When are you entitled to receive a copy of your credit report?

Your credit report is a record of your financial history, including your borrowing and repayment behaviour, your credit accounts, your personal details, and any public information such as bankruptcies or court judgments. 

Your credit report can affect your ability to access credit products, such as loans, mortgages, or credit cards, as well as your eligibility for certain services, such as mobile phone contracts or utility bills.

How do I check a credit report?

It is important to check your credit report regularly to ensure that the information is accurate and up to date, and to spot any signs of fraud or identity theft. 

You can also use your credit report to monitor your credit score, which is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness based on the information in your report.

Three main credit reference agencies

In the UK, there are three main credit reference agencies (CRAs) that collect and provide credit report information: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each CRA may have slightly different information and scoring methods, so it is advisable to check your report from all three CRAs to get a complete picture of your credit situation.

You have the right to access a copy of your credit report information produced by any CRA under the Consumer Credit Act (1974) and the General Data Protection Regulation (2018). 

Free credit report

This is known as a statutory credit report, and you can request it for free once every 12 months from each CRA. You can also access your statutory credit report online or by post.

However, you are not limited to only one free credit report per year. There are also other ways to access your credit report for free, such as using online services that offer free credit scores and reports from one or more CRAs, such as Checkmyfile or Finder. 

These services may also provide additional features, such as alerts, tips, or comparisons, to help you improve your credit situation.

In summary, you are entitled to receive a copy of your credit report whenever you want, either for free or for a small fee, depending on the method and the level of detail you require. Checking your credit report regularly can help you manage your finances, protect your identity, and achieve your financial goals.