Default Gone Referral Program: How Brokers Earn Commission on Credit Disputes

Credit defaults kill deals. When a client’s application gets declined because of a default on their credit file, you need options beyond just waiting six months and trying again.

The Default Gone referral program gives finance brokers a structured way to help clients while earning commission on successful referrals.

Got a client whose finance application is held up by a default? Our broker referral program shares the value with the introducer when their client engages us. One form. Structured intake. We run the whole dispute process so you keep the relationship.

How the Default Gone referral program works

The referral program is designed for finance brokers, mortgage brokers and other professionals who encounter clients with credit file issues. When a client has a default that may be worth disputing, you refer them to Default Gone and earn commission when they proceed with the dispute service.

Here’s the basic process:

1. Client assessment — You identify that a default is blocking their application
2. Referral submission — You submit the client through your broker portal
3. Client consultation — Default Gone contacts the client directly within 24 hours
4. Dispute process — If the client proceeds, Default Gone handles the entire dispute
5. Commission payment — You earn commission on completed referrals
6. Deal progression — You can continue working the file while the dispute runs

The commission structure is transparent and tracked through your dedicated broker portal. There are no hidden fees, no clawbacks for unsuccessful disputes, and no requirement to undertaking outcomes to your clients.

Commission structure and payment terms

The Default Gone referral program operates on a percentage commission basis for each completed client engagement. When a referred client proceeds with the dispute service at the standard $399 fee, the referring broker earns a commission.

Payment terms:

• Commission rate: Competitive percentage of the client fee
• Payment timing: Monthly commission runs for the previous month’s completed referrals
• Minimum threshold: No minimum commission amount for payment
• Payment method: Direct bank transfer to your nominated account
• Tracking: Full visibility through your broker portal dashboard

Commissions are paid on completed engagements, regardless of whether the default is ultimately removed. This aligns with the reality that dispute outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case, and Default Gone does not undertaking removal.

Who qualifies for the referral program

The program is open to:

• Finance brokers with current industry framework or working under an industry framework holder
• Mortgage brokers operating in the residential or commercial space
• Business finance specialists who encounter commercial credit issues
• Accountants who advise clients on business finance applications
• Financial advisers with appropriate licensing
• Other professionals who regularly encounter credit file issues in their practice

Application requirements include:

• Current professional indemnity insurance
• Valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Established business with regular client flow
• Agreement to Default Gone’s referral terms and conditions

There are no minimum referral quotas or exclusive dealing requirements. You can refer clients as they arise, whether that’s one per month or ten per month.

What clients get through the referral

When you refer a client to Default Gone, they receive the same service as any direct client:

• Initial assessment of their credit file and default circumstances
• Document collection and preparation of the dispute submission
• Formal lodgement with the credit provider and/or credit reporting body
• Response tracking through the 30-day statutory window
• Plain English explanation of the outcome and next steps

The standard fee is $399 per consumer, per default (limited launch pricing — normally $399). There are no stage fees, no success fees based on outcomes, and no surprise invoices.

Clients understand that Default Gone does not undertaking removal. The fee covers the work performed, not the outcome. This realistic approach helps manage client expectations from the start.

How to register as a referral partner

Joining the Default Gone referral program involves a straightforward application process:

Step 1: Submit your application

• Complete the broker referral application
• Provide your business details and professional credentials
• Upload current insurance certificates and licensing documentation
• Agree to the referral terms and conditions

Step 2: Account setup

• Receive your unique broker referral code
• Access your dedicated portal dashboard
• Download client referral forms and process guides
• Set up your commission payment details

Step 3: Start referring

• Assess client situations for potential default disputes
• Submit referrals through your portal or via the referral hotline
• Track progress through your dashboard
• Earn commission on completed engagements

The entire setup process typically takes 3-5 business days from application to active referral capability.

Client assessment criteria: when to refer

Not every default is worth disputing, and part of providing good client service is knowing when to recommend the dispute process. Here are the key indicators that a referral may be worthwhile:

Strong referral candidates:

• Defaults listed with incorrect amounts or dates
• Defaults where the required notices were not sent to the correct address
• Defaults on accounts the client believes were paid in full
• Defaults listed by creditors who did not follow the proper process
• Defaults where the underlying debt is genuinely disputed
• Paid defaults still showing as unpaid on the credit file

Questionable referral candidates:

• Defaults that are clearly valid and correctly listed
• Very recent defaults (under 12 months) where the client acknowledges the debt
• Defaults where the client simply wants them removed due to inconvenience
• Situations where the client’s primary issue is credit score rather than specific listings

When in doubt, refer the client for assessment. The initial Default Gone consultation will determine whether there are genuine grounds for dispute without any cost to the client or commitment to proceed.

Integration with your existing process

The referral program is designed to fit into your current workflow without major changes:

During application assessment

When reviewing a client’s credit file and identifying defaults, you can immediately flag potential disputes and set expectations that this may be an option worth exploring.

After application decline

If an application is declined due to credit file issues, you can position the dispute process as one pathway while continuing to work other options (different lenders, guarantor structures, etc.).

Parallel processing

Credit disputes run on a 30-day timeline with credit providers. This gives you time to explore other deal structures or alternative lenders while the dispute progresses. Many brokers find this parallel approach more effective than simply waiting.

Client communication

You maintain the primary client relationship throughout. Default Gone handles the technical dispute process but keeps you informed of major developments and outcomes.

Support and training for referral partners

Default Gone provides ongoing support to ensure referral partners can effectively identify and submit suitable cases:

Training materials:

• Client assessment guides and checklists
• Common default dispute scenarios and outcomes
• How to explain the dispute process to clients
• Integration tips for different broker CRM systems

Ongoing support:

• Dedicated broker support line for urgent referrals
• Regular updates on process improvements and success patterns
• Case study examples (anonymised) for learning purposes
• Quarterly webinars on credit file trends and dispute opportunities

Technical support:

• Portal training and troubleshooting
• Commission tracking and payment queries
• Referral form and process questions
• Integration assistance for high-volume partners

The goal is to make the referral process simple and effective while ensuring clients receive appropriate service.

What to check before making a referral

• [ ] Client has provided a recent credit report (within 3 months)
• [ ] Default details are clearly visible (creditor, amount, date, status)
• [ ] Client can explain the circumstances around the default
• [ ] Client has relevant documents (statements, correspondence, receipts)
• [ ] Client understands that dispute outcomes are not sought
• [ ] Client is prepared for the $399 fee if they proceed
• [ ] You have completed the referral form with accurate client details
• [ ] Client has consented to the referral and contact from Default Gone

Different client scenarios and referral approaches

First home buyers

First home buyers often have limited credit history, making any negative listings particularly damaging. They’re usually motivated to address credit issues quickly and are good referral candidates when defaults appear questionable.

Investment property clients

Investors may have multiple credit files (personal and business) and more complex lending arrangements. Focus on defaults that are clearly blocking deals rather than minor credit score impacts.

Commercial clients

Business lending often involves director guarantees and both personal and company credit files. Commercial defaults can be particularly complex and may benefit from the dispute process.

Refinancing clients

Clients refinancing existing loans may not have fully reviewed their credit files recently. Older defaults that were previously overlooked may now be worth disputing if they’re affecting new lending decisions.

Tracking and reporting through your portal

The broker portal provides real-time visibility into your referral pipeline:

Dashboard overview:

• Total referrals submitted (current month and year-to-date)
• Referrals in progress with current status
• Completed referrals and commission earned
• Average time to client contact and completion

Individual referral tracking:

• Client contact status and consultation outcome
• Document collection progress
• Dispute lodgement and response tracking
• Final outcome and commission status

Commission reporting:

• Monthly commission summaries
• Payment history and upcoming payments
• Year-to-date earnings for tax purposes
• Detailed breakdown by client and referral date

Performance insights:

• Referral conversion rates (consultation to engagement)
• Common client scenarios and outcomes
• Feedback trends and service improvements
• Seasonal patterns in referral activity

This data helps you understand which types of referrals work best and refine your client assessment process over time.

Common questions from referring partners

Can I refer family members or my own credit issues?

The referral program is designed for client referrals in the course of your professional practice. Personal referrals (family, friends, your own credit issues) don’t qualify for commission but can still access the standard Default Gone service.

What if my client decides not to proceed after the consultation?

No commission is payable if a client doesn’t proceed with the dispute service. However, there’s no negative impact on your referral partner status, and the consultation helps the client make an informed decision.

How long do disputes typically take?

Credit providers have 30 days to respond to dispute submissions. Most responses come within 2-3 weeks. Complex cases or those requiring additional documentation may take longer.

Can I track multiple disputes for the same client?

Yes, if a client has multiple defaults worth disputing, each default is treated as a separate engagement with separate commission potential.

What happens if a client complains about the service?

Default Gone handles all client service issues directly. Serious complaints are investigated and resolved according to the service terms and conditions. Referring partners are kept informed of any issues affecting their clients.

How Default Gone helps

Default Gone helps Australians challenge unfair, incorrect or unlawfully listed defaults. We collect the relevant information, prepare the dispute, lodge it with the credit provider and/or credit reporting body, track the response and explain the outcome in plain English.

The standard Default Gone service is $399 per consumer, per default (limited launch pricing — normally $399). There are no stage fees, no success fees and no surprise invoices. The fee covers the work performed, not a sought outcome.

Next steps for potential referral partners

The Default Gone referral program offers a practical way to help clients while building an additional revenue stream. Credit defaults are common obstacles in finance applications, and having a structured response option benefits both clients and brokers.

If you’re interested in joining the referral program, the application process is straightforward and designed to get you set up quickly. The program works alongside your existing processes rather than requiring major workflow changes.

For more information about specific client scenarios, review our guides on helping clients with default listings and pre-application credit clean-up strategies.

Disclaimer

Default Gone is not a law firm and does not provide legal or financial advice. We do not undertaking that a default or judgement will be removed. Outcomes depend on the facts, documents and response from the credit provider, credit reporting body or relevant legal pathway.

Frequently asked questions

How much commission do referral partners earn?

Referral partners earn a competitive percentage commission on each completed client engagement. Specific commission rates are provided during the application process and vary based on referral volume and partner tier.

Is there a minimum number of referrals required?

No, there are no minimum referral quotas. You can refer clients as they arise, whether that’s one client per month or ten clients per month. The program is designed to be flexible for different practice sizes.

How quickly are commissions paid?

Commissions are calculated monthly for the previous month’s completed referrals and paid via direct bank transfer. There’s no minimum commission threshold, so even single referrals are paid promptly.

Can I refer clients who have already contacted Default Gone directly?

Referrals must be submitted before the client makes direct contact with Default Gone. This ensures proper attribution and commission tracking. Clients who have already engaged directly cannot be retrospectively claimed as referrals.

What documentation do I need to provide when applying?

You’ll need current professional indemnity insurance certificates, proof of licensing (industry framework or similar), business registration details (ABN), and bank account details for commission payments. The application process guides you through each requirement.

Do I need to undertaking outcomes to my clients?

No, you should never undertaking that a default will be removed. Default Gone does not undertaking removal, and referral partners should set realistic expectations that the service covers the dispute process, not a specific outcome.

How long does the referral partner application take?

Most applications are processed within 3-5 business days. You’ll receive your broker portal access and referral materials once your application is approved and all documentation is verified.

Can I track my referrals in real time?

Yes, the broker portal provides real-time updates on referral status, from initial client contact through to dispute completion and commission calculation. You’ll have full visibility into your referral pipeline.

What support is available for new referral partners?

New partners receive comprehensive training materials, access to a dedicated support line, and ongoing updates about the dispute process. Regular webinars and case studies help partners improve their referral assessment skills.

Are there any costs to join the referral program?

No, there are no joining fees, ongoing membership costs, or other charges. The program is designed to provide value to partners without upfront investment.