Equifax

Equifax is  one of the UK’s major credit reference agencies. It helps  consumers get the best from their credit arrangements, as well as giving them the means to protect themselves against the threat of identity theft.

You can easily view your personal financial information by accessing your Equifax credit report online.

Unsuccessful credit applications often leave consumers wondering why they have been refused credit. Yet if they had taken the time to check out their credit file first, they may have been able to recognise damaging financial information on file, that could influence a lender's decision to advance new credit, and do something about rectifying it first.

Your credit rating and credit history should always be carefully maintained to ensure your eligibility for new credit, and for the better rates of interest available.

Regular monitoring also helps maintain the security of your name. Initial cases of identity theft have often been discovered by a consumer checking through their credit report, and being able to prevent further fraud taking place.

Equifax also provide a service called Credit Watch which monitors  your credit file for you. This will advise you within 24 hours of any major changes to your credit file. This is a significant way of keeping would-be identity thieves at bay.