What is Comprehensive Credit Reporting (CCR)?

Comprehensive Credit Reporting (also known as a credit report) includes detailed information such as the types of credit accounts you hold (like credit cards, home loans and personal loans), how many you have and whether your repayments are made on time each month.



This information helps lenders, such as banks and utility providers, assess your creditworthiness when you apply for a product or service.

Watch our video to learn more.

What is a credit score?

Your credit score is a number ranging from 0 to 1200, that summarises the information in your credit report. It reflects your financial history and health and helps lenders understand how likely you are to repay debt.

How to check your credit score

You can request a free copy of your credit report and check your credit score through a credit reporting body. You're entitled to one free report every 12 months, so it's a good idea to review it each year to make sure the information is accurate.

What you’ll find in your credit report

Your credit report includes, but is not limited to, the following information:

  • General personal information (such as your name, date of birth and address).
  • The types of loan and credit accounts you hold.
  • When each account was opened and closed, if applicable.
  • The current credit limit on each account.
  • Whether your account is part of a financial hardship arrangement or has been permanently varied under a hardship agreement.
  • Whether you have missed or made late payments.

How credit reporting works

CreditSmart is an independent and informative resource that helps Australians better understand how credit reporting works including how to access and check your credit report.

Visit the CreditSmart website.

Key components that make up your credit report score

What is Repayment History (RHI)?

Repayment History Information (RHI) shows whether you've made your credit repayments on time each month. If you’ve missed a repayment, your credit report will show how many months you’re overdue. 



This information stays on your credit report for 24 months. We share your RHI with credit reporting bodies Equifax, illion and Experian every month.

Learn more about late payments and credit reporting.

What is financial hardship information (FHI)?

Financial Hardship Information (FHI) appears on your credit report when you’ve entered into a formal hardship arrangement with your lender. It shows that you're taking steps to manage your financial situation and work toward recovery.

Financial Hardship Information stays on your credit report for 12 months.

What is a credit enquiry?

A credit enquiry, also known as a credit check, occurs when a lender (such as a bank) reviews your credit history as part of an application for a product like a loan or credit card. This helps them assess your repayment history and make a decision about whether to approve or decline your application.

Credit enquiries stay on your credit report for five years.

What is a default listing?

A default listing appears on your credit report when you've missed multiple payments on a debt such as a loan or credit card and the lender has formally marked the account as unpaid.

Before this happens, we’ll try to contact you through phone calls, letters and SMS. It’s important to get in touch with us early so we can offer support and help you manage your repayments.

Default listings stay on your credit report for five years.

Missed payments and your credit score

What is financial hardship arrangement?

A financial hardship arrangement, also known as a hardship support arrangement, is an agreement between you and your credit provider to help make your repayments more manageable.

It shows other credit providers that you're actively working to improve your financial situation and stay on track.

This information stays on your credit report for 12 months.

Will a hardship arrangement impact my credit score?

No, entering into a financial hardship arrangement does not affect your credit score.

Your credit report will show that a hardship arrangement is in place, but it won’t include the reason for the arrangement. 

This information remains on your report for 12 months.

Is my credit score affected if I miss repayments?

If you miss a regular repayment, we’ll try to contact you through phone calls, letters and SMS to understand your situation and work with you on a tailored solution.

If we’re unable to reach you and the payment remains overdue, the missed payment may be recorded on your credit report. This could negatively impact your credit score.

Debt escalation process

Default notice

A default notice will tell you how you are in default of your credit card, personal loan or home loan and how you need to fix it.  For example, if the default is that you’ve missed repayments, we will give you at least 30 days to catch up on your repayments.  We’ll usually only issue a default notice if you have missed some scheduled repayments and you aren’t already working with us to find a solution.

Demand notice

If you can’t fix the default shown in the default notice, we or a third party acting on our behalf, will send you a demand notice that requires you to repay the entire credit card, personal loan or home loan balance.  We’ll usually issue a demand notice if we haven’t reached an agreement to repay the overdue amounts that works for both you and us. 

Pre-listing letter

This formal letter provides an update regarding your overdue debt before the lender records a default on your credit report. A default notice and demand notice will be issued to give you the opportunity to contact us.

Financial assistance for your needs

Support for the products you rely on, when you need it most.

Free, independent and confidential financial counselling

Financial counsellors offer free, independent and confidential advice to help you better manage your money and get you back on track. 

A financial counsellor may be able to speak directly with NAB and other lenders on your behalf, so you don’t have to manage conversations with multiple banks or service providers yourself.

Extra support when you need it

We understand that life can be challenging sometimes. That’s why we offer support for a range of situations.

Accessible help for everyone

We offer a range of accessible services to help you access the right support, in the way that works best for you.

External support

Access support from our specialised external partners for tailored advice and additional assistance.

Get in touch

Visit a NAB branch

Visit your nearest NAB branch to speak to us in person.

Give us feedback

Suggestions, compliments and complaints.

Request financial hardship assistance online

If you’re having trouble making repayments, you can request assistance via our online form.

Important information