Check Your Credit Record

If you want to improve your credit history, it's important to check your credit record for errors. Here's what to do...

If a lender turns down your credit application, write to that organisation and ask which credit reference agency they used to help them arrive at their decision. They’re legally obliged to tell you. This letter should do the trick.

Dear Sir/Madam

I am writing with regard to the refusal of my recent loan/credit card application. Please provide me with the details of any credit reference agency that you approached for information about me.

I look forward to hearing from you within the statutory period of seven working days from receipt of this letter.

Yours Sincerely

Once they reply, giving you the name of the credit reference agency that they used, the next step is to write to the relevant agency to get a copy of your credit record.

There are three main credit reference agencies in the UK.

C.H.S. Experian
P.O. Box 8000
NOTTINGHAM
NG80 7WF

Call 0870 241 6212 or visit http://www.experian.co.uk

Equifax, plc
Credit File advice centre
P.O. Box 1140
BRADFORD
BD1 5US

Call 0870 010 0583 or visit http://www.equifax.co.uk

Call Credit
Consumer Services Team
P.O. Box 491
LEEDS
LS3 1WZ

Call 0870 060 1414 or visit http://www.callcredit.plc.uk

For a small fee (£2) you can request a copy of the information that they hold on record concerning you. Send a cheque or postal order made payable to; Experian Ltd, Equifax plc or Callcredit plc. Reports can also be ordered by telephone or online using a credit or debit card. Orders by phone may cost slightly more (e.g. £2.50).

Ask them for a copy of your Statutory Credit Report. Give your full name (including your maiden name if this is appropriate), any other names that you’re known by, your date of birth, your full current address, any previous addresses that you’ve had in the past 6 years, and your signature. If you don’t know your postcode, you can check at http://www.royalmail.co.uk

If you run a business, give its name and address as well, because they may hold separate information on you under your business details.

You have a right to have this information posted to you within 7 working days of your request being received by the credit reference agency.

Part 3: Correct your credit record

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