3. Can credit providers obtain a credit report about me at anytime they want?

No. A credit provider can only obtain a credit report about you in limited situations.

The Code allows a credit provider to obtain your credit report when a credit provider:

• considers your application for a new credit facility (e.g. a new loan);
• conducts a credit review of your existing credit facilities; or
• conducts a renewal of those existing credit facilities when due.

(Note: The word "review" means consideration by your credit provider of an increase or decrease in the credit amount.)

Your credit provider may also obtain your credit report when you fail to repay an amount that is overdue so that it can monitor your indebtedness.

However, your credit provider is not allowed to access your credit data for other purposes such as using the data for direct marketing purposes.