Credit Rating: How it works and How to improve it discussion area

mgibson

Hi,

I've recently received my credit report from Callcredit, which shows that from 10/2007 to 10/2008 I opted out of the annual electoral roll. I have no idea what this means. Can anyone shed light on this?

marcellep

mgibson wrote: »

Hi,

I've recently received my credit report from Callcredit, which shows that from 10/2007 to 10/2008 I opted out of the annual electoral roll. I have no idea what this means. Can anyone shed light on this?

It suggests that you never added your name to the electoral roll during that period.

I assume your on it now?

shine23

I recently changed my payment on my credit card from paying the minimum amount each month to paying off £20. When i did this I called my credit card company and told them that I would be setting up a payment for the first of each month which I was told was fine. I then recently received a default sum on my card saying that I had missed a payment at the end of April. I quickly checked my bank account which stated that the 20 pounds had been paid. I called the credit card company (mint cards) to state that I had in fact paid. They said that because the money went into the account on the third I have paid too early so it has gone into the account of the previous month and therefore hasnt shown up in April's payment.

I asked them how this was possible as Id set up the standing order whilst speaking to one of their advisors and was never told that this would happen but they said that it wasnt their fault. They said they would re-pay the fee as a "Goodwill gesture" but the default payment would still appear on my record. I dont understand how I can pay every month and then still appear on their system that Ive missed a payment, surely thats not at all fair!? What can I do to dispute this and get that default fee off my record?

Needless to say I paid off the remainder of my balance then and there and closed the account but I still need to make sure that it doesnt say that Ive missed a payment when I havent! Any advice gratefully received!

marcellep

shine23 wrote: »

I recently changed my payment on my credit card from paying the minimum amount each month to paying off £20. When i did this I called my credit card company and told them that I would be setting up a payment for the first of each month which I was told was fine. I then recently received a default sum on my card saying that I had missed a payment at the end of April. I quickly checked my bank account which stated that the 20 pounds had been paid. I called the credit card company (mint cards) to state that I had in fact paid. They said that because the money went into the account on the third I have paid too early so it has gone into the account of the previous month and therefore hasnt shown up in April's payment.

I asked them how this was possible as Id set up the standing order whilst speaking to one of their advisors and was never told that this would happen but they said that it wasnt their fault. They said they would re-pay the fee as a "Goodwill gesture" but the default payment would still appear on my record. I dont understand how I can pay every month and then still appear on their system that Ive missed a payment, surely thats not at all fair!? What can I do to dispute this and get that default fee off my record?

Needless to say I paid off the remainder of my balance then and there and closed the account but I still need to make sure that it doesnt say that Ive missed a payment when I havent! Any advice gratefully received!

It will show on your file as a missed payment and not a default,

Have you checked your credit file? if so what does it say/show?

You could always ask the CRA too put a note on the account explaining why it has happened.

ScarletBea

Following the saga with Experian, I tried Equifax and the same thing happened - at the end of the registration they told me to call a number, and when I called, they said they needed documents to verify my ID.
However, they're different, because instead of posting documents and having all the hassle and danger of losing them, you can simply scan them and submit via the customer service online why can't all companies have the same process?

I did it yesterday, so I hope to have access in the next few days.

Moggles_2

ScarletBea wrote: »

Following the saga with Experian, I tried Equifax and the same thing happened - at the end of the registration they told me to call a number and, when I called, they said they needed documents to verify my ID.

I'm not surprised, tbh. Did you read my reply to your previous post [#470]?

You mentioned that Experian were unable to confirm your identity (foreign name, less than 2 years at current address, several ways of writing address...)

This is not explained by your foreign name or the fact that you've lived at your current address less than two years. (This applies equally to a large percentage of the population, as you can imagine) If there are several ways of writing your address, that could certainly be a factor.

May I ask whether you're on the electoral roll at your current address?

2babyboys

hi all,
I am really keen to improve my credit score and want to get hold of my credit report to see what's what! I had some credit problems, ie a couple of defaults and missed payments about 3/4 years ago when I went onto unpaid maternity leave. I then returned to work part time and struggled, but then the CCCS helped me reach good payment instalments when the debts had been sent to debt agencies. I have been making monthly instalments to these companies since with no problems. However I moved house 11 months but didn't want to Debt agencies to know! I get all my post redirected from my old address so all their post gets to me so no issues there. I am scared that if I apply to experian/equifax for a credit report then my new address will be reflected? Also can the debt agencies ever get my new address? I am not running away from the debts, just trying to get a clean file asap.
Should I just give experian my old address details and obtain the file that way?
I am keen to look at things that I could have removed. I am so desperate to clean up my file!!!

Many thanks!

ScarletBea

Moggles wrote: »

May I ask whether you're on the electoral roll at your current address?

Yes, for close to 2 years now.

And yes I read your reply, but I didn't want to be sending documents over the post, I've had bad experiences before - now all's ok.

I think it can also be the "full surname has got 3 parts and in some accounts I only have the very last name as surname" *sigh*

Moggles_2

ScarletBea wrote: »

Yes, I read your reply, but I didn't want to be sending documents over the post. I've had bad experiences before - now all's ok. I think it can also be the "full surname has got 3 parts and in some accounts I only have the very last name as surname" *sigh*

That's not my reply you remember reading then. I was trying to help you avoid this, because I wouldn't want to part with valuable documents either.

I think it can also be the "full surname has got 3 parts and in some accounts, I only have the very last name as surname.

The credit reference agencies collate info' from 3 main sources 1) you 2) public records, such as the electoral roll 3) their clients, the lenders

When completing applications, I would make sure your name and current address matches your details as they appear on the electoral register. Pay particular attention to the way first name(s) as well as surname are recorded. Also a line of your address may be inserted/omitted or the order reversed, where new build, a house name or a block of flats is involved. You'd be surprised how often this happens.

Getting this right obviates the need to produce docs every time you apply for credit/savings accounts.

More importantly, some lenders routinely reject applicants whose ID cannot be verified electronically via the CRAs. An extra line inserted in your address (eg. previously unused house name) can immediately kibosh an application

Very best
M

mgibson

What would I have had to do to opt out? I wouldn't have willingly done this. And would this look bad to lenders?