Information on your credit record remains there for six years. Some people choose to pay a credit repair agency to "fix" their records so they can apply for a loan or credit card. If you are in debt, it is better advised to ask for debt help - rather than a credit repair fix!

• What are Credit Repair Companies?
• How do Credit Repair companies "clear" my credit record?
• Do I need to use a Credit Repair Company to see my credit record?
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What are Credit Repair Companies?

You may have seen advertisements claiming they can "Clear your credit record". These are usually the type of statements credit repair agencies make. Always be cautious of companies that make these kind of claims. Their services often come with a large price tag and dishonest methods.

How do Credit Repair companies "clear" my credit record?

They may apply for a CCJ to be removed off your record or encourage you to make a misleading statement so they can apply for information to be removed from your credit record. Sometimes your credit record may have not been updated after the six years, or you may even have debts on your record that you are not responsible for - such as a information from joint finances with an ex partner. They can help to dispute some of the information on your credit records, but keep in mind, if you have been made bankrupt or are in the process of completing an IVA, they will not be able to remove this kind of information. It will take six years for this information to be removed from your credit record.

Do I need to use a Credit Repair Company to see my credit record?

If you would like to get a copy of your credit record, you can ask for a print out from a credit reference agency such as Experian, Equifax or Callcredit. The print out will cost you £2, and you can dispute any incorrect information on there yourself - without the help of a credit repair company - and request for the information to be removed.

Contacting Credit Reference Agencies

In the UK, there are three main credit reference agencies that supply your credit record information whenever you apply for a loan, credit card, or other financial service that requires a credit check. Contact any of these agencies to get a copy of your current credit record.

1. Equifax PLC. Phone: 0870 010 0583. Online: http://www.equifax.co.uk
2. Experian Limited Phone: 087002416212 Online: http://www.experian.co.uk
3. Callcredit PLC Phone: 08700601414 Online: http://www.callcredit.co.uk

If your credit rating has started to suffer because of your debt, debt advice may help. Contact the Debt Advice Trust and speak to one of our qualified debt advisers. The advice you receive is always confidential.