COVID-19 & Credit
Help to navigate financially in a global pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought much uncertainty to our daily lives. It has changed the way we work, go to school, and socialise. The health of our families and communities are a priority for Equifax, as well as helping consumers understand and manage their credit profiles. For many people COVID-19 has meant a change to their employment, income or business and this has put pressure on the ability to make ends meet and repay financial commitments.
At Equifax, we have data and information that can help. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:
The first thing you should do is to contact your lender and find out what your options are. Many lenders have hardship provisions in place and are offering ‘payment deferrals’ for a set period. As many contact centres have been inundated with calls, a good starting point is to check your lenders’ website for more information as most have specific COVID-19 support sections.
The four big banks have support packages for both consumers and businesses to help those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic:
There is also the ability to take a 6 month mortgage payment deferral. See www.covid19.govt.nz
The impact of COVID-19 on an individual’s credit report and score depends on the way information is reported by credit providers to Equifax and other credit reporting bodies.
Loan repayments are reflected in consumers’ credit reports as part of the repayment history information (RHI). If repayments are made on time each month this is reflected in a credit report and considered as part of an Equifax Score. Making repayments on time each month has a positive impact but several missed repayments can negatively impact your Equifax credit score. In the event a person has arranged a mortgage deferral, this will not impact a person’s credit score. During the deferral period no payments are due, so the repayments will be treated as being up to date, as long as the repayments were up to date before the deferral period began.
Equifax has put together these tips to help consumers manage their credit report during this time:
- If you are experiencing financial hardship contact your lenders and credit providers. Find out what your options are if you are unable to pay on time, or the full amount due, and ask if there is any assistance available.
- Pay what you can. To avoid having late payments show up on your credit reports, try to make at least the minimum payment on accounts, or pay any amount you and the lender or creditor agree upon.
- Stay up-to-date with your credit report. You are entitled to a free copy of your credit report. https://www.mycreditfile.co.nz/
No, in New Zealand, we do not have the ability to add a file note to a credit report, except where the note is in relation to a request for a correction that has not been made.
Yes, you can get your free Equifax credit report at https://www.mycreditfile.co.nz/
Essential Guides
COVID + Credit: Protecting yourself and your credit file
The Covid-19 crisis is affecting many aspects of our lives, and protecting your credit is a critical part of navigating these challenging times. As with any crisis, scams and hacking attempts are rife – with both individuals and companies being targeted.
COVID + Credit: How to prioritise when money is tight
While you should do your best to pay your bills on time every month, that isn't always possible. If you find yourself in a tight spot, you may have to make hard financial decisions about where to channel your available resources.
Your questions answered - the impact of COVID-19 on your credit file
At Equifax we have had a number of queries from customers asking how the current situation will impact their credit report and score, especially if they are struggling to pay bills on time.
Equifax contact centres and support
We are currently experiencing a high volume of calls, as a result, there may be a longer hold time than usual. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused. We are continuing to process and respond to queries received via our website, and you can contact us via the channels below.
- To order a copy of your free credit report, please go to https://www.mycreditfile.co.nz/
- Lodge a correction about an incorrect entry on your credit report at https://www.mycreditfile.co.nz/credit-disputes
- To suppress your credit report visit https://www.equifax.co.nz/credit-file-suppression
- If you have any questions about the content of your credit report, download our explanatory guide.
- For more COVID-19 information, check out our q & a blog.