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10 myths about credit reports
By Rebecca Atkinson
Since the onset of the credit crunch, we are more aware than ever before of the importance of ensuring our credit record is not only accurate but also as 'good' as possible.
When you apply to take out a financial product (such as a credit card, loan, mortgage or even a current account), your credit history will be checked by the provider to confirm the information you have told it and to give you a credit score. If you don't match its criteria, it will reject your application. At the very least, it may use your score to decide how much interest to charge you.
Lenders aren't the type of company that may search your credit record - when you sign up to a contract, for a mobile phone or gym membership for example, you may be subject to a credit search. In addition, landlords will often check the records of prospective tenants to make sure they are responsible and will pay the rent. Just remember, though, that firms must get your permission before they run a credit search on you.
Your credit report contains information about you from the electoral role, any financial links you might have (a joint mortgage, for example) and whether you have any County Court judgments, bankruptcy orders or individual voluntary arrangements.
Most importantly, your record includes all your credit agreements from the past six years - including how you have managed your repayments and the amount of credit you have available to you.
It's good practice for people to check their credit records on a regular basis to make sure all the information is correct and to ensure they haven't fallen victim to identity theft.
However, many people are deterred from requesting to see this information because they think this will leave a 'footprint' on their report and will have a detrimental affect on their ability to get credit in the future.
This is just one of many 'myths' surrounding credit reports:
1. Checking my credit report will be expensive
2. Checking my report will damage my chances of being approved for credit
3. Other people who live or used to live at my address have damaged my credit rating
However, if you share a financial product with another person then their score could impact your rating.
4. I'm on a credit blacklist
A quick tip to improve your score, however, is to make sure you are on the electoral register at your current address. If you are not, then lenders are likely to be reluctant to lend to you.
5. Only financial products are included on my record
6. Being turned down for credit will show up on my record
On the other hand, making numerous applications for credit within a short space of time can adversely affect your credit rating.
7. A missed credit card payment from a few years ago has damaged my rating
The letter D indicates the account is not being used while a U is displayed when a credit agreement is new and the information is not yet available.
If an account has been settled and you made all the repayments on time, then this will be recorded. But if an account was in default because a payment was late then the date this happened and the amount outstanding will be included.
While missing a payment will be recorded on your file and could affect your overall credit score, it's worth remembering that lenders will put more prominence on more recent activity. If you have been completely up to date with all your credit agreements, but once missed a payment, this will not necessarily ruin your chances of getting credit in the future.
You can also include a statement on your report where you can explain why you missed a payment. Although lenders don't have to take this into account, it at least gives you the chance to tell your side of the story.
8. I've never borrowed so my credit record is squeaky clean
However, a quirk of lenders is that they are more confident in lending to people who have a history of borrowing and repaying debt on time.
If you have never had a credit agreement then taking one out and repaying it in full and on time will improve your rating. Most store card providers don't carry out credit checks, so this is an ideal place to start. Just make sure you pay off the balance in full and on time.
9. I've paid off all my debt so having credit cards won't impact my rating
Having several dormant credit cards might cause concern, as it suggests the potential for you to run up great piles of debt. It's therefore worth cancelling some or all of your credit card agreements once you no longer need these cards.
10. It's impossible to improve my rating
As well as making sure you make all your payments, you should focus on trying to pay off some of your debt. For example, rather than just making the minimum repayment on your credit card each month, try to clear as much as you can afford - or, even better, pay off the entire balance.
Not only will this save you money as you won't face interest payments, but you will also reduce your overall amount of indebtedness. As per point nine, however, you should also consider cancelling unrequired credit card agreements.
You should also check your credit report for mistakes or suspicious footprints or credit agreements you weren't aware you had. If you spot a mistake or suspicious activity then contact the agency that sold it to you. It will be able to investigate the matter and find out whether you have been the victim of ID theft or a bank's mistake.
If you have been turned down for a loan or other credit agreement then you have the right to know why. Ask the lender for details of your application as this may highlight any mistakes or issues with your report.
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