The three main agencies in the UK are:

Experian
Consumer Help Service
PO Box 8000
Nottingham
NG1 5GX
www.experian.com

Equifax
Consumer Advice Department
Consumer Response Centre
PO Box 3001
Glasgow
G81 2DT
www.equifax.co.uk

Callcredit One Park Lane
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS3 1EP
www.callcredit.co.uk

Ways to improve your credit rating

• Register on the electoral role - If you do not register to vote, it may be difficult for lenders to verify your identity. Lenders often use the electoral role to check that you are who you say you are and live where you say you live. Lenders also look for stability. For instance if you have lived at the same address for a number of years as opposed to moving to a new address every year or two.
• Reasons for rejection - high debts, late payments, and court judgements can all result in rejection. To lenders, they indicate that you may not be able to make your repayments. If anything in your credit report is missing or not up to date, this could also lead to rejection. Contact the credit company and find out why your application was rejected. If they have incorrect information on their records, you are within your rights to state your case and explain your circumstances.
• Avoid repeat rejection - if you have been refused credit, don't keep applying. If you keep applying and keep being refused, each refusal leaves a credit search footprint on your file. Too many footprints are likely to lead lenders to think that you are financially over-committed and a high risk.
• Budget for your payments - make sure you always make at least the minimum monthly payment on your credit card and other accounts where applicable. If you miss a payment, it could be registered on your credit file and could affect your future credit rating.

Tesco Bank is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.