What credit reference agencies do:

When credit reference agencies receive a search from us they will:

1. Place a search "footprint" on your credit file whether or not this application proceeds. If the search was for a credit application the record of that search (but not the name of the organisation that carried it out) may be seen by other organisations when you apply for credit in the future.
2. Link together the records of you and anyone that you have advised is your financial associate including previous and subsequent names of parties to the account. Links between financial associates will remain on your and their files until such time as you or your partner successfully files for a disassociation with the credit reference agencies.

Supply to us:

1. Credit information such as previous applications and the conduct of the accounts in your name and of your associate(s) and/or your business accounts (if you have one).
2. Public information such as County Court Judgments (CCJs) and bankruptcies.
3. Electoral Register information.
4. Fraud prevention information.

When information is supplied by us, to them, on your account(s):

1. Credit reference agencies will record the details that are supplied on your personal and/or business account (if you have one) including previous and subsequent names of parties to the account and how you manage it/them.
2. If you borrow and do not repay in full and on time, credit reference agencies will record the outstanding debt.
3. Records shared with credit reference agencies remain on file for 6 years after they are closed whether settled by you or defaulted.

How your data will NOT be used by credit reference agencies:

1. It will not be used to create a blacklist.
2. It will not be used by the credit reference agency to make a decision.

How your data WILL be used by credit reference agencies:

1. The information which we, other organisations and fraud prevention agencies provide to the credit reference agencies about you, your financial associates and your business (if you have one) may be supplied by credit reference agencies to other organisations and used by them to:
   1. Verify your identity if you or your financial associate applies for other facilities including all types of insurance applications and claims.
   2. Make decisions on credit, credit related services and on motor, household, life and other insurance proposals and insurance claims, about you, your partner, other members of your household or your business.
   3. Trace your whereabouts and recover payment if you do not make payments that you owe.
   4. Conduct checks for the prevention and detection of crime including fraud and/or money laundering.
   5. Manage your personal, your partner's and/or business account (if you have one).
   6. Manage your personal, your partner's and/or business insurance policies (if you have one/any).
   7. Undertake statistical analysis and system testing.
2. Your data may also be used for other purposes for which you give your specific permission or, in very limited circumstances, when required by law or where permitted under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998.
3. Your data may also be used to offer you other products, but only if you have given your permission. That will be on the front of any form that you have completed.

How to find out more

You can contact the 3 agencies currently operating in the UK; the information they hold may not be the same so it is worth contacting them all. They will charge you a small statutory fee.

1. Experian, Consumer Help Service, PO Box 8000, Nottingham NG80 7WF or call 0870 241 62 12* or visit www.experian.co.uk
2. CallCredit, Consumer Services Team, PO Box 491, Leeds, LS3 1WZ or call 0870 060 14 14* or visit www.callcredit.plc.uk
3. Equifax PLC, Credit File Advice Centre, PO Box 3001, Bradford, BD1 5US or call 0870 010 05 83* or visit www.myequifax.co.uk

If you have been refused credit you can get advice from your local Trading Standards Department, Citizens Advice Bureau or Consumer Advice Centre and the agencies' websites. The Information Commissioner also produces a useful leaflet entitled 'Credit Explained'. You can obtain a free copy on the Commissioner's website or by telephoning 0870 600 81 00*.