Credit Check before Applying?

carburrito

OK, so I'm looking for a mortgage with my wife. I've read the 'boost mortgage chances' page on mse, which suggests to do a credit check and fix any issues that can be fixed before applying.

But it also says that every credit check counts against you. So is it *really* worth doing this, if you've no reason to suspect a problem?

I might have missed one credit card payment in the last five years, and I've dipped into an (agreed!) overdraft once or twice in that time, but other than this I'm pretty sure I'm clean. (I hope this isn't a big issue, but even if it is, I can't fix it now.)

I have a natural hunger to know what's in my credit report, but I'm even more keen not to do any damage to my chances.

Kirstyb1987

It wont harm your credit rating to check your own credit score to ensure there are no hidden surprises. In fact I would recommend it!

kingstreet

Obtain all three versions of your credit files, so any issues can be resolved without house purchase pressure on you;-

Equifax

https://www.econsumer.equifax.co.uk/consumer/uk/order.ehtml?prod_cd=UKSCR

CallCredit

https://www.noddle.co.uk

Experian

http://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/statutory-report.html#orderReport

Do not sign up for subscription services which allege to provide your "credit score" as this is a marketing gimmick with no value whatsoever.

Mortgage_Mark_2

I think what MSE is trying to suggest is getting a copy of your credit report, which you can do at any time, and there is no record of, as it's your file.