Most New Zealanders don't know what's in their credit report, with some believing it includes their criminal record, religious beliefs and medical account.
A survey conducted by credit reporting agency Dun & Bradstreet found only 10 per cent knew everything which can be included in their credit reports since new rules came into force in April.
Three out of 10 people surveyed thought their criminal records were included, while 5 per cent thought their medical account information was included and 4 per cent thought religious preferences were included.
Before April 1, credit reports included personal identification details such as name and date of birth, a record of defaults, bankruptcy details, the number of credit enquiries made, by whom and when, and court judgments pertaining to financial matters.
Since April 1 they also include when an account was opened and/or closed, the type of credit account, a person's credit limit, the 24-month history of repayments made on time and more than one day late, and details of the lender.
The survey showed only 21 per cent of people could identify a single item listed on their credit report.
NZN
