Where can I get my credit report?

Where can I get my credit report?

Keeping tabs on your credit score is crucial if you have hopes of funding some of life’s biggest purchases, such as a house or car.

But what about your credit report? If you’re not sure of the difference, don’t fret, as we’re about to give you a crash course on credit scores and credit reports, including how you can get your hands on them both (for free).

Your report contains all the information that lenders have regarding your past credit behaviour.

Aren’t credit reports and credit scores the same?

No.

Your credit score is a number that summarises your creditworthiness to lenders. This score – also known as a credit rating – provides you with a quick and easy way of judging whether or not you’ll be offered the best deals on loans and other forms of credit.

A credit report is a different kettle of fish. They provide a comprehensive overview of your entire credit history. If you want to know all the ins and outs of your past activity you’ll need to access your credit report.

How do I get hold of my credit report?

You can obtain your credit score for free simply by clicking here and following the instructions.

You’ll receive your rating, as well as an analysis of how your creditworthiness compared to other people in your area, age group and even star sign. Cool eh?

For your credit report (which should also be free), you’ll need to get in touch with one of the credit reporting agencies, such as illion, Experian or Equifax. You can also access most of your key credit information through the ‘credit history’ tab on your Credit Simple dashboard. 

Unlike your credit score, which is almost instantaneous, there’s a chance you’ll have to wait for a few days before your report arrives. But it’s often worth the wait if you want the nitty gritty details of your credit history.

Some credit reporting agencies may charge fees if you want your copy quickly. But with Credit Simple it’s always free for you.

What information is in my credit report?

Your report contains all the information that lenders have regarding your past credit behaviour, including:

• Personal details
• Credit applications
• Defaults and other infringements
• Your repayment history, excluding mobile phone and utilities bills
• Credit cards held
• Late payments and settled arrears
• Joint accounts
• Debt agreements.

Before the credit reporting agency will release your file, you must supply your personal details, as well as information on your current employer, a copy of your ID and a utilities bill or similar document from an official agency.