Money and renewals

Check your credit score

Why your credit report matters when you apply for finance, how to check it for free and what to do if you find a mistake on your credit file.

If you are applying for a loan, mortgage, credit card or other financial product, the information on your credit report can be the difference between being accepted and declined. It makes sense to check that your personal details are correct and up to date before you apply.

What is a credit report?

A credit report is a record of how you have managed credit and bills. It includes things like loans, credit cards, mobile phone contracts and whether you have paid on time. It is held by credit reference agencies, and lenders look at it when you apply for credit.

A credit score is a rating based on that information. Each agency and lender works out scores in its own way, so your score can differ depending on where you check it.

How to check your credit report

You have a legal right to see your credit report for free. You can ask each of the main UK credit reference agencies for your statutory report. Lenders may use different agencies, so it can be worth checking more than one.

Some services offer free trials that turn into paid monthly subscriptions. If you sign up to one, check the terms and the date you need to cancel by.

Before applying

Knowing what is on your report before you apply gives you the chance to fix problems first. Simple steps such as being on the electoral roll at your current address, paying bills on time and not making lots of applications in a short space of time can all help.

Fixing errors

If you find a mistake on your report, you can ask the credit reference agency to correct it. They should investigate and, if the information is wrong, update it. You can also add a short note to your file to explain circumstances. If you are not happy with how a complaint is handled, you may be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Where to get help

Kompare doesn't offer credit checks or credit products. MoneyHelper is the free government-backed service, with impartial guidance on credit reports, scores and managing debt.

For the insurance we can help with, see how we work.