Your credit file is a document that presents a complete picture of your financial situation, both past and present, and is the primary deciding factor that leads your creditors to accept or decline your applications. So you can clearly see how important your credit report is! It’s also really important that you make sure the information recorded on your report is up to date and accurate. It is estimated that 7 in every 10 credit reports requested contain an error or incorrect entry of some sort! Just imagine the effect this must be having on your applications.
Your credit report is used to decide not only if you should be approved for a credit application, but it will also affect the rate of interest you pay, and also whether you will be required to provide a deposit or guarantor. Checking your credit file can be a quick and easy task that could mean the difference between getting that next credit card, motor loan or even a mortgage, so the sooner you check your report the better!
There are 3 main companies that collect and record your details and these are known as -credit referencing agencies’. The major 3 are Experian, Equifax and Trans-Union. You can apply individually to these agencies who are required to provide you with a copy, however there may be a fee associated with it.
Alternatively you can get a free copy of your credit report from all three companies here. These companies also offer subscription services to protect and monitor your files, which also helps prevent identity theft, but don’t think you have to pay for this! Regular credit report checks and common sense with your personal details (such as shredding) will certainly help keep you one step ahead!
Once you have copies of your report take a few minutes read through your file and highlight any potential problems you see. Once you have a list you can contact the referencing agency and let them know your disputes, they are legally obliged to look in to these for you. It may also help to write to the company who has entered the inaccurate info.
The most important thing for you to do is to get a copy of your report and check the details! You could be very surprised at what you discover! Remember you can get a free copy of your Free Instant Credit Report here, it really won’t cost you a dime. Good luck!