Credit Reference Agencies
In the United Kingdom there are three main credit reference agencies where you can go and check your own credit rating. There are different levels of reports available and each agency offers slightly differing services and their costings are variable too.
You can contact all of these agencies via the internet, post or telephone and all give you the option of applying and downloading your credit score report online. When you order a copy of your credit report you will receive exactly the same information that a lender would see. The information includes public information and private financial details.
Callcredit
PO Box 491, Leeds LS3 1WZ
Call Credit offer a low cost way to view your credit file for £7.50 but you can choose a full credit monitoring service for £39.99 which sends you text alerts every time your credit file changes, for example when you apply for a new credit card. This service is one of the first in the UK to help prevent identity theft.
Experian
Consumer Help Service, PO Box 8000, Nottingham NG1 5GX. Tel: 0870 241 6212
You can apply online for your basic credit file which currently costs £2.00 but you can apply for quarerly updates on your file which include email and text alerts. Experian also include a helpline and offer tips on how to manage your money.
Equifax
Department 1E, PO Box 3001, Glasgow G81 2DT. Tel: 0990 143700.
Equifax offer an online option to obtain your credit report currently costing £9.95 but they also offer enhanced reports which include tips on managing your money for £12.95. If you wish to apply for their full service which helps combat identity fraud their monthly charge is £6.50 and includes automatically alerting you within 24 hours of any major changes made to your credit report.