How to Place (and Remove) a Credit Ban in Australia

Protecting your personal information is more important than ever. If your identity has been stolen or you’re worried about fraud, you can request a credit ban on your file. A ban prevents credit providers from accessing your credit report, making it much harder for someone to use your identity to take out loans or credit in your name.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to putting a ban in place — and how to remove it when you’re ready.

What is a Credit Ban? 

A credit ban (also called a credit freeze) temporarily restricts access to your credit report. This means banks, lenders, or utility companies can’t see your credit file while it’s active, preventing fraudulent applications from being approved.

In Australia, bans are free of charge and initially last 21 days. If you need more time, you can request an extension of up to 12 months, provided you can show evidence (such as a police or cyber fraud report) that you’re at risk.

How to Place a Credit Ban

You’ll need to contact each of the major credit reporting agencies individually. The main ones are Equifax and Experian

1. Placing a Ban with Equifax

Go to the Equifax Credit Ban Request Form.

Complete the online form with your personal details.

Upload proof of identity (e.g., driver’s licence, passport).

Submit the form — Equifax will send confirmation once the ban is active.

2. Placing a Ban with Experian

Visit the Experian Credit Ban Request Page.

Fill out the request form with your personal information.

Provide identification documents as required.

Experian will confirm when the ban has been placed.

💡 Tip: When you request a ban with one bureau, you can ask them to notify the others. But to be safe, it’s best to check both (Equifax and Experian) have applied the ban.

How to Remove a Credit Ban

You can lift or remove a ban at any time.

Equifax: Use the online removal form and verify your identity.

Experian: Submit a lift request via their online form. Once your identity is verified, Experian notes the ban “may be lifted overnight.”

When you request removal, the credit bureau typically processes it within a business day.

What a Credit Ban Does (and Doesn’t Do)

✅ Stops new credit applications in your name — lenders won’t be able to see your file while the ban is active.
❌ Doesn’t affect existing accounts — your credit cards, loans, and repayment obligations continue as normal.
❌ May delay legitimate credit applications — if you want to apply for a loan, you’ll need to lift the ban before the lender can assess your application.

Tips to Stay Protected

Monitor your credit report: Check regularly with all three agencies to ensure no suspicious activity has occurred.

Use ID protection tools: Some services can alert you if your details appear in a data breach.

Report fraud quickly: If you suspect identity theft, file a police report and notify your bank immediately.

Placing a credit ban is free, quick, and one of the most effective steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft. If your situation changes, you can easily remove the ban online.