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• I just got my credit report from experian.
  To my surprise, experian only hold two credit account on me:
  1. Orange
  2. Next Directory for a credit limit of 600 pounds.
  there is no reference to my current account and a visa credit card which I have for the last six years.
  apart from that there were around 13 previous search from bank, credit card comapny in the past 12 month when I apply for a new account after I moved earlier (the application for a new current accoutn with A&L was turned down).
  So all in all, it is a very plain report.
  Is there a way to get Experian to talk to my current bank so that my credit card record will show in the report? As I never miss a payment, just thought that will improve my report.
  thx
• Just applied to Experian and Equifax in order to take advantage of the free trial.
  I've been told that using the details I have provided that they cannot verify my identity.
  they've asked me to provide;
  Two forms of original documentation linking you to your
  current address (e.g. utility bill, bank statement, tenancy
  agreement, solicitor's letter) dated within the past three
  months
  Plus,
  · A copy of either your passport, driving licence or birth
  certificate.
  My jobs meant that over the past 4 years I've shifted addresses but I've always been on the electoral register.
  I've also had no problem getting credit. In the past 6 months I've switched bank accounts and been given a personal loan with no problems.
  Just wondering if its worth my while sending away copies of my passport etc.
  Neil
• OK, someone had to ask ...by signing up for these free trials and setting up DD's, are you not adding further credit searches to your records?
• No you're not getting further searches (well you are, but they don't count so don't worry, i did put it in the article - cos i knew people'd ask )
• Good idea. Got my report. Where's the cancel link? Anyone found it yet? Or is it one for snail mail?
• I recently paid back nearly Ј10,000 worth of debt via a remortgage, but still have roughly Ј7500 left to pay and I am doing this via Payplan a non-fee-paying debt counselling service. I do this regularly and my (only 4) accounts left with them are being regularly paid and all the interest has been frozen on these - As a test, I applied for a credit card and was turned down - I do have a credit card from Capital One with a Ј1000 credit limit but have never ever been overdue or late with a payment from them - is it worth getting a credit report, Martin - or am I just considered a bad risk? I own my house, overpay on my mortgage yet have recently been turned down for a current account and a credit card. Help!
• Lizzie, You need to get your credit reports and take a look, as you are with payplan your accounts will most likley have been defaulted, and at best will be marked 'arrangement' - That is going to cause you problems getting further credit, and let's be honest - so it should. You aare on the way to debt freedom, but have some way to go, don't spoil it, focus on clearing what you owe, not on getting more credit
  PS don't overay your mortgage, clear your payplan debts faster, then overpay your mortgage - that's my view.
  Skanger
• Thanks Skanger, for someone telling me I am doing something right - debt freedom sounds good. I have just won Ј125 and intend to put this towards debts too. Thanks for your support. Think I will pop off and get my report. Kindest regards, Lizzieann
• It's all well and good putting in your details to these credit firms ---but there are some people in this country who can't open a bank account because of a poor credit score( even tho the bank says it can't tell you the reason for refusal) and can't get a credit card for similar reasons.
  Can somebody, therefore, tell me how to apply on-line for a credit score?
  And isn't there some legal technicality, somewhere, about obtaining information, about a third party, that wasn't freely given? :confused:
• Hi - I wonder if someone could tell me how long information stays on your credit file? If you've been in trouble before how long do you need to be 'good' before all the 'bad' info comes off your file?
  My husband had an IVA, which is now fully paid and completed - Obviously it's nice being without debt now but we're hoping to move soon or at least change our mortgage company (to whom we pay a ridiculous interest rate ). How long would we need to wait before applying to a normal lender?
  Hope someone can shine some light on this for me!
• The THREE CRA's usually hold information on file for 6 years.
• Sorry, I know it's probably a stupid question: but is that 6 years from the beginning of the loan (or whatever) or the end? :confused:
• Six years from date of settlement
  "Accounts that are still being used will continue to be held until the account is closed and then for six years after settlement. Defaulted accounts are kept for six years from the date of the default, although the current balance should show if payments have been made since the default or if the account has now been fully paid." - Source Experian
• Hello! First time on chat forum! Had to join in to ask about my experiences with Experian and Equifax. Have been turned down for various credit cards etc over past few years - assumed it was my student status and frequent moves. However, now have permanent job, am married, still living in rented accommodation but doing ok. No history of bad payments etc. However, the only bank account I have ever had is from Barclays, with a barclaycard that came with the student account. As this is still getting graduate rates it is worth sticking with. Applied to both Experian and Equifax for my credit scores. Got a good score back from Experian, saying that most lenders would be happy to deal with me. However, Equifax had no history of me - had to send in bank details, proof of address etc, to receive a report that shows only electoral roll data - nothing about my bank account or barclaycard. After endless rounds of conversations with bank and both credit agencies, it emerges that many lenders only deals with one or two of the 3 main credit agencies, so if you apply for credit to someone who scores with the wrong agency, they will turn you down for having no credit history. Have put a statement on my equifax credit report to the above effect, but am still no nearer being able to apply for all these good offers I keep seeing - what can I do next???
• Hello
  Just got my credit report from Experian and I have a quick question.
  There are 2 'Defaults', both with Barclays Bank for about Ј9,000 & Ј1,200.
  These have now been 'satisfied' and marked as such on the Credit report.
  I was also never taken to court regarding these.
  My question is this, just how bad are these 2 inputs on my file?
  I think they're not that good news but as they're both satisfied then the news is not devasting either. Is this the right way to look at the problem?
  Thanks a lot
• Does anyone know where/how to cancel the Equifax gold watch credit account? I've scanned the website but can't find a helpful link (suprise suprise), of course this could all be down to my brain not working on a Monday. thanks
• ignore previous question, just looked above and low and behold someone has already answered it :rolleyes: I'll go back to sleep now...