Credit Reference Agencies
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Under the Data Protection Act 1998 you may request details held about you by the credit reference agency.The easiest way to order your file is on-line or by telephone, as long as you have either a credit card or debit card in your own name.

You can write enclosing a cheque for £2 (made payable to Experian or Equifax), 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.

With a copy of your credit file you will be sent a booklet which explains how to interpret the information held and what your rights are. You can, for example, challenge the accuracy of any details shown. If you believe that what you see is not correct then you can contact the organisation that supplied the information and tell them what you believe is wrong and why. If, after investigation it is agreed that the information is not accurate, then it will be changed.

Even if there is accurate information held which affects your ability to obtain loans or credit, you have the right to put a 'notice of correction' on your credit file. This is your opportunity to make a statement, if you wish, to explain your version of events. Once this 'notice' has been placed, every lender who looks at your file must read the 'notice' before making any lending decision about you. Naturally, it is up to the lender to make its own decision, but at least they will have taken your statement into account.