The Credit Decline Letter is a crucial document in the Australian financial services landscape, required when a credit provider declines a credit application. It must be issued in compliance with the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009, the Privacy Act 1988, and relevant state regulations. The letter serves multiple purposes: it formally communicates the credit decision, provides legally required information about the decision basis, informs applicants of their rights regarding credit reporting information, and outlines available dispute resolution processes. The document must strike a balance between being informative enough to meet regulatory requirements while being clear and understandable for customers, and avoiding disclosure of proprietary assessment criteria.

1. Letterhead and Date: Company letterhead, current date, and reference number if applicable

2. Customer Details: Full name and address of the applicant

3. Application Reference: Details of the credit product applied for and application reference number

4. Decision Statement: Clear statement that the credit application has been declined

5. Reason for Decline: General explanation for the credit decline decision, ensuring compliance with privacy laws

6. Credit Reporting Information: Statement about whether credit reporting information was accessed and which credit reporting body was used

7. Customer Rights: Information about the customer's right to access their credit report and complaint resolution options