Credit report and rating guides: Index

Our guides give you the facts so you can make an informed choice when you compare credit report options from bureaus and agencies.

How to improve a credit score

Improving a credit score could be key to your financial good health, so follow our top tips to help boost your credit rating and get the deals you deserve.

How to improve a credit score »

How your existing borrowing affects your credit score

Find out how your level of debt might positively or negatively affect your credit score, including your debt-to-limit ratio and debt-to-income ratio.

How your existing borrowing affects your credit score »

Should it be free to access your credit history

You have the right to access your credit history, but in many cases you have to pay for it. It’s your information, so should it be free to look at it?

Should it be free to access your credit history? »

Soft search

When you search for a credit product it’s increasingly common to be offered a soft search (or ‘smart search’) facility. Find out what this means...

Soft search »

What happens when you apply for credit?

Whenever you apply for credit, lenders make numerous checks behind the scenes. Find out why you may’ve been approved or declined and improve your chances.

What happens when you apply for credit? »

You may also be interested in:

Bad credit loans

Some lenders are willing to do business with people with bad credit ratings, so is a bad credit loan right for you?

Bad credit loans »

Basic bank accounts

If you want a simple, easy-to-manage current account that doesn't require a credit check then a basic bank account could be the option you need.

Basic bank accounts »

Cancelling old credit cards

Find out what the advantages and disadvantages are of cancelling your old credit cards and how it could affect your credit rating.

Cancelling old credit cards »

Credit builder credit cards

A credit builder or even a bad credit rating card could be an option if you're struggling to get another card - but make sure you manage it well and look out for high charges that could increase debt.

Credit builder credit cards »

Consumer Credit Act

The Consumer Credit Act (1974) empowers consumers and protects credit card purchases. Find out more about the Act and how it can help you.

Consumer Credit Act »

Cutting the cost of debt

It makes sense to pay as little as you have to for a loan, so try our tips for cutting the cost of debt and borrowing.

Cutting the cost of debt »

Is ID theft protection worth it?

Find out more about ID theft protection, or identity theft insurance as it's also known, and whether you need it.

Is ID theft protection worth it? »

Midata

The government's midata project helps empower consumers' personal finance comparison choices by giving easier access to data held about them and getting it delivered in a more consistent format.

Midata »

Unsolicited increases to credit card limits

Credit card providers sometimes automatically raise your credit limit. Is this a good thing for customers?

Unsolicited increases to credit card limits »

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