Credit Reports

wannabee_in_credit

Hi all,
I'm a bit confused about this whole credit report business. I know it says you should check your report regularly to make sure that everything is correct.
So I finally got round to it, and now I'm suddenly finding that I can't check my reports because they won't accept my debit card details. It's a maestro card. Is that fairly normal? It's the only card I have, I don't have a chequebook, and therefore I have no idea how I can check my credit file.
Anyone any advice?
Thanks

Tixy

If you had no other way of paying you can order copies of your reports by post and pay by postal order.

Some people have reported issues with visa electron cards, but I haven't seem people having issues with maestro cards.

Which agency are you applying to? experian certainly state that the accept maestro.

wannabee_in_credit

I was starting with the freebie - Noddle.
Then I tried Equifax.
Then I gave up.
How important is it that I keep a close eye on my credit report?

Tixy

Depends on your circumstances, whether you intend to apply for credit, whether you might be looking to purchase a property, whether you think your data/identity could have been compromised, whether you are dealing with debt collection agencies who may not reporting accurately etc.

I check mine with all 3 agencies at least every year, and check one more frequently than that. I do this to check for identity fraud, errors made by creditors, incorrect linking of people or data to my report etc.

Its certainly a good idea to check them if you have had problems with debts in the past or if you are thinking of applying for any significant credit.

wannabee_in_credit

Thanks Tixy, as ever your advice is spot on and gratefully received.
I'm not planning on applying for anything (still on dmp, and I don't want credit of any shape or form). I was just curious about defaults etc.
Probably I can leave it for now, until curiosity rears its head again.
Cheers.

Tixy

Callcredit also has an option to pay by maestro (callcredit is the same agency as noddle).

DES1001

Why don't you do it by post!
Send a letter ie;

Could you please provide me with a copy of my credit reference file.
I enclose a cheque for £2 as payment for this service.
My details are as follows

MR ....
Address.....

Date of Birth;

The address are
Equifax Plc
Credit File Advice Centre
PO Box 1140
Bradford
BD1 5US

Call Credit Plc
Consumer Services Team
PO Box 491
Leeds
LS3 1WZ


Experian Ltd
Consumer Help Service
PO Box 8000
Nottingham
NG80 7WF