Does this mean my default has been removed?

StrawberryJam132

Hi everyone,

I had an annoying mix up with Orange and a default was put on my credit file. I contacted their Credit Referral team, asking for it to be removed. This is what they replied:

'Thank you for your query to Orange.

We have looked into this and would like to inform you that we have amended your credit file to show as settled and paid in full. This has been completed with all credit reference agencies we share information with.

This will appear on your credit file status after the 10th of the following month. If you’ve made any late payments before, these will stay on your credit file as part of Orange’s terms and conditions.'

Back story:
I should note that the 4 missed payments were due to the DD being accidentally cancelled. As soon I realised my mistake, I paid in full (£68.32). I never used the SIM provided but dutifully paid each month (emergency phone - silly I know!).

So, my question is... (My naivity will show now ).

1. Does this mean the Default has been removed completely? As in, it never existed on my file? Will lenders be able to see it? I'm confused...

2. My credit score should improve, once it's updated, right?

Thanks!

You-kip

1. They could of just put it as satisfied or they could of removed it completely which you'll have to wait until you view your credit file to see.

2. You don't have a credit score but what it will do is improve your credit worthiness if its been removed altogether.

StrawberryJam132

Thanks You-kip

Why couldn't they have made it more clear in the email??? AGH! I've emailed them again to get clarification, but guess I'll have to wait another week till they reply... This is driving me insane :mad:

Also, people don't have credit scores? So confused! The number I have on my Experian Report (Currently 525 :(:() isn't a credit score?

rabbit_burrow

SBOWDEN wrote: »

Thanks You-kip

Why couldn't they have made it more clear in the email??? AGH! I've emailed them again to get clarification, but guess I'll have to wait another week till they reply... This is driving me insane :mad:

Also, people don't have credit scores? So confused! The number I have on my Experian Report (Currently 525 :(:() isn't a credit score?

That is not a true score, that is a number that CRA's like to sell to people.

Different lenders have different scoring systems, I.e, you may have an excellent score by meeting certain criteria with one lender, but have an awful score with another. There is no such thing as a universal score, and as such, the CRA's scores are useless for that purpose.

StrawberryJam132

Thanks Rabbit_Burrow, that made sense

I'm so annoyed with this situation. I want to get a mortgage in principle for a house, but can't until this is all resolved. It's infuriating just sat here twiddling my thumbs, checking my email every few hours :mad:

Gordon_Hose

Reads to me like they've updated the default as settled, not removed the default completely.

StrawberryJam132

That would be so upsetting :(:(:(:(!!

If that's the case, do you think it's worth me emailing them again and trying for the sympathy vote to get it completely removed? Or do they pretty much make up their mind and refuse to budge?

Never been in this situation before.

Thanks

Gordon_Hose

You could try, but they don't have to remove the default if they feel it was recorded factually. After-all, by your own admission, you did miss 4 payments.

Never hurts to ask. If they do agree, make sure you get it in writing.

StrawberryJam132

Thank you for the advice Gordon Hose! Fingers crossed... :undecided

pompeyred

SBOWDEN wrote: »

Hi everyone,

I had an annoying mix up with Orange and a default was put on my credit file. I contacted their Credit Referral team, asking for it to be removed. This is what they replied:



Back story:
I should note that the 4 missed payments were due to the DD being accidentally cancelled. As soon I realised my mistake, I paid in full (£68.32). I never used the SIM provided but dutifully paid each month (emergency phone - silly I know!).

So, my question is... (My naivity will show now ).

1. Does this mean the Default has been removed completely? As in, it never existed on my file? Will lenders be able to see it? I'm confused...

2. My credit score should improve, once it's updated, right?

Thanks!

I sincerely hope for you that the default is removed but I also read it that they will not be removing any information more so just updating it to satisfied and keeping the negative information 'as per their terms and conditions'.

The only hope if the above is true and the bit I am missing from this is 'how' you 'realised your mistake'....? Did they not send letters in request of outstanding payments because if they didn't and it is their fault then it might be your only course of redress.

StrawberryJam132

Thanks for the info Pompeyred. It will be really sad if they no longer remove defaults

In answer to your question, I explained to them that I travel for three months at a time all over the UK with my job (give or take a few weeks). During one of these stints, (April-June) they sent two letters to my home address. They said nothing about defaults, only that I had missed payments that in future could involve debt collection. Obviously I didn't read these letters till I arrived home. As soon as I read them, I rang up apologising and asking to pay in full. They said I had to wait a month for the final bill. I rang up 21 days later and asked again to pay earlier. This time they said okay. I've been with Orange for about 6 years, and never missed a payment. Surely this should count for something? I've never even used the SIM?

Do you think I stand a chance at all? :undecided

Thanks