The easiest way to order your file is online (Equifax and Experian) or by telephone (Experian), as long as you have either a credit card or debit card in your own name. Alternatively you can write enclosing a cheque for £2 (made payable to Callcredit, Equifax or Experian), giving your full name, date of birth, current address and any addresses you have had in the last six years (this helps the agency to track all the information it has on you). If you run a business, give its name and address as well, because separate information could be held on you under your business. If you've changed your name in the last six years, please provide those details too. There are three credit reference agencies, each of which may hold different information about you. You may find it useful to obtain a copy of your file from each agency.

Callcredit PLC
Consumer Services Team
PO Box 491 Leeds LS3 1WZ
Tel: 0870 060 1414
www.callcredit.plc.uk

Equifax PLC
Dept 1EPO Box 3001
GLASGOW G81 2DT
Tel: 08705 143700
www.equifax.co.uk

Experian Ltd
Consumer Help Service
PO Box 8000 NOTTINGHAMNG1 5GX
Tel: 0870 241 6212
www.experian.co.uk

You should receive a copy of your file within about seven working days.

It is important to also understand that every time a potential lender carries out a credit search this is also registered with the credit referencing agency. This means that if you have applied for several loans over a fairly short period of time you could be harming your credit worthiness. Lenders will become concerned that you are either taking out several loans and overstretching yourself or that you have been declined several times by other lenders. This could mean that they will also decline you.

How about a FREE Credit Check?

Check My File can perform a free credit check for you, visit their site by clicking here, or click on their banner below:

What happens if you are refused credit?

If you are refused credit you have certain rights. These include the following;

The lender must give you the name and address of any credit referencing agency used.
You can obtain details from the credit agency of the information they hold on file.
You have the right to correct any incorrect information.

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner has responsibility for credit reference agencies and produces a leaflet entitled 'No credit?' This gives advice on how to consult your credit record and rectify any mistakes. You can order a copy of it by calling 0870 44 21 211.

What is credit scoring?

Most lenders now use some form of credit scoring to assess whether or not they are prepared to lender. This means that they allocate certain points depending on your answers to particular questions. Depending on your total score they then assess whether they consider you to be an acceptable credit risk. Credit scoring takes into account such things as the length of time at your current address, your occupation, whether you are a home owner and even whether or not you have a home telephone. The total score determines whether the loan is granted or not. Different lenders use different systems and some will be more stringent than others. This means that you could be turned down by one lender and accepted by another. Lenders do not have to tell you the exact details of why they have turned you down but most should give you an indication.

What are your rights to cancel or withdraw from an agreement?

You have the right to cancel if you change your mind and all the following points apply. However, you have to act quickly as there are tight time limits;

You signed the credit agreement after discussing the deal face to face with the trader
You signed away from the contractors or lenders premises
The amount of the agreement is between £50 and £25000 and is not secured on your property.

For more information go to www.oft.gov.uk or call the consumer information line on 08457 22 44 99.

What if I want to settle the loan early?

If you want to settle up early then you will need to refer to the terms of the original agreement. In some cases you may have to pay more then the outstanding debt and some additional interest may be charged. It is important that you consider the terms for early settlement before you take out the loan.

For more information go to www.oft.gov.uk or call their helpline on 08457 22 44 99.