Compare  Credit Reports

Compare Credit Reports

A credit report details a person’s credit history. Any financial account you’ve had in your name over the past six years will be taken into consideration. This may include details of your bank account, any loans or credit cards you have taken out, and any financial contracts you have.

What is a credit report?

A credit report is there to inform potential lenders how reliable you are likely to be when it comes to paying any money back. Your credit history will decide your current credit rating. Your credit rating will then affect factors such as whether a lender will loan you the money or allow you a credit card, as well as informing details such as amount loaned, payback time and interest rates.

What is a credit reference agency?

Credit reference agencies look after the information contained in people’s credit histories. There are three credit reference agencies:

• Transunion (formerly CallCredit)
• Equifax
• Experian

Should I check my credit score?

It’s a good idea to check your credit score in advance of any application for a loan or credit card to avoid any surprises when the lender does the same. Different credit reference agencies may have different information on your history. At present Experian is the largest firm but there is no harm in getting a rating from all three firms – you won’t know which agency your lender will use and it’s good to be informed.

See our credit report guides for more information:

• What happens if you are refused credit?
• Tips to stop your credit rating keeping you awake
• Spring clean your credit rating
• New to the world of credit