We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More » This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

Credit file & ratings

Discuss everything to do with credit checks and credit reference agencies.

What your credit score really means
Hi! This is the discussion thread for the What credit scores really mean guide. Click reply below to discuss. If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply. Thanks folks,
What your Credit Score really means - Please read first before posting about a credit score issue.
Hi all! This is the discussion thread for the What credit scores really mean guide. Well, what does your credit score really mean ?. By Martin If you've paid to get a credit score from one of the credit agencies, how reliable is it? We run through the truth about credit scores. I’ve just found out that my credit score has…
New to the Credit File & Ratings board? Start here
Useful links to MoneySavingExpert.com guides * Top tips to build your credit score * How to check your credit report for Free * Credit Club * Build your credit history * Student credit scoring * Should I get a loan if I have a bad credit score? 💡 If there's a link you think we should include here, please send me a message!
CCJ Nearly Six years old now getting contacted
I defaulted on a debit in 2013 due to marrige brekdown the debit was sold several times, and a ccj was placed on it in summer 2019, I moved house and went to my old house to collect post to find I now had a ccj. I didn't hear anything more so I did forget about it. I have now received a letter from Irden Capitol Services…
Experian and my bank
Hello. I requested that Experian send me all of the data which they hold on me. Its possibly naive of me to have been surprised to see that each of my banks gives them a list of the monthly credits to my current account with them. Can I stop this from happening? I don't recall giving the bank(s) permission to do this and I…
Airbnb Situation :( Worrying!
Hello everybody :) Really hoping you can advise please on my situation and if this is likely to cause me issues down the line! I will try to keep the story brief as possible! Joined Airbnb and booked a one night stay for a parent's birthday. Unfortunately whilst there by accident one of my family spilled a pot of the…
DWP checks
Anyone answer this please.... I understand GOVERNMENT AGENCIES are allowed to see your personal Financial Records however I don't know how they access this information. I know there are CREDIT REFERENCE AGENCIES...do the DWP / HMRC access records from all of these agencies ?
Score dropped after recommended credit usage
Hi all, I'm pretty confused. I've had a credit card for a few years but have only just started using it in the last 2-3 months. It has a limit of £1k. I use it for most things and pay it off gradually throughout the month. I started using it to improve my score. Near the end of the month I make sure I have £100 on it - so…
Does your oldest account really make a difference to your credit score?
I've just moved current accounts again, and as a result I have added to my ever-increasing collection of credit cards. I now have 6, with a total credit limit of £20,000. I don't need that many (who does?!), and some need to go. I'm constantly advised by the likes of Credit Karma that a total limit of £15k is a good thing;…
Why Scammers (Often) Win: My Bank Holiday Nightmare Protecting My Identity (That Wasn't Even Stolen!
Hey everyone, Ever had that sinking feeling in your stomach when you realise you might have just handed over sensitive information to the wrong people? I had that dubious pleasure over the recent bank holiday weekend, and it’s left me convinced that scammers often have the upper hand, simply because protecting yourself is…
CCJ's and rights/help as a disabled person?
Hello, A basic summary of my situation is that I am Autistic, I have CCJ, I would like to move out of the city because its making me ill and Im worried the CCJ will put off landlords. I was never given the option for "breathing space" or any other help. Are there any grounds for applying for the CCJ to be removed/changed…
CIFAS SAR response 'issued' but how long to receive?
I filled in a SAR yesterday and am surprised to see that clicking into the status URL it seems to be ready, 'We have completed your request and have issued our response to you which you should receive within 5 business days.' I'm pretty sure they send the response via email, so how long does this actually take as I don't…
Moved: Son and CCJ for parking fine
This discussion has been moved.
Housekeeping for good credit
I saw a news story the other day about someone discovering someone had taken out finance in their name via some sort of identity theft. Lots of advice was to somehow 'lock' your credit score from being checked without permission. I don't really have the need to check my credit score - I have credit cards, they all get paid…
Credit Score
Hi I received an email to advise me that my latest report was available to view and advised me on how I could increase the score. It stated that I could register to vote which could increase my rating. I have checked and I am registered to vote, but I am not on the open register. The council has advised me that this will…
AMEX Missed Payment – Credit Report Flag
Hello, I'm currently remortgaging (due October) and have a flag on my account for 1 missed payment which i'm worried will impact my borrowing ability. Complete mistake, accidentally missed a payment by 6 days as I was going through a busy period with a new job role. Otherwise have never missed a payment, always pay in full…
CCJ appeared no idea about it
Hi I had an email this morning from ClearScore saying my scores gone down. Check it and there’s a CCJ on there which I’ve got no idea about. I’ve just broke down crying, I’ve had enough of everything. I’m having a tough time with my family life and my debt problems are bad enough as it is but I never expected a ccj, I…
2 missed payments for loan i knew nothing about.
I recently checked my credit report to find i had 2 late payment marks for a £17 unsecured loan i knew nothing about. This account was not on my report a few weeks before yet states its been open since August 2024 and the leave it till now to leave the 2 missed payment marks even though I haven’t paid anything for the…
CIFAS DSAR - Response Issued but No Email
Hi All, I recently raised a DSAR request with CIFAS, not as a result of any problems etc but out of general interest. Looking at their tracker, it says that the response was issued yesterday, however I can’t see anything in my email indicating something has been sent (I’ve been through my junk etc.). Has anybody had the…
Moneybarn - Link Financial
Hi, looking for some advice. I had a car on finance with Moneybarn and they agreed to a Voluntary termination in August 2024. I was left with an outstanding amount of £1069 which they agreed I could pay off at £80 a month. I have paid this every month. At the beginning of May this year I received a letter from Moneybarn…
Credit Club Affordability Score
Hello, I have a query re the Credit Club - apologies if this has been answered elsewhere. I retired relatively early so live off a small pension and a mixture of different savings. The Credit Club insisted that I do not include any savings in my income (unless I misunderstood it) so I now look like a pauper and have been…
Is It Better To Pay in Full or Pay Less
Hi everyone I didn't pay our water bill and subsequently have a CCJ against me for £3000. I feel very bad because my husband has been included in this even though the water was in my name only. As a result of this his credit card limit has been put down from £7k to £500. So far we've paid UK Search two lots of payments as…
Financial connection - need to remove them?
I noticed on my Transunion credit report I have under “financially connected or was previously connected to’ my husband who I am separated from. It says last confirmed in 2016 a secured loan that we then paid off in 2019 when we sold our house. That’s the only thing showing in there and only connection we have. But is a…

★ ★ ★ Meet your Ambassadors

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

MSE News

Winter Fuel Payments extension confirmed for this winter – watch Martin Lewis' instant response and his message to the Chancellor
Winter Fuel Payments will be extended to more pensioners this winter – though not to everyone – the Chancellor has today confirmed. However, exact details of who will now qualify still remain scant. Watch MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis give his instant response, as well as his key message for Rachel Reeves.
Nationwide Fairer Share: Free £100 bonus confirmed for 2025 – here's who will get it
If you bank with Nationwide, you could get a free £100 paid into your account in June or July as part of the building society's 'Fairer Share' scheme. The bonus will be paid to millions of its current account customers who also have savings or a mortgage with it.
Forced onto a prepay energy meter? You may be due money back as 10,000s to be compensated
If you had an energy prepayment meter forcibly installed or your smart meter was remotely switched to prepay mode without your permission, you could be entitled to compensation of up to £1,000 and may even be eligible to have your energy debts written off.
Tesco shopper? It's your last chance to use £15 million worth of Clubcard vouchers – or extend them with our trick
If you've got a Tesco Clubcard, check if you have any vouchers close to expiring, as nearly £15 million-worth are due to run out on Saturday 31 May. Don't want to spend your vouchers yet? We've got a trick to extend their validity.
Nationwide Fairer Share: Free £100 bonus confirmed for 2025 – here's who will get it
If you bank with Nationwide, you could get a free £100 paid into your account next month as part of the building society's 'Fairer Share' scheme. The bonus will be paid to millions of its current account customers who also have savings or a mortgage with it.
Misleading Child Trust Fund claims ads BANNED after MSE complaint – here's how to trace yours for free
Misleading Child Trust Fund (CTF) adverts that targeted young people on social media have been banned following a complaint by MoneySavingExpert.com. The Turner Lewis Ltd ads claimed savers had "nothing to lose" despite the firm charging possibly £100s for its services.
Last chance: Aged 20 to 25? Trick to get a FREE four-year railcard worth £100 from Santander
If you're aged 20 to 25, there's a trick right now that can get you a free four-year railcard worth £100 via the bank Santander – but you'll need to be quick as the offer ends on Friday 30 May. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis takes you through it.
Tesco shopper? You've just DAYS left to use £15 million worth of Clubcard vouchers – or extend them with our trick
If you've got a Tesco Clubcard, check if you have any vouchers close to expiring, as nearly £15 million-worth are due to run out on Saturday 31 May. Don't want to spend your vouchers yet? We've got a trick to extend their validity.
Martin Lewis: Are you one of 800,000 parents missing out on up to £2,000 a year towards childcare costs?
If you pay for childcare, whether just for the summer or all year round, watch this urgent video briefing on the help that's available.

View All

Credit file & ratings

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free

Credit file & ratings

Discussion List

Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply

🚀 Getting Started

Categories

Is this how you want to be seen?

Get our FREE Weekly email full of deals & guides - and it’s spam-free