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james · #9 (**permalink**) Tue., 05:50 PM

I just tried the Equifax system.

After entering some details I got a full report online for £12.95. I had to make a phone call to verify some details mid process (note that this is only available during office hours, so you may have to wait for the following day if you try to get your report out-of-hours).

The report is detailed and carries lots of information about your credit including the overall credit score.

There is also electorial register information and linked addresses - that is information about all your previous addresses.

All your credit and current balances are shown as well as your payment history; also highlighting where you have defaulted on any payments.

It also shows all searches done - that is the companies who have searched your credit report - apparently lenders son't like to see large amounts of activity on your report.

Also any court judgements appear.

Overall a very good report - it also includes information and advice about how to fix bad areas of your credit.

Here are soem tips taken from the report:

Top Tip:

1) Creditors prefer to see active accounts on your report - if you have no active credit, this will appear negatively on your score.

2) Creditors like to see accounts opened over 3 years ago.

3) Creditors don't like to see accounts that are in arrears (not sure that you need a report to be told that - but it's there anyway).

4) Being registered on the electorial roll for a number of years is looked upon favourably.

5) Creditors don't want to see more than one or two searches on your report within the last 6 months. This can indicate that you are currently applying for lots of credit, or have recently been denied credit.

6) Recent bankrupcy or county court judgements is bad! duh! :P

All in all - the report reflects cooksta's tips almost word for word. Follow the advice above - it will without doubt help to improve your credit score.