What is a credit report?

Your credit report is compiled by credit reference agencies using information from two main sources:

• The Public Record: e.g. electoral roll information, court judgments, individual voluntary arrangements and bankruptcies

• Information provided by lenders and financial institutions: e.g. credit accounts, credit applications and financial associations.

Why is it important?

• Companies will use this to establish if you are credit worthy  – including mortgage lenders, credit cards and catalogues.

• Your credit rating may also affect the interest rate you are offered by lenders (you could pay more if your credit rating is poor).

• Regularly reviewing your credit report is an effective way of checking for id fraud.

Get your credit report now

You can apply online for a credit report from Experian, the UK’s largest credit reference agency, now. You will also receive a 30-day free trial to the CreditExpert Monitoring Service from Experian.

Click here for a free copy of your Experian credit report >

How does a credit report help prevent ID fraud?

You have the right to view the information contained in your credit report to make sure it is accurate.

You’ll get a snapshot of your credit history and current status which allows you to spot unusual or unfamiliar items, such as a credit card application that you know you didn’t make or an account you didn’t set up. You can then contact the lenders involved and correct any errors before problems before problems have a chance to develop.

Getting regular credit reports is such an effective precaution against becoming a victim of fraud that it is recommended by the Home Office.

What is ID fraud and how can you prevent it>

How a criminal could steal your ID>