Your credit report is compiled by credit reference agencies using information from two main sources:

• The Public Record:
  e.g. electoral roll information, court judgments, individual voluntary arrangements and bankruptcies.

• Information provided by lenders and financial institutions:
  e.g. credit accounts, credit applications and financial associations.

The contents of your personal credit report can have a bearing on whether or not you are given credit. Factors other than the information held on a credit report may contribute to a lending decision as well (such as the information you provide on your application form), but your credit report is important.

You have the right to view the information contained in your credit report to make sure it is accurate. If errors are found, you are entitled to apply to have them corrected. Having the ability to view and challenge your credit report is important. In addition to providing the basis for a lending decision, your credit rating may also affect the interest rate you are offered by lenders, which could lead to more costly borrowing.