If you have had problems with debt, you may have had a default added to your credit record. The date of this default matters, so you need to know it exactly on all three credit reference agencies, see How to check your credit record for details. The rule is: the debt and the default will then be deleted from your credit record six years later after the first default. For example, if you have … [Read more...]
Credit Ratings
There is a lot talked about credit ratings on the Internet but it can be very confusing and sometimes even wrong! If you can't make the proper payments to your debts, your credit rating will suffer. But different debt options affect your credit score in different ways, so I've written these articles looking at the details of each situation.
This pages has all Debt Camel's articles about credit rating in date order - there are a lot of them! If you would like to see the most read articles, check out Debt Camel's page on Credit Score - problems, queries and answers which also tells you how to find out what is on your credit record.
Answers to the Quiz about types of debt
SPOILER ALERT Have a go at the quiz here before reading this page! A reminder: all the examples are for someone living in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. The same general diagram may apply in other countries, but the types of debts, the timescales and credit recording may be very different. A brief (no jargon!) explanation of my terms: Priority = a debt that is important, because … [Read more...]
Do you know your debts? A quiz!
Is that debt is a priority? Could you get a CCJ for it? Why isn't it on your credit record? If you have problems with your debts, it helps to understand why different debts sometimes have to be handled differently. Getting one wrong could be a big mistake! Here is a quiz, seeing if you can place some debt examples into the right place on the diagram below. Whether you think you are a debt … [Read more...]
Can I get another car after VT or is part exchange better?
A reader asked: I want to terminate my PCP car finance. The car's fine, good condition, but we now need a bigger car. According to my contract I can hand it back. But I am going to need to get another car, so I am worried this will harm my good credit record. Would part exchange be better? Your right to end a PCP contract early Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) is the most common way to buy a … [Read more...]
Is your credit card getting close to the danger point?
Here is a simple way to think of your credit cards and catalogue accounts using the traffic light colours. It's meant as a warning signal that you may have problems in the future. If you are in difficulty with bills or debts now, it's too late for this early warning to help... have a look at your possible options and get some debt help now! Red - Amber - Green First you need to compare the … [Read more...]
How much will my credit score change if … ?
How much will my credit rating go up/down is a very common question and one that is often tricky to answer. But here are some guideline numbers from Experian that may help. The other two credit reference agencies, Equifax and Call Credit may have different trigger points and numbers, but I think they have broadly the same approach. These are only indications - your credit score may not go up or … [Read more...]
Paying a defaulted account & your credit score
A reader asked if starting to pay a defaulted account will help his credit score. The simple answer is No! But there are very good reasons why paying defaulted debts will improve your general credit situation, making it easier for you to get a loan, a mortgage or a credit card in future. That credit rating number isn't the only thing that matters! To start, it's good to know what your credit … [Read more...]
Will a parking ticket show on my credit record?
A reader asked: I've got a parking ticket in a car park which isn't right because you couldn't see the signs the way I went in. I've been sent a letter saying if I don't pay they will go to court and this will then show on my credit record. My partner says she got a speeding fine and that wasn't on her credit record. Are they lying to me? To find out what will happen if you don't pay a parking … [Read more...]
How F&F settlements affect credit ratings
A reader has asked how Full & Final settlements (F&Fs) would affect her credit rating which is currently looking good as her debts were all defaulted and have dropped off her credit record. A full and final settlement happens when the creditors agrees to accept an amount which is less that the total owed to settle a debt, and agrees that the debtor will not be pursued for the remainder. … [Read more...]
Credit Improver – will it work for you?
I am sceptical about firms offering to improve your credit rating - too many of them are either scams or something you can easily do yourself. But Credit Improver is authorised by the FCA, any complaints about it can be considered by the Financial Ombudsman and it is offering a "guarantee" so I decided to take a look. How Credit Improver works When you sign up to Credit Improver you are buying a … [Read more...]
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