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Credit file & ratings

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

Missed Payment Drop Off
If a credit file has some missed payment markers for the same company spreading for example July 2018-Nov 2018, for the same debt. Do these all fall off together when the first missed payment marker hits 6 years or do they all fall off one by one each month?
What is zilch loan and getting them removed
Hi all, Looking on my credit file last night and found zilch loan on there with £0 as a balance and it's been active for a few years but I don't know who they are or why they are on my file so how do I get them deleted please Kind regards Mark
British Gas adding accounts
I'm with British Gas have been for years. I am regularly getting notifications from clearscore that a new account is being added. When I check British Gas are removing gas and electricity accounts and adding new ones. This has happened 3 times so far. I know the score isn't real but according to their scores mine goes…
missed payment on credit file error - how to resolve?
Hi all, Looking for some help - during Shell Energy transferring over to Octopus early this year we received a bill from Shell, however, when it has come to paying this shell energy is now closed. We contacted Octopus to make this payment to them since accounts were transferred and now there is no record of it so they are…
Transunion
Just a polite warning to check your credit file. There were several mistakes on mine, which affected my score. An example being how long I had resided at my address. It stated less than 2 months, when it should have said 7 years 7months. I had to email the electoral register in my council. They then sent me an email which…
Credit check failed for transfer from pre-payment to credit meter with utilita
I recently bought a new house where the existing energy meter payment option is pre-payment, and when I tried to change it to a credit meter I failed the credit check. I checked transunion (the credit agency used by utilita) which sent me to checkmyfile when I tried to find my credit score (I presume checkmyfile is part of…
CCJ question
My credit file is poor with a few defaults, but the worst thing was a CCJ.This has been paid in full but the 6 years expiry was on 15/05/2024 so it should have dropped off my file on or shortly after that date. This was my one and only CCJ. How long should I wait before I expect to see an improvement in my credit score? I…
Default twice
So I have an outstanding balance on a defaulted account with Three which was 6 years old a few months ago and was removed from my file. They have now re registered the remaining balance and are registering missed payments on the 20th of each month. I now have 2 and will be due to get the 3rd on 20th June my question is can…
CREDIT CHECKS FOR NEW APPLICANTS
Does anyone know why some banks do not appear in one's credit file with Experian or Equifax? If these records are partly there to prevent fraud should all banks be on there?
Tricky Three situation - they've got me by the credit reports
TL;DR: Three cancelled my service due to a miscommunication and are charging me for the full two years. How do I avoid the charge and keep my credit report intact? Morning folks, here is the full situation. I requested a PAC from Three and received it in an SMS with the following information: "If you switch today, the…
TotallyMoney vs CreditKarma vs ClearScore
I already use CreditKarma and ClearScore. Is there any benefit in signing up with TotallyMoney?
No Credit Card on MSE Credit Club
Hello, I have just looked at my credit info on the new MSE credit club website. It states that I have no active credit cards. It shows I need to "Start demonstrating responsible credit use". I have had a credit card for ages, which is used regularly and paid off each month. Can anyone advise how I can get this credit card…
Legal Advice Needed on Debt Collection Practices
Hi everyone, I'm seeking some advice regarding a debt that was originally with Halifax. I then defaulted, and the debt was then sold to Cabot. I’ve been following a payment plan for several years and have paid off about 70% of the original debt. Recently, Cabot has been sending letters urging me to contact them to discuss…
Improve Credit Score
Hi there! Based in Scotland here, and first time I join a forum of any kind! I just had a financial health check with a senior banker at my bank, and found out I have a lower credit score than expected. Apparently, what impacts it are two things: * the fact that I've recently changed address, meaning that I have only been…
Residential director
H I'm a residential director of a non profit making company that maintains our housing estate.Im just a representative for the residents, so have a say on what areas get maintained and the costs we get charged. Is this in anyway going to affect my mortgage application? I was considering just resigning as a director so it…
credit reference agencies, fraud, identity theft etc
Is it worth it to keep monthly subscription to both Experian and Equifax while having credit to keep an eye what changes are done on my credit file just to make sure that nobody is committing fraud on my account, using my details, taking out loans in my name etc?. Are there any better and cheaper ways to protect oneself…
Will I have to undergo a hard credit search to switch bank account type, to a student account?
Hi does anyone know if I would have to undergo a hard credit search if I were to switch my standard current account to a student account (as I have recently become a student). Or could they switch my account type with just a simple soft credit search? I’m fine with soft searches, but want to avoid any hard searches, as…
Resolve call chasing debt paid off years ago.
Hello Newby here. I just had a text telling me I'm getting a house call from Resolve Call. It quotes the name I had 20 years ago, and the link is about a debt I had 22 years ago that was paid in full within a year by installments via an Allpay card. I received help and advice from the local community law service at the…
Fairscore (T/A as Updraft)
Had a loan with them opened in October, they didn't report it to any CRA so I was thinking they weren't going to. Then I check my live Transunion report and see it has been added today. Presumably it will now appear on the next version of my Equifax report. It's just frustrating it's taken so long as I was working and…
Rebuilding finances after DMP without credit card
Evening all, I’m new to this category of the forum , I’ve mostly been over on debt free wannabe areas of the site. i have just finished my second DMP , my first was 2017 to 2021 and my second 2022 until 2024 (last week). Of course , I’ve had a few defaults, the ones from my first DMP have dropped off my file now but I have…

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MSE News

Ofgem proposes new 'no standing charge' Price Cap – but Martin Lewis warns vulnerable customers need to be opted in or it won't work
Ofgem has today launched detailed proposals for a major shake up to its Energy Price Cap that dictates the price over 80% of homes in England, Scotland and Wales pay for their energy bills.
Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland to cut overdraft rates for millions but hike them for others – here's what's happening and full help
If you're a Lloyds, Halifax or Bank of Scotland current account holder, the interest rate you're charged for using your overdraft could change soon as part of a fees shake-up. The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns all three brands, says millions of its customers will pay less after the changes – but a "few" will pay more.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more low-income households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Martin Lewis: At last a chance to fix Council Tax flaws impacting millions – debt collection, difficulty challenging your band, discounts and more
Major flaws in the Council Tax system in England could finally be fixed in future, as the Government has launched a wide-ranging consultation to review hideous debt collection practices, the difficulty of challenging your band, the overly complex and horribly-named Severe Mental Impairment discount and more. MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, who has long campaigned on these issues, shares his response and analysis.
Energy complaints to be dealt with more quickly and Energy Ombudsman to get new powers under Government plans
If you have a complaint about your energy firm, it may be resolved more quickly in future, as the Government has announced a raft of proposals to strengthen consumer protections in the energy market. The planned changes include giving the Energy Ombudsman new powers to force firms to comply with its decisions – but it's still very early days. Here's what we know so far.
Warm Home Discount expansion confirmed with millions more eligible for the £150 top-up this winter – here's what we know
Around 2.7 million more households, including 900,000 families with children, will become eligible for the £150 Warm Home Discount this winter, as the Government has confirmed it will remove the existing 'hard to heat' eligibility criteria. The extension has only been confirmed for winter 2025/26, with further changes possible for future years.
Base rate held at 4.25% – here's what it means and when it might be cut next
The Bank of England has held the base rate at 4.25%. Below we explain why, when it might be cut, plus what it means for your mortgage and savings.
Applied for South West Trains 'boundary fares' compensation? Act now to claim it
If you applied for compensation from South West Trains before the deadline in January 2025, you now need to provide your bank details to the claim administrator so it can be paid to you. Here's what you need to know.
Winter Fuel Payments to be reinstated for millions – Martin Lewis explains how it'll work, what it means and if it's an improvement
All State Pensioners in England and Wales will receive a Winter Fuel Payment this winter, though those who earn over £35,000 will see it clawed back through the tax system. It means nine million pensioners will get the £200 or £300 top-up. Here MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis shares his instant response and analysis, and we include answers to your key questions.

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Credit file & ratings

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