Consumers can now access their statutory credit report online for a nominal fee of only £2 from all three major UK credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and Callcredit
An agreement between the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the industry means consumers will now have easier access to their credit reports. Continued free access to credit reports for victims of ID fraud and the financially vulnerable has also been secured by the government.
Credit reference agencies and consumer groups have committed to work together to raise awareness of the importance of checking credit records.
Consumer Minister Edward Davey said:
"These are highly beneficial changes. All consumers now have easier access to their £2 statutory credit reports, with victims of ID fraud and the financially vulnerable receiving free access to their reports. These significant improvements will help consumers take better control of their finances."
Credit reports allow consumers to monitor their financial commitments by viewing, for example, what credit commitments they have outstanding and any late payments they have made. It is important as the information held on their credit reports may affect their ability to access further credit or get the best deals in the future.
Previously, statutory credit reports for £2 were only available by post, which could take seven days to arrive.
Peter Vicary-Smith, Which? Chief Executive said:
'This should provide a quicker and more convenient access for consumers to their credit file, and could encourage more people to check their file more regularly. This is a welcome initiative in the battle against fraud and the elimination of faulty data.'
The three credit reference agencies are online at:
Callcredit: http://www.callcredit.co.uk/
Equifax: http://www.equifax.co.uk/
Experian: http://www.experian.co.uk/