Electoral Register

lupogti

Hi,

Over the last 3 years I have moved around alot and have not been on an electoral roll for that time. I have just registered with the local council and they have confirmed that I will be on the roll as of 1st of April.

Will I have to contact experian, Equifax etc and let them know or will they automatically update their records - what are the timescales for there updates?

Also I am currently trying to pay debt off and my lack of an official register on my address meant that credit wasn't worth applying for - i already have 2 credit cards of which i'm paying off £500 a month at the minute - i'd love to get a balance transfer to 0% .. how long should i wait before applying for a card based on me now being registered? I think i know the answer but i'm hoping your not gonna say 3 years !


Thanks

niccatw

The credit reference agencies usually update their sites monthly - assuming the council has got the info to them in that time, it should be on your credit report fairly quickly.

I've just checked my credit reposts recently (free trials). Experian still have an address from 6 years ago where I wasn't on the register. Equifax have my last 5 years woth of addresses, where I have been on the register.

If you can get a free trial, you could maybe add a note of explanation re. the electoral role?

Re. how long to wait? I'm not sure. My last 0% was about 14 months ago so not tried recently (Virgin, 16 month one, thanks to Martin!) You might just have to be canny about the product you go for if you think it may be a problem? Make sure you don't have too many credit searches on your file? It may be an idea to call your current credit cards and ask them if they can offer you any deals? They may only do an internal credit check if you are already a customer with them?

I should point out, these are only my opinions based on what you have said. I'm not entirely sure. So please feel free to ignore my advice if some-one more knowledgable than me comes along .

Good luck.

lupogti

Thanks all advice is appreciated.

I know that everyone says you have a much better chance of obtaining credit by being on the electoral roll so i guess im wondering if you have had to have been on that register for a number of years or whether say after 3 months they are happy that you are who you say you are and are traceable to that address.

niccatw

I think that depends on the lender and their view of risk. With some you will probably find it's fine. With others, they may still be wary until they see you've been on the register for a year or two.

Perhaps, if you are self-disciplined enough, spend a little on your cards each month for the next few months and pay it back in full. This, and being on the register should help build a better picture.

However, please don't do this if you are currently working hard to pay the credit cards off - don't want to be seen as a bad influence .

Good luck