[Dave Noble]

Originally Posted by Reggie

With surnames like Packer, Murdoch etc possibly, but not likely for the masses I suspect.

Well, I have been offered in the past pre-approved debt cards where there was no credit check required so they do exist, but indeed, it is not that common and possibly less common these days

As far as the OP goes, I wouldn't get too paranoid about it if there is no indication of a new credit check for new credit and that it is from a current provider of credit

Dave

[beardoc]

I too noticed two accesses by Citibank of my credit file, in my case one in May 2007 and one in June 2007. I have not made any changes to my credit account with Citibank since I opened in in September 2006.

If you are concerned that someone is making an application on your behalf, don't be - if someone was applying for credit in your name, then there are places this would be picked up - for example, the list of known addresses on the first page of your credit file might have addresses which are unfamiliar to you (as people use your name, but have the credit application sent to another address), and an entry in your "personal credit applications" would show an application. In these cases, it's just that Citibank is having a peek at your file to see what's on there - perhaps they are wanting to get up to date addresses or see if you're applying for more credit with other providers (including maybe a home loan or a commercial loan).

That said, I have written to Citibank and asked them to explain why they accessed my account. I mentioned I am aware that they can, but I would like to have them explain their rationale for peeking at my credit file for seemingly no reason.

It will be interesting to see how they reply!

[one9]

Disclaimer: I don't know much about what I talk about below, but because no one else has mentioned it, I will post.

I believe Baycorp has recently introduced a new service for credit providers where they can sign up to the individuals credit files that they provide credit to, and are alerted each time there is a change to an individuals credit file.

I believe you will find a new page in your credit file which lists the credit providers that utilise this new service. From the four banks that I have credit cards with it seems that Citibank is the only bank using this service on my credit file.

[JohnK]

Please do not pay any notice to Baycorp or Veda. It really does not have much influence in credit card decision making unless you have a bad credit rating.

My situation is the perfect example if you wanted a real life experience. I have lost track of the number of credit cards I have applied for in the last 2 years, I get regular letters of credit limit increases and I take them up on the offer but I pay interest on the credit cards and always make the monthly repayments.

I couldn't care what has been added to my credit file since I last looked in July 2006. I have a very high credit rating and that is all that is important.

[sikeveo]

There is actually no credit rating system in australia, so you can't really have a really high one or low one. (sorry if I misunderstood you)

[beardoc]

Originally Posted by sikeveo

There is actually no credit rating system in australia, so you can't really have a really high one or low one. (sorry if I misunderstood you)

You're right - Australia only has a "negative rating" system, where black marks are recorded against you, but not whether you have been a good credit risk. There is no "credit score" like in the USA.

[MelUser]

Pardon my ignorance but who is "VEDA" and how would one go about viewing one's credit report or getting knowledge of its existence?

[LordGarlic]

Credit-worthiness guidelines - Credit Reputation - Australia

Check this out

[serfty]

Originally Posted by MelUser

Pardon my ignorance but who is "VEDA" and how would one go about viewing one's credit report or getting knowledge of its existence?

Years ago this entitity was referred to as "CRA", then it became "Baycorp" - it's now known as Veda" .

[beardoc]

Following my message via Citibank's Internet Banking service, I got a call back from a person at Citibank. I explained the situation, and that I was aware that others also had their credit files accessed more than once by Citibank back in May-July 2007.

He is going to get back to me on Wednesday with an explanation.