Credit File

Squirrel29

I was recently turned down for LOB credit cards, I sent off for Experian and Equifax reports. My Experian looks fine, no problems or late payments at all. However the Equifax shows Littlewoods flexible account as follows:-

Limit £550
Start £0
Current +£0
Start 19/09/2000
End 28/07/2007

S0000000003333333333333333210Q333333333300000000

I opened the account back in 2000 but never bought anything, I was sent a catalogue and charged approx £1.50 for this. Like a complete idiot (prior to my LBM), I thought this was such a small amount it wasn't worth bothering about so month after month I just opened the statements, saw amount was the same and then shredded statements.

I don't recall ever receiving any threatening demands, just statements with this little amount on (yes... I know I should have just sent of a cheque to pay it off). I didn't even get a late payment charge, just a bit of interest that bumped it up to just under £2.00. I guess that after 7 years, Littlewoods just shut it.

I am now kicking myself :mad: that I have let my stupidity probably ruin my credit for an amount of under £2.00. Is there anything I can do to get this corrected.

Apart from this and a couple of 1 and 2 scores on my Great Universal account (which was a while ago and this is nearly paid off - £50 to go), my file looks blemish free. Is it worth contacting Littlewoods or should I put a statement onto my credit file?

GeorgeUK

Both

Not too sure how it works, but i though that credit companies could only see the last 6 months transactions? You could phone the people at Experian and they may be able to advise you better. Not sure that most companies look at the comments given, but Experian should be able to tell you what the state of your account/credit rating is and what can be done about it.

Could it have been another reason you were turned down for the cards? I know alot of lenders are being alot more selective with who they give new credit to.

Snaggles

Hiya, there's probably not much hope of it being 'corrected' as technically they are right, you were in arrears with your payments. I know it must be frustrating though when it was for such a small amount.

You can add a notice of correction, which is a short paragraph explaining the circumstances - it wont improve your credit rating but will be visible to lenders when they do a search, so it might tip the balance slightly in your favour if they are deciding whether you are a good risk or not. Just remember to remove it once your rating starts to improve though, as having an unnecessary notice of correction in place can sometimes do more harm than good.