Checking my credit rating

I tried a few days ago to sign up for home broadband, and was told that the credit check done on me was declined.  This is a real mystery to me, seeing as I had no problem with obtaining utility accounts and a contract phone, I have a steady job, my bank account has never been overdrawn, and I've always paid all my bills on time.  When I asked for details as to why I was denied, I was told to contact the credit agency and obtain a credit report, which would tell me the reasons for the denial.

I called the credit agency (Equifax), and they wanted me to send copies of my passport and most recent bank statement in order to obtain the report, which I feel *very* uncomfortable with.  Is there any way of getting a credit report without having to hand out such personal information?  Thanks in advance!

Hi there

Any particular reason you feel uncomfortable handing your details to Equifax?

You must remember, the Credit reference agencies are fully regulated and will eventually have your information anyway via reports from your bank, building society and any loans, credit cards and mobile phone, utility companies etc etc that you are registered with. I cannot see any reason to be doubtful of giving them your details.

The two main credit reference agencies are Equifax and Experian, and I don't think there's any way of obtaining your personal credit report if they don't have your personal details.

I'm assuming you're American, and are here on perhaps a Tier 1 visa and or are now on ILR status (or it's equivalent) - you may need to speak more with the credit reference agencies in regards to this and see what you can and should do to help boost your rating. The staff at these agencies will know or at least find out stuff specific to you and being American etc to help.

If you're not willing to give them your personal information, you won't really get anywhere,

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

I've been able to check my UK credit report without sending those sorts of details. Go to creditexpert.com and you can get it free.

Hi again

Creditexpert is the consumer facing name and website of Experian.

http://www.creditexpert.co.uk/

I've been with these guys for anything credit rating related for the last 4 years or so.

It's 'free' to check I think for your first one, then it'll cost each time you check - unless of course you can blag some vouchers or promo codes etc.

Remember, you should check your credit report fairly frequently to ensure all is well, and that any errors haven't occured and of course for security purposes.

I think for their main demographic, providing passport details and sending bank statements isn't really needed. However as this site is geared towards recent and perhaps ILR immigrants, things are different. It's well known that being on the UK electoral roll register increases your credit score, yet many immigrants aren't able to do that becuase of their visa status. By talking to these companies, I think they are being a little more lenient in increasing scores when that happens by being in touch with them and providing anything which helps prove your credit worthiness. A Passport is essential for any new immigrants. There's alot of immigrants who have fake passports etc and if you can prove that your all totally 100% legit, then providing ID like this shouldn't really have to worry you.

Remember, credit ratings and the general availability of credit in the UK is going to be very tough the next few years, so boosting your rating has got to be significantly mre important than compared to recent years where money was thrown around like water. The quicker you can increase your score as a recently arrived American the better!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Dennis, I'm an immigrant on FLR not on the electoral register and I didn't have to provide my passport to check my score.

I checked my report with Creditexpert and didn't have to show my passport--actually, the whole process was very painless, yay!  It turned out that my credit is fine, and the reason for the declined credit check was that I'm not on the electoral roll.  It's still a no-go in terms of broadband, but at least I don't have anything negative on my report.

Thanks for the help!

Can you contact them and let them know that you are not on the electoral roll because you can't vote, but you can provide proof of address, such as a utility bill, council tax bill, etc. (assuming that you can)?

You should also have a note added to your credit file explaining this.

I don't understand why you can't get broadband, I've never had any problems and I've been with 3 different providers. Maybe try a different one?