Getting quoted different fees from different credit dispute services can be confusing, especially when some charge hourly rates, others use stage payments, and a few promise ‘pay only if we succeed’ deals.
Default Gone uses a different approach: a flat fee of $399 per consumer, per default. No stage payments, no success fees, no hourly billing and no surprise invoices halfway through the process.
Got a default on your credit file? Lodge it with Default Gone right here, or call us on (02) 5502 7025. $399 flat per consumer per default. We do not guarantee removal — outcomes depend on the facts of each case — but we will prepare and lodge the dispute properly.
This guide explains why we structure pricing this way and exactly what work is included in the fee.
The problem with other pricing models
Most credit dispute services use one of three pricing approaches, each with significant drawbacks for consumers:
Hourly billing creates uncertainty
Some services charge by the hour, typically $200-400 per hour. The problem is that you never know how many hours the dispute will take. A straightforward case might need 2-3 hours of work, while a complex dispute involving multiple credit reporting bodies could stretch to 8-12 hours.
The consumer gets stuck with an unpredictable bill that could range from $600 to $4,800 for what should be the same service.
Stage payments hide the real cost
Other services break the work into stages and charge separately for each:
- Stage 1: Initial review and information gathering ($300)
- Stage 2: Dispute preparation and lodgement ($500)
- Stage 3: Response handling and follow-up ($400)
- Stage 4: Escalation if required ($600)
This approach makes the service look cheaper upfront, but most disputes need all four stages. The consumer ends up paying $1,800 for work that could have been quoted clearly from the start.
‘No win, no fee’ sounds good but has catches
Some services promise you only pay if the default gets removed. This sounds attractive until you read the fine print:
- Higher fees when they do succeed (often $1,500-3,000 per default)
- The consumer may still pay for ‘costs’ like document preparation fees
- Disputes that result in partial corrections (paid status, reduced amount) may still trigger the flat fee
- No incentive for the service to pursue disputes that may result in corrections rather than removals
Why flat-fee pricing works better
Default Gone charges $399 per consumer, per default because this approach benefits both the consumer and the service:
Certainty upfront
You know exactly what the dispute will cost before we start any work. No hourly surprises, no stage fees, no success charges calculated later.
Fair pricing regardless of complexity
Some defaults are straightforward to dispute. Others involve multiple credit reporting bodies, complex document trails or creditors who require detailed evidence packages.
Under our flat-fee structure, a consumer with a complex case pays the same as someone with a simple dispute. We absorb the cost difference rather than passing it through to individual clients.
No perverse incentives
Because we are paid the same amount whether the default gets removed, corrected or confirmed as valid, we focus on the facts of each case rather than gaming the outcome to maximise fees.
What’s included in the $399 fee
The flat fee covers all work required to properly dispute a default listing, from initial information gathering through to final outcome explanation:
Information gathering and case review
- Collecting relevant documents from the consumer
- Reviewing the default listing details on the credit file
- Checking the timeline against legal requirements
- Identifying potential grounds for dispute
- Determining which credit reporting bodies and creditors to contact
Dispute preparation
- Preparing the formal dispute letter with supporting arguments
- Gathering and organising supporting documents
- Ensuring the dispute meets all technical requirements
- Customising the approach based on the specific default and creditor
Lodgement and tracking
- Lodging the dispute with the relevant credit provider
- Lodging with credit reporting bodies where appropriate
- Tracking response timeframes and following up if required
- Maintaining the case file throughout the statutory response period
Response handling
- Reviewing the creditor’s response when it arrives
- Translating technical or legal responses into plain English
- Explaining what the response means for the consumer
- Advising on any further options if the initial dispute is declined
Follow-up where required
- Pursuing creditors who fail to respond within statutory timeframes
- Lodging follow-up disputes where new information becomes available
- Coordinating with multiple credit reporting bodies if the default appears on several files
What the fee doesn’t include
To keep pricing transparent, there are some services that fall outside the standard $399 fee:
Court judgement disputes
Court judgements require different expertise and may involve legal pathways such as seeking to set aside, correct or satisfy the judgement. These matters require a consultants-led judgement review and are quoted separately.
Multiple defaults for the same consumer
Each default requires separate dispute work, so we charge $399 per default. A consumer with three defaults would pay $399 total (3 × $399).
Document procurement services
If a consumer needs us to obtain copies of contracts, statements or other documents from creditors, this may involve additional time and administrative fees charged by the creditor. We handle the process but pass through any third-party charges.
External review pathway fees
If a dispute needs to be escalated to an external review pathway, there may be lodgement fees charged by the relevant body. These are statutory charges set by government, not Default Gone fees.
How our pricing compares
To put our $399 fee in context, consider what other approaches might cost:
Hourly billing comparison
At $300 per hour, our dispute work would typically cost $900-1,500 per default if billed hourly. The flat fee saves consumers money on most disputes.
consultants consultation rates
If you hired a commercial consultants to review and dispute a default, expect to pay $400-600 per hour. A straightforward dispute might cost $1,200-2,400, while a complex case could reach $4,000-6,000.
The cost of doing nothing
Compare any dispute fee to the cost of leaving an incorrect default on your credit file. A single default can increase home loan interest rates by 0.5-2% or block finance applications entirely. Over a 30-year loan, this extra interest easily exceeds $10,000-50,000.
Why we don’t undertaking removal
Some consumers ask why we charge a fee without guaranteeing the default will be removed. The answer is that legitimate dispute work cannot be sought:
Outcomes depend on facts
Some defaults are listed correctly and will be confirmed as valid. Others contain errors and may be removed or corrected. The outcome depends on the specific facts, documents and creditor response, not the quality of the dispute service.
Ethical obligations
A service that guarantees removal regardless of facts is essentially promising to fabricate grounds for dispute. This would be misleading to creditors and potentially fraudulent.
Focus on process, not outcomes
Our undertaking is about the work we perform: we will thoroughly review the default, prepare a proper dispute if grounds exist, lodge it correctly and explain the outcome clearly. The fee covers professional dispute work, not a sought result.
What to check before paying any dispute fee
Before engaging any credit dispute service, check these details:
- Total cost clarity: Ask for the total cost upfront, including all potential stage fees and success charges
- What work is included: Ensure the quote covers the full dispute process, not just initial review
- Timeframe expectations: Confirm how long the dispute process takes and what happens if creditors don’t respond
- undertaking claims: Be wary of services that undertaking removal regardless of the facts
- Additional fees: Check whether document fees, administration charges or external review costs are extra
- Qualification to provide the service: Verify the service understands Australian credit law and dispute processes
- Communication during the process: Ask how you will be updated on progress and response timeframes
- What happens after the dispute: Confirm whether follow-up work or explanations are included
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.
Court judgement matters are different from ordinary default disputes. They may require a consultants-led review and, where appropriate, a separate legal pathway such as seeking to set aside, correct, satisfy or update the judgement. These matters are quoted separately.
Getting started with transparent pricing
If a default is affecting your credit file and you want to understand whether it may be worth disputing, the first step is reviewing exactly what appears on your credit file.
You can start with a free credit scan to see what defaults are currently listed. This will show the creditor, amount, listing date and current status of each default.
For consumers ready to proceed with disputing a default, our flat-fee pricing structure provides certainty about costs upfront. No stage payments, no success fees and no hourly billing surprises.
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
What happens if I have multiple defaults?
Each default requires separate dispute work, so we charge $399 per default. If you have three defaults, the total cost would be $399 (3 × $399). Each default is assessed and disputed individually based on its specific circumstances.
Do you offer payment plans for the $399 fee?
The $399 fee is payable upfront before we commence dispute work. This ensures we can dedicate the necessary resources to your case without payment uncertainty. We don’t currently offer payment plan arrangements.
What if the credit provider doesn’t respond to the dispute?
If a credit provider fails to respond within the statutory 30-day timeframe, we follow up on your behalf as part of the standard service. Persistent non-response may require escalation to an external review pathway, which may involve additional lodgement fees set by the relevant body.
Is the $399 fee tax deductible?
The tax deductibility of credit dispute fees depends on your individual circumstances. If the default is affecting business finance or investment property loans, the fee may be deductible. Consult a tax professional for advice specific to your situation.
What happens if new information comes to light after we lodge the dispute?
If new relevant information becomes available during the dispute process, we incorporate it into our follow-up with the credit provider as part of the standard service. However, if you want to lodge an entirely new dispute based on different grounds months later, this would be treated as a separate case.
How does your fee compare to hiring a consultants directly?
Commercial consultants typically charge $400-600 per hour for credit dispute work. A straightforward dispute might cost $1,200-2,400 in legal fees, while complex cases could reach $4,000-6,000. Our flat $399 fee provides significant savings for most disputes while still delivering professional service.
Can I get a refund if the default isn’t removed?
The $399 fee covers the professional work we perform, not a sought outcome. Some defaults are listed correctly and will be confirmed as valid after proper review. We don’t offer refunds based on dispute outcomes, but we undertaking the quality and thoroughness of our dispute process.
Do you charge extra for disputes involving multiple credit reporting bodies?
No, the $399 fee covers lodging disputes with all relevant credit reporting bodies for that specific default. If your default appears on files with Equifax, Experian and Illion, we lodge disputes with all three as part of the standard service.