Getting a negative mark on your credit profile is frustrating at the best of times, but it’s especially infuriating if it’s not your fault. What’s more, getting it fixed can seem like harder work than it actually is – so follow our quick step-by-step guide to iron out any problems you have with your file.
Get paid to view your credit file
You shouldn’t need to pay to keep track of your credit profile – both main providers offer them for free if you’re crafty. Credit Expert currently offers a 30 day free trial, before reverting to £7.99 a month. However, there’s nothing to say you can’t just collect your credit file and cancel immediately before the trial ends. The same applies with Equifax, who offer a no obligation 30 day free trial before rolling you on to a yearly £69.99.
Even better is that some cashback sites are offering money to sign up with credit reference agencies. TopCashBack is offering £12 to sign up with Equifax (which you can still cancel before you pay) and £5 for CreditExpert.
Alternatively, you can also order a copy of your Statutory Credit Report from either company for just £2.
Look closely
Once you’ve received your report, make sure you pay close attention to every detail, and can account for every search or application that might have been made. If you can, it’s worth checking your credit files from both major agencies to ensure there are no disparities.
Report any problems
If you do spot a problem on your profile, make sure you report it immediately to the relevant party both in writing and with a follow-up phone call.
If there are any errors in your personal information, speak to the credit profile agency to report them. Otherwise, if there is a search or mark on your file that you disagree with or don’t recognise, contact the creditor (e.g. your bank or credit card company) immediately.
If you feel a mark has been unfairly or incorrectly left on your file – for example, if you have missed a payment not through your own fault but that of your bank – then you can apply to have it removed by the creditor in question.
If you can prove that the information you are challenging is incorrect, the creditor must update both its own records and those held by the credit reference agencies – this will usually happen within 28 days.
Notice of Correction
If, for whatever reason, you are unable to have your dispute resolved, then you are entitled to write and attach a 200 word statement, explaining the nature of the disagreement. This costs nothing to add, and will be seen every time your credit file is viewed.
For tips on improving your credit file, see our guide to getting a better grade, while you can compare credit cards and protect your credit file using our footprint-free credit profiling tool.
