How to find out about your credit rating?

the182guy

How would you find out about your credit rating, or when searches have been executed?

sutton111

Check your credit file.

www.experian.co.uk

www.equifax.co.uk

HTH

the182guy

Thanks, will it cause my credit score to decrease if I get the report?

bc3000

I don't think it does. You can get cashback for checking your rating on credit expert (through wepromiseto)

Treadway1

the182guy wrote: »

Thanks, will it cause my credit score to decrease if I get the report?

Everytime you check your credit report online, it leaves a footprint on the record, and although this is recorded in the 'Previous searches' section, it does not count as a credit application check, so doesnt damage your credit rating.

I know this as I queried it with Experian a few weeks ago when I checked my report online.

noah271007

the182guy wrote: »

Thanks, will it cause my credit score to decrease if I get the report?

No it won't affect your credit score one bit. You can look at your credit report (if you subscribed online with credit ref agencies like Experian or Equifax) AS MUCH AS YOU LIKE. It will leave a footprint record purely for your information. Searches types like unrecorded enquiries, consumer credit reports, Identification Genetic checks are NOT hard core searches that can affect your credit score -the lenders cannot see those - only credit type applications like credit card, Utilities (mobile phone companies) and mortgage etc.

Hope this helps.

stephensdan

You know no one actually has a credit score. It can be a bit misleading but each financial organisation will make it's own guess's as to whether or not you can pay your bills. They all 'score' you in their own way but there's nothing on anyones credit report that says whether they are good are bad, just as there's no 'blacklist'

You are only going to damage your credit report by missing payments because it makes the report look bad and most lenders wont lend to people that are missing payments frequently.

Apart from that, there's no score there for you to affect...

I hope that made sense...

Debt_Free_Chick

Agreed. There is no single "credit rating" as each lender scores certain aspects of your record differently.

Some value certain postcodes higher than others; some don't place much importance on late payments, others see it as "danger sign". Certain things that are seen as "damaging" can be easily rectified e.g. not being on the electoral roll, when you've recently moved - the CT bill will usually be as good as an entry on the ER.

Forget getting your "credit rating" and concentrate on regular payments, on time, if you currently have debts to service. Consider a DD for at least the minimum payments, as you can top these up by making additional payments in the usual way.

nzseries1

Your best place to start is to read Martin's article on credit scores / credit reports:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score

Treadway1

As much as I agree that your credit score/rating doesnt really mean anything, Id still suggest people check their credit reports online (If they are free that is... Most do a free trial), as I checked mine a while ago and found that my bankrupt ex fiancee was still showing as linked to me with 5 credit accounts that I had never used, which was obviously not helping me. I know not everyone will have a situation like that, but if its free, I think its always best just to check it out.

the182guy

Ok I understand, I have never had credit before, is it worth applying for an OD even though I will never use it? I mean will it make me look like I can be trusted with credit?