How to obtain credit reports

Moggles_2

Hoogie wrote: »

Equifax and Experian are not listing me on the electoral register at my current address, however I am on the electoral roll and have been since January.

That neither agency has your electoral status recorded correctly can hardly be a coincidence. There may be a difference of opinion as to how your address should be formatted.

I would inspect the electoral roll at your nearest public library.* Pay particular attention to the way first name(s) as well as surname are recorded. Also an extra line may be inserted/omitted or the order reversed, where new build, a house name or a block of flats is involved. You'd be surprised how often this happens.

When you apply for credit facilities, bank accounts etc. or to the credit reference agencies, ensure your address matches the details as they appear on the register.

* If you opted out of the edited register (which is sold to anyone who wants to buy and which may be viewed in a public library), you can check the full version at your local electoral registration office

moneymouth77

Moogles is right, I had to update my electoral register because my landlord changed it from 1 house to 9 flats, it's annoying for any card transaction and really worth your while to make sure your electoral register is correct!

Moggles_2

moneymouth77 wrote: »

Moggles is right, I had to update my electoral register because my landlord changed it from 1 house to 9 flats, it's annoying for any card transaction and really worth your while to make sure your electoral register is correct!

That said, it often comes down to a difference of opinion as to how an address should be formatted. Unless there has been a material change (such as a house which is converted to 9 flats), amending the electoral register could affect other voters unnecessarily. It may be purely a question of checking the register and sticking with that version. Provided that you adopt the same format consistently, you should be okay.

techmax76

There are so many websites that offer free credit reports. Its best to check your credit report each year. Also check on the information be sure all the written information are accurate because all inaccurate information may cause a delay and affect on your finances.

lisyloo

There are so many websites that offer free credit reports.

Yes but many want payment details and you run the risk of them being difficult to cancel (hanging on the phone for ages etc. or having your cancellation request "lost").

Personally I'd rather pay £2 and get the statutory report rather than give payment details and have the hassle.
There is at least one site that doesn't require payment details and that's
https://www.annualcreditreport.co.uk

No connection, it's call credit and I've had little or no spam from them.

Moggles_2

lisyloo wrote: »

Personally I'd rather pay £2 and get the statutory report rather than give payment details and have the hassle.

Me too.

Btw, you can telephone the CRAs quoting the reference number and date of your report and they will advise you of subsequent updates over the phone for up to two months afterwards, so there's no need to order further copies

kookamunga

I am a non-European resident, and I understand that when I came here 2 years ago I had a blank slate with my credit report, but after living here, paying council tax, got a mobile contract, you'd think that they'd have something, right?

I applied for a free credit report with Experian in December last year, but days later I was sent a letter in the post saying that they couldn't provide a credit report and couldn't say why.

I'd love to take out a credit card, but have been unsuccessful on a few occassions. I understand that there's a way to tell the credit agencies that you're unable to register with the electoral poll, does anyone have the numbers I could call to do this? Would that help things at all?

Moggles_2

kookamunga wrote: »

I am a non-European resident and I understand that when I came here 2 years ago I had a blank slate with my credit report, but after living here, paying council tax, got a mobile contract, you'd think that they'd have something, right? I applied for a free credit report with Experian in December last year, but days later I was sent a letter in the post saying that they couldn't provide a credit report and couldn't say why.

It sounds as though Experian was unable to find you on its database.

Are you absolutely consistent in your use of names (first name(s) as well as family name) and the order your names appear on all paperwork?

Also, there may be more than one way of writing your address. An extra line may be inserted/omitted or the order reversed, where new build, a house name or a block of flats is involved. You'd be surprised how often this happens

lisyloo

if you can get your credit report without a card or bank account please let me know how (it says free) no such thing

Hello dangerousbrian,

try
https://www.annualcreditreport.co.uk

No connection, no payment details, no spam that I'm aware of.

Moggles_2

kookamunga wrote: »

I'd love to take out a credit card, but have been unsuccessful on a few occasions. I understand that there's a way to tell the credit agencies that you're unable to register with the electoral roll. Does anyone have the numbers I could call to do this? Would that help things at all?

Because of the numbers of applications received, some lenders routinely reject applicants whose identity cannot be verified electronically via the credit reference agencies, which in turn collate data from public records such as the electoral register. If you're not on the electoral roll, it's unlikely you'll get any credit.

If you're not eligible to vote, send all three agencies proof of residency and ask them to add a note to credit files to verify this