Your credit file is continuously updated by credit providers each time you apply for credit. Your file is then used by potential lenders to determine if you are "credit worthy".

There are two main credit reporting agencies. Their contact details are:

Veda Advantage Public Access PO Box 964 North Sydney NSW 2059 Phone:1300 762 207 Fax: (02) 9278 7333 URL:http://www.mycreditfile.com.au Email:assist.au@vedaadvantage.com

Dun & Bradstreet Public Access Centre Dun & Bradstreet (Australia) P/L PO Box 7405 St Kilda Road VIC 3004 Phone: 132 333 Fax: 03 9828 3185 URL: http://www.dnbcreditreport.com.au

You can contact either of these credit reporting agencies to obtain a free copy of your credit report/s. You will be asked to provide information to enable them to properly identify you. This could include:

• your full name
• your address
• your date of birth
• your previous address
• your driver's licence number.

Credit reports are generally required to be given free of charge however both agencies do charge a fee to get your report to you within 48 hours as opposed to 30 days.

By checking your report regularly you can ensure that lenders are getting a balanced, complete picture of your financial health.