How to obtain credit reports

Lucy_Elliot · 14 October 2009 at 11:30AM

I am considering moving credit cards - I haven't done this for nearly 12 months now, would you suggest its work me going to Experian or Equifax for a report? For peace of mind perhaps?

Moggles_2 · 14 October 2009 at 12:05PM

Lucy_Elliot wrote: »

I am considering moving credit cards - I haven't done this for nearly 12 months now, would you suggest its work me going to Experian or Equifax for a report? For peace of mind perhaps?

Yes, it will cost you just £2. For links, see page 1 of this sticky.

We cannot be absolutely certain which credit card providers search a particular agency's files (lenders do not disclose this information), but anecdotal evidence suggests most use Experian, so that one matters more.

Btw, once you have your paper copy, the credit reference agencies seem happy to answer questions over the phone if you quote your reference number. So if, for instance, you wanted to check that particular items had since been updated, there's no need to order further copies of your credit reports

Moggles_2 · 16 October 2009 at 12:03PM

mr6562 wrote: »

I live in a flat, number 9A, however when I first moved in I had trouble getting a phone line because according to BT there is only a 9 or a 9B. It turned out that according to the postcode search they use I am number 9, (the phone works anyway), and when I used postcode searchers myself it's come up as 9 as well, so I told my bank my new address was 9. The problem now is that I've received the electoral registration form, which is for 9A, and also I started to apply for a card until it searched for my address and came up with 9A, so what should I do? Does the 'A' really matter? Should I change my address with my bank again, and tell BT they've got the wrong address and probably have for years?

From a finance point of view, the address BT uses is of no consequence, but the electoral roll matters.

Given the existence of flat 9B, 9A would seem logical, but the important thing is to be consistent.

I would contact the electoral services department of your local council for advice. If your flat number can be changed to 9 on the electoral register without affecting another voter, you have that option. If not, you will have to notify your bank accordingly and use 9A from now on.

rony1434 · 21 October 2009 at 11:18AM

Hi
Thanks for sharing this information about how to obtain credit reports?
Its really helpful for me.

elliot341 · 25 October 2009 at 6:41PM

I'm looking at requesting the statutory credit reports from the 3 main companies, but before I do I've been looking at making sure that all my and my partner's addresses for bills etc match up with the electoral register which we're both registered on and were at our previous addresses as well. I've made sure that our mobile & broadband addresses match up, I was just wondering how exactly everything needs to match up. I'm providing the exact correct electoral addresses to the credit companies, but I've got a few queries.
Firstly on my broadband and mobile account I have not included my middle initial and can't change my name on the account, is this ok? Also how tight are the companies on the inclusion of Countys on addresses? For example on my bank account details (ive included the middle initial) but ive not currently included the county (in this instance Lancashire)
Are there any other bills etc that I need to check that they match up as well?

I can understand if there is confusion on the main part of an address (ie my previous address had 2 post codes for the front/back of the building, my home could be described as a flat or apartment, was in a building descibed as either number 72, 72-76, 72/76, and also had a name for the overall building!?!) but i was wondering how strict things are on the things I have mentioned?

Many thanks if anyone can shine some light on this and help me out. You could say its stressing me out a bit!

Moggles_2 · 25 October 2009 at 6:59PM

elliot341 wrote: »

I'm looking at requesting the statutory credit reports from the 3 main companies, but before I do, I've been looking at making sure that all my and my partner's addresses for bills etc match up with the electoral register which we're both registered on and were at our previous addresses as well. I've made sure that our mobile & broadband addresses match up, I was just wondering how exactly everything needs to match up. I'm providing the exact correct electoral addresses to the credit companies, but I've got a few queries. Firstly, on my broadband and mobile account I have not included my middle initial and can't change my name on the account, is this ok? Also how tight are the companies on the inclusion of Countys on addresses? For example on my bank account details (ive included the middle initial) but ive not currently included the county (in this instance Lancashire) Are there any other bills etc that I need to check that they match up as well?I can understand if there is confusion on the main part of an address (ie my previous address had 2 post codes for the front/back of the building, my home could be described as a flat or apartment, was in a building descibed as either number 72, 72-76, 72/76, and also had a name for the overall building!?!) but i was wondering how strict things are on the things I have mentioned?Many thanks if anyone can shine some light on this and help me out. You could say its stressing me out a bit!

The exclusion of your middle initial on your mobile and broadband accounts should not matter.

County names are superfluous. It's house/flat numbers plus post code that matter most.

With luck, it'll be purely a question of checking the register and sticking with that version. Provided that you're consistent when completing all your paperwork, you should be okay. 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 electoral roll.

P.S. Don't worry if your address is formatted differently on council tax bills and the like. That's of no consequence, but the electoral roll version counts where finance is concerned

elliot341 · 25 October 2009 at 8:17PM

Thank you, that's cleared it up a bit!

kira_akira · 31 October 2009 at 9:14PM

very helpful !!

Ash*_4 · 3 November 2009 at 5:06PM

nice i really love this, i would like to find out more :money:

Ash*_4 · 3 November 2009 at 5:07PM

With luck, it'll be purely a question of checking the register and sticking with that version. Provided that you're consistent when completing all your paperwork, you should be okay. 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 electoral roll.

How to obtain credit reports - Page 43

MSE NEWSFLASH 03/08

How to obtain credit reports

Replies

Quick links