Two thirds of UK adults have not checked their credit report in the last five years, according to a survey by the Money Advice Service.
Their research shows:
- 97% of people have heard of credit reports, but few check their rating
- many do not realise what credit reports are used for; 13% thought they are used in criminal record checks
- 9 out of 10 people knew that financial companies check credit scores during credit applications
- 50% did not realise that lenders also make checks when considering phone contracts and rental accommodation applications
Your Statutory Credit Report can be obtained from a credit agency for £2. The report will contain information covering the last six years, including:
- name, previous and current addresses, date of birth
- your current account provider and any overdraft details
- a list of any credit and store cards, loans or mortgages you have
- details of late or missed payments
- public record information, such as County Court Judgements, property repossessions and bankruptcies
If you find any mistakes on your credit report, contact the credit agency to correct it. You can ask for a note to be placed on your file while the errors are being rectified.
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