Address Trace Problem

MattGoldman

I have been having trouble obtaining credit for quite some time and I'm not sure why as I pay all my bills on time and don't have any outstanding debts. I recently signed up for Credit Expert and my report seems fine. I got a score which is smack bang in the middle of the UK average according to Experian.

When I tried to sign up, the website said that they couldn't verify my identity and had to send me a PIN in the post. I also recently tried out the Barclays credit card thing where it makes a recommendation without credit scoring you, but this one also said it couldn't verify my identity.

I'm starting to think then that there might be some kind of problem with my address. I'm not sure what though; it's correct on Experian and it matches all my bills, my driving license and my bank statements.

I'm going abroad soon for an extended period and want to make sure I have a credit card in case of emergencies. What can I do to find out where the problem is?

Innocent_Guy

Electoral Roll....

Moggles_2

Welcome to MSE!

When I tried to sign up, the website said that they couldn't verify my identity and had to send me a PIN in the post. I also recently tried out the Barclays credit card thing where it makes a recommendation without credit scoring you, but this one also said it couldn't verify my identity.

The Barclaycard pre-application "checker" searches CallCredit, so that's two CRAs that can't locate your details on their database.

I'd inspect the electoral roll. You can do this at your nearest public library or using a recent polling card if you have one handy.

Pay particular attention to the way your first name(s) as well as surname is recorded, also the format of your address. An extra line may be inserted/omitted or the order reversed, where new build, a house name or a block of apartments is involved or where a landlord has converted a house to flats. You'd be surprised how often discrepancies arise. It's not necessarily an error. Very often it comes down to a difference of opinion as to how an address should be formatted, rather than an actual mistake.

Btw, don't worry if your address is formatted differently on council tax bills and the like. That's of no consequence, but the electoral roll version counts when applying for credit