What is contained in my Personal Information?
The Personal Information section of your credit report includes your name, date of birth, and your current and previous address. We get this information from you, your creditors or other sources. As each source gives this information separately, there could be the odd variation in your name, address or date of birth.
Your personal information isn't used for scoring, but unfamiliar information could be a sign of credit fraud or identity theft.
You may also be interested in:
- Who can view my credit information?
- Why do Equifax hold information on me?
- How do marketers get your information?
- How can I see my credit file?
Who can view my credit information?
With your consent, anyone with a valid business reason can look at your report. These companies, groups, and individuals can include:
- Potential lenders
- Landlords
- Insurance companies
- Employers and potential employers
- Companies you allow to monitor your account for signs of identity theft
- Government agencies (although they may only be able to see certain parts)
- Someone who uses your credit report to give you a product or service you've requested
- Any person that you've given written consent to see your report
Why do Equifax hold information on me?
As one of the UK's leading credit reference agencies, we look after information about your credit history. This helps lenders and other service providers decide whether to offer you a loan, credit card, job or property, or a product or service at a particular rate.
How do marketers get your information?
Every time you give your name and address to receive a product or service, there's a good chance your name is added to a number of marketing lists. If you're a customer of one company, you may receive direct mail from other companies you've never dealt with. That's because many companies sell their mailing lists. For example, if you subscribe to a computer magazine, you might get direct mail for computers and other electronics.
If you don't want your information sold to companies, tick the 'no' box on application forms that ask if you'd mind your information being passed on.
How can I see my credit file?
With an Equifax credit report, you can see your credit report online quickly and easily.
This gives you:
- details of credit agreements opened in your name, including a complete breakdown of your payment history
- your negative account history, to find out what could be putting lenders off
- companies that have looked your credit report
- an online dispute feature to help you sort out any problems quickly
- tips to help you understand your report better
- access to our helpful customer care team