Credit Reference Agencies

wizzywig27

Can someone possibly give me advice on the below please?

If you apply to see your credit file, and they send you out a PIN in the post, does this mean there is something dodgy on your file (CIFAS for example)?

Reason I ask is, I am on voters roll (have been for four years) and and I also used a credit/debit card registered to my address.

Last time I did this I had instant access?!

stclair

I had to be send a PIN when i joined experian its nothing to worry about.

HSBChell

I did this as well - I would however recommend "mycreditfile" as that does a search across all 3 agencies

lisyloo

I did this as well - I would however recommend "mycreditfile" as that does a search across all 3 agencies

Are you sure?
Do you have a link where they claim this?

Looks like call credit to me.

Consumerist

I got my Experian file last August. They sent the report by post but I didn't have to wait for a PIN.

Experian, in particular, seem to be deliberately slowing down access to our files. I see no reson why they shouldn't be available online without all this time-consuming nonsense. Even the banks are able to verify identity electronically whereas Experian are just dragging their heels on this.

They will no doubt trot out the "It's for security" mantra, if asked. "Pull the other one" is mine.

chexum

Consumerist wrote: »

They will no doubt trot out the "It's for security" mantra, if asked. "Pull the other one" is mine.

Yeah - it's only experian playing the "it's online, but it's not" game. If it would be for security, the information in the pin letter they send would not be completely sufficient to get your "online" credit report. All they require is the "passkey" sent in the letter, and the postcode - shown in the very same letter....

That completely makes it impossible to ensure you (and only you) get your report if you are not sure you can trust your mail delivered.

System

HSBChell wrote: »

I did this as well - I would however recommend "mycreditfile" as that does a search across all 3 agencies

It's only from Callcredit.

http://www.creditreport.co.uk/free_credit_report.htm

UNDERGROUND

System

Consumerist wrote: »

I got my Experian file last August. They sent the report by post but I didn't have to wait for a PIN.

Experian, in particular, seem to be deliberately slowing down access to our files. I see no reson why they shouldn't be available online without all this time-consuming nonsense. Even the banks are able to verify identity electronically whereas Experian are just dragging their heels on this.

They will no doubt trot out the "It's for security" mantra, if asked. "Pull the other one" is mine.

I agree. It's bloody annoying having to wait for a 'passkey' for every report, I'd accept the security argument if you only had to do it once.

And isn't it strange that if you pay up for their Credit Expert service you can log in and access your report whenever you feel like it with no separate passkey for every occasion?

Regards
UNDERGROUND

wizzywig27

The thing is CallCredit did exactly the same, is it common practic with them too?

I was wondering why when I signed up for CreditExpert I could see it straight away, but when paying for the £2 statutory report it sent out a PIN - thanks guys.

book12

The 'passkey' is usually for people who didn't answer the security questions properly.

wizzywig27

what security questions?