Credit Guide

Last updated: 27 January 2025

1. Introduction

This Credit Guide is provided by ATOZ Lending ("we", "our", or "us") in compliance with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (NCCP Act) and the National Credit Code. It explains your rights and responsibilities when applying for credit, how we assess applications, and what to expect from the lending process.

2. About ATOZ Lending

ATOZ Lending
ABN: 00 000 000 000
Address: Bella Vista, NSW 2153
Email: hello@atozlending.com.au
Phone: 1300 000 000

We are a credit assistance provider that helps you find suitable credit products from various lenders. We do not provide credit directly but act as an intermediary to match you with appropriate lenders and credit products.

3. Our Services

We provide the following credit assistance services:

• Assessing your credit needs and objectives
• Recommending suitable credit products
• Assisting with credit applications
• Providing ongoing support throughout the credit process
• Helping with credit-related queries and concerns

4. How We Assess Your Application

4.1 Initial Assessment

When you apply for credit assistance, we will:

• Gather information about your financial situation
• Understand your credit needs and objectives
• Assess your capacity to repay credit
• Consider your credit history and score
• Evaluate the suitability of different credit options

4.2 Information We Collect

To properly assess your application, we may collect:

• Personal identification details
• Employment and income information
• Bank account and financial statements
• Credit history and reports
• Existing debts and financial commitments
• Asset and liability information

4.3 Credit Assessment Criteria

Lenders typically consider the following factors:

• Income and Employment: Stable income and employment history
• Credit History: Past credit behavior and repayment history
• Debt-to-Income Ratio: Total debt compared to income
• Security: Assets that can secure the loan
• Purpose: Reason for seeking credit
• Capacity: Ability to make regular repayments

5. Your Rights and Responsibilities

5.1 Your Rights

As a credit applicant, you have the right to:

• Receive clear information about credit products
• Know the total cost of credit (including fees and charges)
• Receive a copy of your credit contract
• Request changes to your credit contract
• Complain about credit-related issues
• Access your credit information
• Dispute incorrect credit information

5.2 Your Responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• Providing accurate and complete information
• Making repayments on time
• Notifying us of changes in circumstances
• Reading and understanding credit contracts
• Seeking help if you experience financial difficulty

6. Credit Products We Can Assist With

6.1 Business Finance

• Working capital loans
• Equipment and asset finance
• Invoice finance and factoring
• Commercial property loans
• Trade finance
• Business acquisition finance

6.2 Personal Finance

• Personal loans
• Car and vehicle finance
• Debt consolidation loans
• Home improvement loans
• Investment property loans
• Specialised finance solutions

7. Fees and Charges

7.1 Our Fees

We may charge fees for our services, including:

• Application processing fees
• Credit assessment fees
• Ongoing service fees
• Early termination fees (if applicable)

7.2 Lender Fees

Lenders may charge various fees, including:

• Establishment fees
• Monthly account keeping fees
• Late payment fees
• Early repayment fees
• Default fees

Important: All fees and charges will be clearly disclosed before you proceed with any credit application.

8. Credit Reporting

8.1 What is Credit Reporting?

Credit reporting involves sharing information about your credit history with credit reporting bodies. This information helps lenders assess your creditworthiness.

8.2 Information Shared

Credit reporting bodies may collect and share:

• Personal identification details
• Credit account information
• Repayment history
• Default information
• Court judgments
• Bankruptcy information

8.3 Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your credit report for free
• Request corrections to incorrect information
• Add explanatory statements to your report
• Opt out of pre-screening offers

9. Financial Hardship

9.1 What is Financial Hardship?

Financial hardship occurs when you are unable to meet your credit obligations due to unexpected circumstances such as:

• Illness or injury
• Job loss or reduced income
• Natural disasters
• Family breakdown
• Other unforeseen events

9.2 What to Do

If you experience financial hardship:

1. Contact us immediately
2. Explain your situation honestly
3. Provide supporting documentation
4. Discuss possible solutions
5. Keep records of all communications

9.3 Possible Solutions

We may be able to help with:

• Payment plan arrangements
• Temporary payment reductions
• Interest-free periods
• Debt consolidation options
• Referrals to financial counselors

10. Complaints and Disputes

10.1 Internal Complaints Process

If you have a complaint:

1. Contact us directly to discuss the issue
2. We will investigate and respond within 30 days
3. If not resolved, we will provide escalation options

10.2 External Dispute Resolution

If we cannot resolve your complaint, you can contact:

• Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA): www.afca.org.au
• NSW Fair Trading: www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
• Financial Rights Legal Centre: www.financialrights.org.au

11. Privacy and Information Security

11.1 How We Protect Your Information

We protect your personal and financial information through:

• Secure data transmission and storage
• Access controls and authentication
• Regular security audits
• Employee training and awareness
• Compliance with privacy laws

11.2 Information Sharing

We may share your information with:

• Lenders and credit providers
• Credit reporting bodies
• Service providers and contractors
• Regulatory authorities (when required)

For detailed information about how we handle your information, please see our Privacy Policy.

12. Important Disclaimers

12.1 No Guarantee of Approval

We cannot guarantee that your credit application will be approved. Approval depends on various factors including:

• Your financial circumstances
• Credit history and score
• Lender policies and criteria
• Market conditions

12.2 Professional Advice

This guide provides general information only and does not constitute financial advice. We recommend:

• Seeking independent financial advice
• Reading all documentation carefully
• Understanding the total cost of credit
• Considering alternatives to credit

13. Contact Information

13.1 General Enquiries

ATOZ Lending
Email: hello@atozlending.com.au
Phone: 1300 000 000
Address: Bella Vista, NSW 2153

13.2 Complaints and Disputes

For complaints or disputes, please contact us first. If we cannot resolve the issue, you may contact external dispute resolution services listed above.

13.3 Emergency Contact

For urgent financial hardship or default situations, please contact us immediately during business hours.

14. Updates to This Guide

We may update this Credit Guide from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes through our website or direct communication. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of the updated guide.

This Credit Guide is effective as of 27 January 2025 and supersedes all previous versions.