Use this section to find out what credit ratings are, how you can obtain a copy of your credit rating, as well as how to improve your credit rating if need be. Below you will find a summary of how credit ratings work and the different ways a person can acquire a poor rating. If you would like more information and access to documents that can help you in obtaining your credit rating as well as improving it, click on the appropriate link on the left hand side of the page.

Credit reference agencies hold information (called a ‘credit history’) on most adults in the UK. This information helps lenders assess the risk of lending to particular people, and reduces the risk of fraud. The main agencies are Experian, Equifax and Callcredit.

If you have been refused credit and you are unsure why, you can obtain a copy of your credit report from any of the credit reference agencies. You have the right to have a copy of this information.

If you find that the information included in your credit report is inaccurate, this information can be remedied by using our credit rating repair document. Go to the 'fixing your credit' section of this page to access the document and find out more information on the topic. You cannot use this document if you simply want to get out of debt because you have spent too much money, but it can be of great use if there is a mistake on your file. You can also find information and documents here to help you if you have been the victim of identity theft.

Identity theft affects over 100,000 people every year. By obtaining a few of your personal details, it is possible for a criminal to open up bank accounts, obtain credit cards, claim benefits and also apply for official documents such as a driving licence, all of which will be traceable to you. If someone steals your identity, your credit rating can greatly suffer; learn what to do if this happens to you.