If you’re like me you really want to see what is on your credit files, and in order to get a true picture you require a copy of your report from Experian.
Experian is one of the three credit reference agencies used in the UK today, others include Call Credit and Equifax. In my personal opinion Experian is one of the larger and most popular used to date.
So why choose Experian
To be honest you need to obtain a copy of all records from Equifax, Call credit and Experian in order to see all activity. This is because not all companies report to all three in fact most will report to any of the three available agencies. It would be ideal if all companies reported to the same company as I believe that applying for credit is not as fair as they all make out. As some agencies may have adverse details when others won’t!
Experian also claim on their website that they have over 25years experience in this field, and they have listened to customers so they know what we really want. Experian pride themselves in excellent customer service.
How do I obtain a copy of my report
*Post* I personally believe it is much better to write to Experian to request a paper copy of your credit report, for a fee of only £2 they will post you a copy of your report. When applying by post you need to send a cheque or postal order, it is better to send a cheque which is in your name; this helps them prove who you are.
*Phone* You can also apply over the phone by calling the number below (chargeable) and that service won’t only cost you the cost of the phone call which will last about 7 minutes but you have to pay the £2 fee and an additional 50p for the privilege of chatting to someone.
*Online* Like most credit reference companies they all over a 30 days free trial in order to get new customers, I don’t like the ideas of these as I often forget to cancel and end
up paying for something I do not really need to see each month. If you choose to pay the monthly fee the charge is £6.99.
*Information required* Whether you apply over the phone, online or by post you will require the following information.
Full Name and Date of Birth (Ladies include your maiden name if you have been married within the last 6years) Also if you have been known by any other name(s)
Addresses for past 6 years, this includes post codes.
If you have previously been supplied with a copy of your file they may ask some security questions.
If application is complete online you will be asked to set up your own security question, ie mothers maiden name etc.
Experian Ltd Consumer Help Service PO Box 8000 Nottingham NG80 7WF
0870 241 6212
Experian have 7 days from receipt of your request to send you a copy of your credit file, this is what the information commissioner suggest.
Paper Copy and Online Version
*Paper Copy!
When you receive the paper copy you will more than likely be horrified what detail is shown. It will more than likely have over 15 double sided pages of normal size paper with lots of details and data which to the untrained eye will be nothing. But rest assured you do get a booklet that details all the codes and explains all the sections very well.
Within the detailed report it will show all your credit accounts (For companies that report to Experian)
It will show you the following details:
Account Information
Company Name : Ciao.co.uk – Marcellep2 (Your Name) – Address account was opened at – Your Date Of Birth – Account Type ie mail order/ Credit Card – Start Date – Current Balance £100 – Credit Limit £1000 – Last Updated 11/06/2009 –
Then it will have a status bar, this is the important part and this is what can really affect you getting credit in the future – [0] is good and means payments up to date. (see below) It also will have a summary history which will show you how your account has been maintained in the past 12mths.
[0] Payments up to date [1] Payments are up to one month late [2] Payments are up to two months late [3] Payments are up to three months late [4] Payments are up to four months late [5] Payments are up to five months late [6] Payments are up to six months late [8] Your account is in default [U] No information is available as yet [D] Account not being used and zero balance [?] Still awaiting update from lender.
*Electoral Roll Information:
A must be for any person looking for credit, this will confirm that you are on the electoral roll at your current address.
*Name (alias)
If you have ever been known by any other name other than that of your maiden or married name then it would show in this section.
*Financial Connection
This is where you can expect to see your husband or wife’s name, but it is advisable to check to ensure that no other names are shown here. This section is to associated people together who have financial connections, this must relate to a loan, bank account, mortgage, or similar.
*Public Record Information.
If you have been made bankrupt or had a IVA, CCJ or similar then all the information relating to this will be in this section, it will have the date you entered.
*Repossession Information.
If you have been in the unfortunate position to have had your house repossessed then it will show in this section. This will have adverse affects on your credit file.
*Previous
Pictures of Experian
Experian
Searches. This is the section that I really enjoyed looking at; here is where you will find all the details of any companies that have searched your credit file. Now it’s shows what you have applied for ie the type of credit and the amount. Beware that some companies will perform a credit check when you apply for insurance too as I found out when I checked my file.
*Linked addresses
If you’re like me and have moved about a lot you will have pages of linked addresses, basically this will show you addresses that you have lived at when you have had credit. Now each company will show all the addresses so most of this information is repeated.
Updating or correcting a error
If after you have checked your file you notice an error then you can ask Experian to contact the company in question to query the error. Now whilst the account is being looked in to Experian will place a dispute marker against the account to show any companies that search your file that you are querying this entry.
I also believe that it is better for you to contact the company direct to request information is updated or removed accordingly.
Most companies update the file once a month.
Customer Service
I have contacted Experian regarding one issue of my credit file via email from there secure website and I have to say I was very impressed by the response they sent me. Initially you get a automated response with frequently asked questions, however within 28 days you get a human response which is very detailed and I have to say it did answer my question fully. Now if it did not I was able to call them on a free phone number to discuss it further. I did call the customer service number once to ask a stupid question and the waiting time to be answered was very short.
Experian provides very good customer service; enquiries via post or phone are dealt with promptly and accurately. (Note that for obvious security reasons, only general enquiries are dealt with via email, so don’t expect email responses to be particularly helpful.) Their call centre is very good, as the waiting times are short and the customer service agents are both patient and helpful. The next largest credit agency, Equifax, doesn’t provide any kind of phone support – rather frustrating when your application has gone astray and you need to chase it up.
What can I expect from Experian
Experian has a duty to ensure the information they hold on the customer is accurate and up to date, from time to time they will get things wrong that’s when you need to tell them to sort it. Remember that Experian is only providing a service and they are not a company that can help you sort your credit file out. They simply share information to lenders to allow them to make an informed decision when offering credit.
Experian online also have their own tools such as credit score, now this is their own credit score and will not reflect any credit score that a company may give you.
Remember
To improve your credit file: Ensure that all debts/accounts’ have the correct address and are not still under your old address. Close any account you do not use any longer. Ensure you’re on the electoral roll Check your file often for errors PAY YOUR ACCOUNT ON TIME
Final Thoughts
I have checked all my credit files on all three reporting companies and I have to say that Experian is far better than any of the others. There documents are easy to understand and following and the booklet they send with the report is excellent and is very easy to read and full of very useful information.
There website is easy to navigate and loads very quickly, lots of useful information can be found on their website.
I would have no problem recommending Experian to anyone, there database is extensive and many companies due use them to search and report too.
Remember there are three credit reporting companies and there links are below.
Experian: http://www.experian.co.uk/
Equifax: http://www.equifax.co.uk/
Call Credit: http://www.callcredit.co.uk/
Email: customerservice@creditexpert.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 656 9000 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-1pm)
I don't have a problem with my credit rating, but it is very useful to know that you can apply in writing for your report for just £2.
suehome 17.09.2009 16:06
Really useful insight, it just galls me to have to pay for information which has been collected about me. I just use one the freebie providers to keep a check that nothing unexpected has blotted my copybook!......Sue
lobster_lad 19.08.2009 19:57
Good review, trouble is seems to good of a review about experian. sounds like he works for them because i wouldn't of spent all that Time writeing that out unless i get paid for it
Advantages: They had a record of my addresses for 13 years; I didn't! Disadvantages: Dismal customer service. Customers are paying to do their data entry.
Cannonwood 07.08.2008 (07.08.2008)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful
Review of Experian
Advantages: More accurate than Equifax, only £49.99 for unlimited reports, weekly alerts, substantial help files Disadvantages: Need to print or generate a new report each time you want to refer back to something
sue.51 31.05.2004 (31.05.2004)
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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of www.creditexpert.co.uk
Jun 21st, 2009
exceptional by (5%):
very helpful by (95%):
