Help with understanding credit report (Equifax)

jonflat2

Hi Folks.

I decided to check my credit report for the first time, and took out a free trial with Equifax ... so far, so good!

All the details look fine to me, except for two 'account queries' that were place by Orange (the mobile phone provider) .... and I can't figure out what they mean.

On the report they appear as a "Q" logo. And the key at the bottom of the page just says that it was an 'account query'.

I'm no longer with Orange, but never missed a payment and had no problems with applying for a phone/contract.

Does anyone know what these "queries" mean and whether they are adversely affecting my credit rating???

brians_daughter

I had a Q on one of my accounts - i was told it was when the account is under query (not much use there then eh?). In my case i had overpaid my littlewoods acccount so i was actually £33 in credit.

is the account showing as settled with orange?

jonflat2

Yep, I swapped mobile companies some time ago and the account is all settled as of 2006.


PS. I don't know if this is relavent, but I do recall having to call Orange a couple of times with billing questions ... could this be the reason they've put a query on the account?

brians_daughter

yeah maybe. As long as they are all greez 0s then it should be fine. why not contact equifax and ask them to query it - thena quick call to orange if it would help ease your mind

what does your experian say?

If you are looking for credit soon its always better to get things you arent sure of sorted, But TBH I am quite anal about things! I am sure all is well if its not reporting any adverse data

jonflat2

I've never defaulted / missed a payment, so all my other entries are green 0's. It's just these two "Q's" on the Orange account details that stand-out.

I'm not planning on applying for anything soon - but like you, thought I'd check whilst I I'm not under any pressure.

I couldn't get through to Equifax to ask them (I was put on hold for nearly 15mins, so gave up) - so have just sent a message via their questions section.

I haven't checked Experian yet ... that's my next port of call!

jonjamie1970

I was told Q's are nothing to worry about but are placed when there isnt enough info on the account to provide an accurate rating. IE, you may have a credit card you dont use for a year and the record will show Q.

dizzy_dog_fan

If you have any queries about your credit report you should raise them with the credit agency first, and they will let you know what the lender says.
If you think that your credit report shows anything that is inaccurate, and neither the agency nor the lender will agree or help you, then report the matter to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), as they're responsible for regulating the Data Protection Act, which says (among other things) that all personal data about individuals held by organisations should be accurate. However, this means factually accurate - so a missed payment, for instance, will be OK showing as 'arrears'...
But yours doesn't sound bad - check it out with Orange and the credit agency to see.