Credit files are held by Veda Advantage Information Services and Solutions Ltd, formerly Baycorp Advantage Limited and Credit Advantage Limited and CRAA.

How can I access my file?

Files are available to the public in four ways:

1) You can write to BAL and ask for a copy of your file to be sent to you. This is a free service. The address to use is: 
Veda Advantage Information Services and Solutions Ltd
PO Box 964
North Sydney,
NSW, 2059

Certain information should be provided, including:

• Your full name
  
• Your date of birth
  
• Your driver's licence number (if you have one)
  
• Your current street address
  (NOT a Post Office Box - BAL will not send to a PO Box)
  
• Your previous address if you have moved in the last five years.
  
• Your contact phone number
  
• A short note requesting your file
  
• Your signature
  
• The date
  

2) Files can be ordered over the phone using the Premium Service. BAL despatch these files within one working day for a small fee (ring 9464 6000 or visit the website for details).

Step 1 - Ring 9464 6000, and ask for your file reference number from the switch. Write the number down,
Step 2 - Ring 1902 268 502 and follow the touch pad instructions given. These include the punching in of the CAL file reference number.
Step 3 - BAL mail out your file, and the fee will be debited to your next phone bill.

3) Files can be ordered over the internet using the Premium Service. BAL also despatch these files within one working day for a small fee (ring 9464 6000 or visit the website for details).

The internet address is:

http://www.mycreditfile.com.au/home/home_default.aspx 

4) You can mail your application for your BAL file, and access the Premium Service by also enclosing a cheque or mail order for the current fee (ring 9464 600 or visit the website for details), and asking for the Premium Service.

Again, BAL despatch these files within one working day. The same details should be provided as would be given for an application for a free file copy. Credit cards are also accepted.

For companies or businesses, credit files are not available free, but may be purchased through the Premium Service in the same way that personal files are. The following details should appear on the file request:

• Your full name;
  
• Your position;
  
• An email address (optional);
  
• Company/Business name;
  
• ACN or ABN (optional);
  
• Registered or Trading Address (optional);
  
• Suburb (optional);
  
• State; and
  
• A daytime telephone number.
  

Note: For Premium Services, if you request your file after 5pm on Friday, or on Saturday or Sunday, it will be sent on the following Monday.

Can I get somebody else's file?

NO !! - you can only request your own file - you cannot access a file for any other person.

How long do notations last for on my BAL file?

Generally speaking, notations on a BAL file remain for 5 years from the date of the default. After 5 years, default notations are usually erased. Bankruptcy notations stay on for seven years.

How can I have a notation removed from my BAL file?

Even when a previously defaulted debt is paid, the default notation remains on the BAL file, but a notation that the debt has been paid is added. This notation stays on your file for the same period of time that it would if the debt was unpaid, and is rarely removed within this time. It is usually difficult to get a notation of default removed unless you can prove to BAL that the default should never have been put there in the first place. If you believe that a notation is incorrect, you should contact BAL on 9464 6000, and arrange to put your case to BAL for the removal of the disputed notation.

Who do I go to if I want to make a complaint about my Credit File?

The appropriate person to contact about any problems with your BAL file is the Privacy Commissioner, who can be contacted by telephone on 1300 363 992 (for the cost of a local call anywhere in Australia) 
or by post at:
GPO Box 5218
SYDNEY NSW 1042
or by email at:
privacy@privacy.gov.au  
or by fax at: +61 2 92849666
or at their website at:
http://www.privacy.gov.au

For further information about Veda Advantage Limited:
Contact their website at:
http://www.mycreditfile.com.au/home/home_default.aspx  

DISCLAIMER The information provided in this information sheet is of a general nature only, and is not intended to be legal advice. There may be errors or inaccuracies or the information may not be completely up-to-date. Always check the information provided before relying on it. The information relates to consumer law in New South Wales, Australia.