If you are looking for credit repair advice, please be careful when dealing with companies which claim they can ‘clean up’ your credit history. You’ll find the ads in newspapers and magazines and even on the TV or the radio. You can sort out your credit report yourself or with expert help FREE OF CHARGE. You do not need to pay for credit repair advice. You can get free advice about County Court Judgments, bankruptcy, defaulted accounts or other arrears. You can also get free advice on how to sort out your debts and how to apply for credit even if your past is not perfect and free advice about the contents of your credit report.
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Available from Experian, The Credit Reference Agency Explained is a complete guide from one of the main UK credit reference agencies. Download here in PDF format (1021Kb) .
You can read all about credit, your rights and what to do if things go wrong in an informative leaflet from the Information Commisioners Office - PDF format (294Kb).
View an example credit report from the credit reference agency Experian. This will help you see what information credit reports can include - PDF format (47Kb).
There are three credit reference agencies in the UK. These are Experian, Equifax and CallCredit. All these agencies allow you to order your credit reports online.
If you cannot afford the £2 fee, ask your local Citizens Advice Bureau or other money advisor to help. For the CAB's address look in your local Phone Book or on the Internet at www.adviceguide.org.uk. They will also help you sort out any debt problems
Your local council might also have a money advice centre. You can find the number in the Phone Book or ask at your local library.
County Court Judgments and records of arrears can sometimes be removed from a credit reference file. But do not be tempted to lie to a court. Never pretend you have not received a Summons if you have. The consequences of lying to a court can be very serious.
You can get free advice on improving your credit rating from the credit reference agencies or from the advice agencies listed above. There is also an excellent guide on Martin Lewis's Moneysavingexpert.com website - click on Credit Rating / Credit Score in Useful Links.
