One big blot on my credit report :-(

Kev64

Hi,

I've got my credit reports from Experian and Equifax and they are both immaculate - all greens, all up to date payments etc - except for one item...

A default on a loan that I jointly took out with my partner. Basically, her credit rating was poor and she needed me to be a 'co-applicant' in order to get the loan. Unfortunately, she had difficulties in keeping up with the repayments, and - unknown to me - ended up defaulting on the loan. The loan was 'satisfied' in 2003 according to my credit reports (she came to an agreement with the loan co.), but I still have this big red mark on my credit report which I am assuming is causing me to get refusals now that I am trying to shift my credit card balances onto lower interest ones.

Even though we are now married, she is not 'linked' with me on my credit reports.

I know I'm clutching at straws here, but hell, if you don't ask etc... !

Is there any way I can get this default off my report on the basis that I was unaware of the difficulties she was getting into, and I wasn't sent any letters to let me know what was going on ? ...or (as I suspect) am I stuffed due to the simple fact that as co-applicant, it was my duty to know what was happening ?

file_wizzard

Unfortunately your last thoughts are more or less correct; as far as the original creditor is concerned you both signed for the loan so are jointly liable for its conduct.

The only way forward on this is to challenge the entry in its entirety, you should write to the original creditor and request a copy of the original credit agreement, a statement of account, and a copy of the alleged default notice.

As you have all ready satisfied the debt there is no purpose in pursuing this under the consumer Credit act.

The only option open to you is to make a request for the above information or a SARN (Subject Access Request Notice) to be provided in compliance with the data protection Act.

The creditor has 40 days to provide the information requested, if not you can escalate to the Information Commissioners Office and ask for an assessment to be made as to whether the data should be removed from your file