-asking,

      Thanks for your question.

      This is correct. The credit enquiries are a seperate listing than the credit defaults and so will stay on your file for five years from the date they were listed.

      I hope this has helped.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

      Default Gravatar
      Just_askingJanuary 28, 2015

      Would you know why they would need to make so many inquiries on my credit file? Some were every 2 weeks……. That seems rather excessive..

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethJanuary 28, 2015Finder

      Hi Just_asking,

      If you’re unsure whether the credit enquiries were listed correctly, or whether the amount/frequency is correct, you may want to get in contact with the debt collector to ask why they were listed. If they are unable to provide you with a reasonable explanation then you may want to get in contact with the ACCC or another third party to seek advice or lodge a consumer complaint. You can also access free legal advice through the legal aid service in your state. You also have the option of contacting Veda to enquire about the listings on your file.

      I hope this information will be of some use.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

      Default Gravatar
      Just_askingJanuary 28, 2015

      Veda cant comment on individual cases, but having said that the guy i spoke to was hesitant to say that it was normal or responsible of the collection agency, lawyers advice was that its odd and very unusual, collection agency refused to comment and said it didn’t match what they had on their records and didn’t really care. Also how can i find out if credit corp services are the same company as state mercantile?

      AvatarFinder
      ElizabethJanuary 28, 2015Finder

      Hi Just_asking,

      You can get in contact with ASIC to discuss your options and lodge a complaint, if that’s the next step you want to take. If you have the Australian Company/Business Number of Credit Corp Services you can search ASIC’s registers, or even enquire directly with them about whether the companies are the same.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

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