Bad debt but excellent credit score

Phil1983

Hi guys and girls, sorry if this is a really stupid post. I've been trying to research the answer but seeing a lot of conflicting information. I've read online that ccjs and defaults show on your credit file for 6 years. Is this true? I'm looking to rent a new flat so just thought I'd check my credit file as I know I have terrible credit history thanks to a divorce and a long stint in jail but was surprised to see my credit score with experian was 968/999 saying I had an excellent credit score. My old debts are still showing but nearing the 6 year mark. Do they just drop off or am I being thick? I was in jail for 5 years so during this time the on,y thing that stayed up to date was my mortgage. The rest all just defaulted so I have about 63k of defaulted accounts. I'm just shocked at the high score and assume it's cos my bank account is maintained and that I haven't applied for credit for years. Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks

Malmo

Phil1983 wrote: »

Hi guys and girls, sorry if this is a really stupid post. I've been trying to research the answer but seeing a lot of conflicting information. I've read online that ccjs and defaults show on your credit file for 6 years. Is this true? I'm looking to rent a new flat so just thought I'd check my credit file as I know I have terrible credit history thanks to a divorce and a long stint in jail but was surprised to see my credit score with experian was 968/999 saying I had an excellent credit score. My old debts are still showing but nearing the 6 year mark. Do they just drop off or am I being thick? I was in jail for 5 years so during this time the on,y thing that stayed up to date was my mortgage. The rest all just defaulted so I have about 63k of defaulted accounts. I'm just shocked at the high score and assume it's cos my bank account is maintained and that I haven't applied for credit for years. Any input is much appreciated.

Thanks

CCJs remain on file for 6 years from the judgement date whether or not you settle the debt, unless the debt is settled within one month.

Defaults remain on file for 6 years from the default date and then drop off.

No one in the UK has a single or central "score". The scores sold by Credit Reference Agencies are marketing features for consumers - they are not seen or used by commercial (e.g. lenders) or public organisations (e.g. councils). Do not focus on ratings & scores. Lenders evaluate & score applicants using their own internal criteria.

Be aware that tenancy checks do not involve credit searches of financial account data, they check only publicly available or publicly registered information such as CCJs, electoral roll, bankruptcies etc.

Phil1983

Thanks for your reply clears a few things up for sure. I have a ccj from almost 6 years ago but I explained it to the landlord and they're cool with it thankfully. Does that mean after 6 years from the last default or ccj to be registered, provided I make sure my file is updated I can effectively start to rebuild my credit history with a kind of clean slate? I've not bothered up to now as I know I won't be accepted for anything, but think the last one should drop off in November.

[Deleted User]

Yes after 6 years it will disappear off your credit history, although if you have no or little credit history you may find it difficult to get credit. Do soft searches for credit products such as credit cards before applying as hard searches go on your file and many of these especially in a short space of time can make you look desperate for credit and may result in you being declined.

Phil1983

Thanks for your reply I don't even have a contract phone so I was thinking of starting from basics and getting a contract and then perhaps a small overdraft with my bank as I've had an account with them for years and never incurred charges or anything like that. Thanks again