Consumer Support

A search is recorded on your credit report when an organisation accesses your information. Searches are most commonly carried out when you apply for credit, such as a loan, credit card, mortgage, finance agreement or mobile phone contract.

There are different types of searches, and not all searches are visible to lenders. For example, some searches may be carried out to verify your identity, check your eligibility for a product, or provide a quotation.

The searches section of your credit report helps you understand which organisations have accessed your information and when those searches took place.

How do searches affect me?

A single search is unlikely to have a significant impact. However, making multiple applications for credit within a short period may indicate you’re seeking additional borrowing and could be taken into consideration by some lenders.

Not all searches affect lending decisions. Some types of searches, such as identity checks or eligibility checks, may only be visible to you and will not be seen by lenders when reviewing your credit report.

Each lender has its own lending criteria and will assess applications based on its individual policies.

We do not have access to a lender's decision-making process or acceptance criteria and are therefore unable to advise whether searches on your credit report have affected a lending decision. Our role is to provide the information contained within your credit report.

Do I need to do anything about searches?

Not necessarily. If you recognise the organisations and activity shown, no action is required.

However, it is a good idea to review your searches regularly to ensure they reflect activity you recognise and expect to see.

If you recognise the searches shown and the information is accurate, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help you stay informed about who has accessed your information and ensure any unexpected activity is identified promptly.

What if I don't recognise a search?

If you see a search that you do not recognise, you should investigate it as soon as possible.

You should:

• Review the name of the organisation that carried out the search.
• Check the date the search was recorded.
• Consider whether you recently applied for credit, requested a quotation or completed an identity check.
• Contact the organisation if you require more information about the search.

If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs and follow the instructions.

Investigating unfamiliar searches can help ensure your credit report remains accurate and may help identify any potentially fraudulent activity.

What if there are a lot of searches on my report?

Multiple searches in a short period may be visible to lenders and could form part of their assessment when reviewing an application.

If you are considering applying for credit, you may wish to avoid making numerous applications at the same time unless necessary.

Using eligibility checkers, where available, may help you understand your likelihood of being accepted before making a full application.

The financial account information part of your report shows the financial organisations that you have or have had a relationship with that may share information with Credit Reference Agencies. This can include banks, building societies, credit card providers, mortgage lenders and other organisations that provide financial products or services.

This section helps you understand which organisations have contributed information to your credit report and provides a clearer picture of your financial history.

The information shown does not necessarily mean you currently have an active account with an organisation. In some cases, it may relate to previous accounts that still form part of your credit history.

How does my financial account information affect me?

The financial account information part of your report may contribute information that appears on your credit report, such as account balances, payment history and account status.

Lenders and other organisations may review this information when assessing applications for credit, loans, mortgages or other financial products. Having accurate and up-to-date information helps ensure they can make informed decisions based on your financial circumstances.

The presence of an organisation in this section does not automatically affect your ability to obtain credit. It simply provides visibility of the financial relationships that may be reflected within your credit report.

Do I need to do anything about my financial account information?

Not necessarily. If you recognise the organisations listed and the information appears accurate, no action is required.

However, it's a good idea to review this section regularly as part of checking your credit report. This can help you identify any information that may be incorrect, outdated or unfamiliar.

If you recognise all the organisations listed and the information is accurate, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly reviewing your credit report can help you stay informed about your financial information and identify any potential issues as early as possible.

What should I do if I don't recognise an organisation?

If you notice an organisation that you do not recognise:

• Check whether it relates to a current or previous financial product you have held.
• Review the information carefully to ensure it has not been recorded under a different brand name.
• Contact the organisation directly if you need clarification about the information shown.
• If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs (LINK:[https://www.transunionstatreport.co.uk/DisputesFAQs]) and follow the instructions.

Investigating unfamiliar information promptly can help ensure your credit report remains accurate and up to date.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

TransUnion includes Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) information on credit reports. This helps consumers better understand their overall borrowing and gives lenders a more complete view of their financial commitments.

If you use BNPL services and the provider shares data with TransUnion, this information may appear in the 'Other Accounts' section of your statutory credit report as a 'Deferred Payment' account.

Will BNPL affect my credit score?

At present, BNPL information does not affect your TransUnion credit score. However, as BNPL data becomes more widely shared across the UK credit industry, it may be considered in credit scores in the future.

Can lenders see my BNPL information?

Yes. If BNPL information appears on your credit report, it can also be viewed by organisations that search your credit file. Each lender will decide whether and how they use this information as part of their lending assessment.

Your Address History shows the current and previous addresses that have been linked to you through information held on your credit report.

Address information may be supplied by lenders, public records and other organisations that share data with Credit Reference Agencies. Maintaining a history of your addresses helps ensure that information relating to your financial accounts is linked to the correct individual.

You may see addresses where you currently live, have previously lived, or have been financially associated with during the time information was reported.

How does my address history affect me?

Your address history helps lenders and other organisations confirm your identity and locate the information that relates to you when reviewing your credit report.

Having accurate address information can help ensure that:

• Your credit accounts are linked correctly.
• Lenders can verify your identity.
• Your credit history is accurately reflected.
• Applications can be assessed using the correct information.

An incomplete or inaccurate address history could make it more difficult for organisations to match your information correctly.

Do I need to do anything about my address history?

Not necessarily. However, it's a good idea to review your address history regularly to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

You should check that:

• Your current address is correct.
• Previous addresses you recognise are recorded accurately.
• There are no addresses you do not recognise.
• The addresses shown belong to you.

If you recognise all the addresses shown and the information is accurate, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help ensure your personal information remains accurate and that any unexpected changes are identified promptly.

What if I don't recognise an address?

If you see an address that you do not recognise, you should investigate it as soon as possible.

You should:

• Check the address details carefully.
• Consider whether it could be a previous address, correspondence address or address linked to a financial account.
• Review any accounts associated with that address.
• If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs (LINK:[https://www.transunionstatreport.co.uk/DisputesFAQs]) and follow the instructions.

Investigating unfamiliar addresses can help ensure your credit report remains accurate and may help identify instances where information has been linked incorrectly.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

What if an address is missing?

If a current or previous address is missing, it may not necessarily indicate a problem. Address information can vary depending on the information reported to Credit Reference Agencies.

However, if you believe an important address is missing and this is causing issues with applications or identity verification, you may wish to contact the relevant lender or organisation to ensure they hold your correct address details.

The Electoral Register, also known as the Electoral Register, is a record of people who are registered to vote in UK elections.

Credit Reference Agencies receive electoral register information from local authorities and use it to help verify your name and address. This allows lenders and other organisations to confirm that the personal information you provide matches official records.

Being registered on the Electoral Register is commonly used as part of identity verification checks when you apply for credit or other financial products.

How does Electoral Register information affect me?

Electoral Register information can help lenders confirm your identity and address when assessing an application.

If you are registered at your current address, it may make it easier for organisations to verify your details. If you are not registered, or your registration details are out of date, lenders may need to carry out additional checks before deciding.

Each lender has its own lending criteria and will assess applications based on its individual policies.

While Electoral Register information may form part of a lender's assessment, it is only one of many factors they may consider. We do not have access to a lender's individual lending criteria and are therefore unable to advise how Electoral Register information may affect a specific lending decision.

Do I need to do anything about my Electoral Register information?

Not necessarily. However, it's a good idea to check that your Electoral Register information is accurate and reflects your current address.

You should review:

• Whether you are shown as registered.
• The address displayed.
• The registration dates, where applicable.

If you have recently moved house, it can take some time for Electoral Register updates to be reflected.

If you are correctly registered and the information shown matches your current or previous Electoral Register registration, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help ensure your personal information remains accurate and that any unexpected changes are identified promptly.

What if I'm not registered on the Electoral Register?

If you are eligible to vote but are not registered, you may wish to contact your local authority or register online through the official government service.

While registering to vote does not guarantee acceptance for credit, it can help organisations verify your identity and address more easily.

What if my Electoral Register information is incorrect?

If the information shown does not match your current Electoral Register registration, you should:

• Check that you are registered at the correct address.
• Contact your local authority if you believe your registration details are incorrect.
• Allow time for any recent updates to be processed.
• Raise a query if you believe the information shown on your credit report is inaccurate.

Updates to Electoral Register information are usually dependent on information being received from the relevant local authority.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

What if I don't recognise the address shown?

If the Electoral Register address displayed is unfamiliar, you should investigate this as soon as possible.

You should:

• Check the address details carefully.
• Review your address history on your credit report.
• Confirm your Electoral Register registration with your local authority.
• Raise a dispute if you believe the information does not relate to you.

Investigating unfamiliar address information can help ensure your credit report remains accurate.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

What if I'm not eligible to register to vote?

Not everyone is eligible to register to vote in the UK. Eligibility depends on factors such as your nationality, immigration status and residency.

If you are not eligible to register, this is not necessarily a cause for concern and does not mean there is anything wrong with your credit report.

Some lenders may use Electoral Register information as part of their identity verification process, but they may use other information to verify your identity if Electoral Register data is not available.

If you are not eligible to register and would like to provide additional context, you may wish to add a Notice of Correction (NOC) to your credit report. A Notice of Correction is a short statement of up to 200 words that can be viewed by lenders when they search your credit report.

For example, you may wish to explain that you are not eligible to register to vote and therefore no Electoral Register information will be present on your credit report.

An Alias is another name that you are, or have been, known by.

This may include:

• A previous surname following marriage, divorce or civil partnership.
• A maiden name.
• A legally changed name.
• Alternative spellings of your name that have been used in connection with financial accounts.

Aliases help ensure that information relating to your credit history can be matched correctly, even if your name has changed over time.

How does an alias affect me?

An alias can help lenders and other organisations identify information that belongs to you when reviewing your credit report.

For example, if you have changed your surname, an alias may allow accounts held under your previous name to be linked to your credit history.

Having accurate alias information helps ensure your credit report reflects your financial history correctly and reduces the risk of information being linked to the wrong person.

Do I need to do anything about an alias?

Not necessarily. However, it's a good idea to review any aliases shown on your credit report to ensure they are accurate and relate to you.

You should check:

• The name is correct.
• You recognise the alias.
• It reflects a previous or alternative name you have used.

If you recognise the alias information shown and it is accurate, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help ensure your personal information remains accurate and that your credit history continues to be linked correctly.

What if I don't recognise an alias?

If you see an alias that you do not recognise, you should investigate it as soon as possible.

You should:

• Review the details carefully.
• Check whether the name may relate to a previous name change.
• Review the accounts linked to your credit report.
• If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs (LINK:[https://www.transunionstatreport.co.uk/DisputesFAQs]) and follow the instructions.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

Investigating unfamiliar aliases can help ensure your credit report remains accurate and may help identify information that has been linked incorrectly

What if my previous name is missing?

If you have previously been known by another name and it is not shown on your credit report, it may not necessarily indicate a problem.

However, if this is preventing information from being matched correctly to your credit file, you may wish to contact the organisations you hold accounts with to ensure they have your correct details recorded.

Not all lenders and organisations share information with every Credit Reference Agency. As a result, you may not see every lender, bank, credit card provider, loan company or financial account on your credit report.

Credit reports are based on the information that organisations choose to share with us. If a lender does not share data with us, or has only recently started sharing information, their accounts may not appear on your report.

In some cases, a lender may share only certain types of information, or there may be a delay before new account information is updated on your credit report – it usually takes between 4-6 weeks for new account information to show on your report if lenders do share it with us.

Does it matter if a lender isn't shown?

Your credit report provides a snapshot of the information available to us, but it may not contain every account you hold.

Lenders may use information from one or more Credit Reference Agencies when assessing applications, and the information they see may differ depending on which agency they use.

This means that a lender may be able to see information that does not appear on your credit report with us, or vice versa.

Do I need to do anything if a lender isn't shown?

Not necessarily.

If you have noticed that a lender or account is not showing on your credit report, this does not automatically mean there is a problem.

You may wish to:

• Check whether the account was opened recently, as updates can take 4-6 weeks to appear.
• Confirm that the lender shares information with us.
• Review your personal details to ensure accounts can be matched correctly to your credit file.

If you recognise the information shown on your credit report and understand that not all lenders report to every Credit Reference Agency, no action is required.

Regularly checking your credit report can help you understand what information is being reported and identify any unexpected changes.

What should I do if I think a lender should be showing?

If you believe an account should appear on your credit report but cannot see it:

• Check that the lender has your correct name, date of birth and address details.
• Contact the lender directly to confirm whether they share information with us.
• Allow time for newly opened accounts or recent updates to be reported.
• Contact us if you believe information has been linked incorrectly.

Please note that we cannot add information to your credit report unless it has been supplied to us by the lender

A Court Judgment  is a court order that may be issued in England, Wales and Northern Ireland if a creditor takes legal action against you for an unpaid debt and the court decides that money is owed.

A Court Judgment will usually include details such as the date it was issued, the amount owed and whether the judgment has been satisfied (paid) or remains outstanding.

CourtJudgments can appear on your credit report and form part of your credit history. They provide lenders with information about past court action relating to unpaid debts.

In Scotland, a County Court Judgment (CCJ) is known as a decree.

If you repay the debt in full, the claimant should provide you with a letter confirming that the debt has been satisfied. You should send this letter to Registry Trust Ltd (RTL), which maintains the public register of judgments. Once the update has been processed, Registry Trust will notify the credit reference agencies so that your credit report can be updated accordingly.

In Northern Ireland, these records are known as Money Judgments. Once a Money Judgment has been issued, you have 10 days to respond.

If you believe a Money Judgment has been recorded incorrectly or has not been updated following payment, you should contact the court or Registry Trust for further guidance.

What do the different court judgment statuses mean?

• Active - The Court Judgment remains unpaid and will stay on your credit report for six years from the date it was issued.
• Satisfied - The Court Judgment has been paid in full, but payment was made more than one month after the issue date. The record remains on your credit report for six years and will show as satisfied.
• Set Aside - The court has set aside the judgment. Where payment was made within one month of the issue date, the Court Judgment is removed from the register and your credit report.
• Cancelled - The judgment has been withdrawn or cancelled by the court and will not appear on the public register or your credit report.

How does a court judgment affect me?

Lenders and other organisations may consider Court Judgment information when assessing applications for credit, loans, mortgages, bank accounts or other financial products.

Having a Court Judgment on your credit report may indicate to lenders that you have previously experienced difficulties repaying a debt. As a result, some lenders may view applications differently or apply additional checks before deciding.

Each lender has its own lending criteria and will assess applications based on its individual policies and requirements.

We do not have access to a lender's individual lending criteria and are therefore unable to advise whether a Court Judgment has affected a lending decision. Our role is to provide the information contained within your credit report.

Do I need to do anything about a court judgment?

Not necessarily. However, you should review any Court Judgment information shown on your credit report to ensure it is accurate and relates to you.

You may also wish to check:

• The amount recorded.
• The judgment date.
• Whether the Court Judgment is shown as satisfied if you have paid it.
• That your personal details are recorded correctly.

Keeping your information accurate helps ensure your credit report reflects your circumstances correctly.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

If you recognise the Court Judgment and the information shown is accurate, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help you stay informed about your financial information and ensure any changes or updates are reflected correctly.

What should I do if a court judgment doesn't look right?

If you believe a Court Judgment has been recorded incorrectly, or you do not recognise the information shown:

• Review the details carefully.
• Check any paperwork or correspondence you may have relating to the debt.
• Contact the court or claimant listed if you require further information.
• If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs (LINK:[https://www.transunionstatreport.co.uk/DisputesFAQs]) and follow the instructions.

If you have paid a Court Judgment but it is not shown as satisfied, you may need to provide evidence of payment to help investigate the issue.

What if I have paid my court judgment?

If a Court Judgment has been paid, it may be marked as Satisfied on your credit report. This shows that the debt has been settled.

Even when a Court Judgment is satisfied, it may still remain visible on your credit report for a period of time in line with credit reporting rules. 

What if I don't recognise a court judgment?

If you do not recognise a Court Judgment shown on your credit report, it's important to investigate it as soon as possible.

A Court Judgment may have been recorded under a previous address, linked to a debt you were unaware of, or, in rare cases, may not belong to you.

You should:

• Review the details of the Court Judgment carefully, including the judgment date, court information and any address details shown.
• Check whether the information relates to an old or previous address.
• Consider whether you may have received correspondence about the debt or court action.
• Contact the court or claimant named on the judgment if you require further information.
• Raise a dispute if you believe the Court Judgment does not relate to you or the information is incorrect.

If the Court Judgment has been recorded in error, an investigation can be carried out to determine whether the information on your credit report should be amended or removed.

Ignoring a Court Judgment that you do not recognise could affect your ability to obtain credit in the future, so it's always best to investigate any unfamiliar information promptly.

Bankruptcy is a formal legal process that may be used when an individual is unable to repay their debts.

When a bankruptcy order is made, details may be recorded on your credit report. The information shown will typically include the date the bankruptcy was registered and the date it was discharged, where applicable.

Bankruptcy information is obtained from public records and forms part of your credit history.                     

A sequestration is the Scottish equivalent to bankruptcy. There is no difference to the rules set out, it is just known by this name in Scotland.  In the UK, an official receiver manages the bankruptcy – in Scotland they are known as Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB).

How does a bankruptcy affect me?

Lenders and other organisations may take bankruptcy information into account when assessing applications for credit, loans, mortgages, bank accounts or other financial products.

A bankruptcy record indicates that you have previously been subject to insolvency proceedings.

Each lender has its own lending criteria and will assess applications based on its individual policies, requirements and affordability checks.

We do not have access to a lender's individual lending criteria and are therefore unable to advise how a bankruptcy may affect a specific lending decision. Our role is to provide the information contained within your credit report.

Do I need to do anything about a bankruptcy?

Not necessarily. However, you should review any bankruptcy information shown on your credit report to ensure it is accurate and relates to you.

You may wish to check:

• The bankruptcy date.
• The discharge date, if applicable.
• Your personal details.
• Any associated addresses.

Regularly reviewing your credit report can help ensure your information remains accurate and up to date.

If you recognise the bankruptcy information and it has been recorded accurately, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help you stay informed about your financial information and identify any unexpected changes or inaccuracies as early as possible.

What if I don't recognise a bankruptcy?

If you do not recognise a bankruptcy shown on your credit report, it is important to investigate it as soon as possible.

You should:

• Review the information carefully.
• Check whether the details relate to you.
• Review any previous addresses linked to your credit report.
• If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs (LINK:[https://www.transunionstatreport.co.uk/DisputesFAQs]) and follow the instructions.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

Investigating unfamiliar information promptly can help ensure your credit report accurately reflects your circumstances.

What if I have been discharged from bankruptcy?

If you have been discharged from bankruptcy, this may be reflected on your credit report.

You should review the information to ensure the discharge status is recorded correctly. If you believe the information is inaccurate, you may wish to raise a dispute.

What do the bankruptcy statuses mean?

The status shown on your credit report helps explain the current position of the bankruptcy.

• Active: The bankruptcy is currently active and remains in force.
• Discharged: The bankruptcy has ended. This means you have been released from the restrictions of the bankruptcy, and any monies recovered have been distributed to creditors in accordance with the insolvency process.
• Annulled (Cancelled): The Court has determined that the bankruptcy should not have been made, or it has otherwise been deemed unnecessary. Once annulled, the bankruptcy is removed from your credit report.

What should I do if the bankruptcy status is incorrect?

If you believe the status shown on your credit report is incorrect, you should raise a dispute and provide any supporting documentation you may have, such as a discharge notice or annulment order.

Keeping public record information accurate helps ensure your credit report reflects your current circumstances correctly.

In Scotland, a Sequestration (Bankruptcy) will usually last for 12 months. If you have met the terms of your sequestration, you will be officially discharged at the end of this period.

Once discharged, the sequestration has ended and you will normally receive a Certificate of Discharge, which provides legal confirmation that the insolvency has been completed.

Do I need to do anything?

Not necessarily. However, it is a good idea to check that your credit report accurately reflects your discharge status.

If you have recently been discharged and the information has not been updated, you may wish to raise a query and provide a copy of your Certificate of Discharge if requested.

Useful information

Although details of a Sequestration are generally removed from the Register of Insolvencies after five years, the record may remain on your credit report for six years from the date it was registered.

This means that even if the sequestration no longer appears on the public insolvency register, it may still be visible on your credit report until the six-year reporting period has ended.

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, or a Trust Deed in Scotland, is a formal agreement between you and your creditors to repay all or part of your debts over a set period of time.

These arrangements are legally binding and are designed to help individuals manage debts they may be struggling to repay.

Details of an IVA or Trust Deed may appear on your credit report and form part of your credit history.

How does an IVA or Trust Deed affect me?

Lenders and other organisations may consider information about an IVA or Trust Deed when assessing applications for credit, loans, mortgages and other financial products.

Each lender has its own lending criteria and will assess applications based on its individual policies and requirements.

We do not have access to a lender's individual lending criteria and are therefore unable to advise how an IVA or Trust Deed may affect a lending decision. Our role is to provide the information contained within your credit report.

What do the IVA or Trust Deed statuses mean?

• Active - The IVA or Trust Deed is currently active and remains in force.
• Completed - The IVA or Trust Deed has been successfully completed, and the terms of the agreement have been fulfilled.
• Failed - The IVA or Trust Deed has ended without being successfully completed. This may occur if the terms of the arrangement were not met.

Do I need to do anything about an IVA or Trust Deed?

Not necessarily. However, it is a good idea to check that the information recorded is accurate and up to date.

You should review:

• The start date.
• The current status.
• Your personal details.
• Any associated addresses.

If you recognise the IVA or Trust Deed and the information is recorded accurately, you do not need to take any action.

Regularly checking your credit report can help ensure your information remains accurate and up to date.

Useful information

An IVA or Trust Deed may remain on your credit report for six years from the date it was registered, even if it has been completed before this date.

This means that although the arrangement may have ended, it can still form part of your credit history until the six-year reporting period has expired.

What if I don't recognise an IVA or Trust Deed?

If you do not recognise an IVA or Trust Deed recorded on your credit report, you should investigate it as soon as possible.

You should:

• Review the details carefully.
• Check whether the information relates to you.
• Review any addresses linked to the record.
• If you identify any information that you believe is incorrect on your report, you can raise a dispute with us for investigation. Visit the Disputes FAQs (LINK:[https://www.transunionstatreport.co.uk/DisputesFAQs]) and follow the instructions.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

It is important to investigate any unfamiliar insolvency information to ensure your credit report remains accurate.

What if my IVA or Trust Deed has been completed

If your IVA or Trust Deed has been completed, this should be reflected in the status shown on your credit report.

If you believe the status is incorrect or has not been updated, you may wish to raise a dispute and provide any supporting documentation you have received from your Insolvency Practitioner or Trustee.

Can I apply for credit if I am in an IVA?

Yes, it is possible to apply for credit whilst you are in an IVA. However, your IVA is likely to be considered by lenders when they assess your application.

An IVA indicates that you have entered into a formal agreement with your creditors to help manage your debts. As a result, some lenders may decide not to offer credit, while others may apply additional checks before deciding.

Do I need to do anything?

If you are currently in an IVA, you should ensure you understand the terms of your arrangement before applying for additional credit.

In some circumstances, there may be restrictions on obtaining further credit without permission from your Insolvency Practitioner.

If you are unsure, you should contact your Insolvency Practitioner for guidance before making a credit application.

We’ve updated your credit score to give you a clearer and more helpful picture of your financial health. This update closely reflects how lenders assess applications. The score range has been expanded to 0–999, and the way the score is calculated has been refined to give a more complete and balanced view of how lenders view your creditworthiness. Your score uses trended data alongside point‑in‑time snapshot data to give a more complete and accurate reflection of real behaviour. Our goal is to make credit education straightforward, so you know exactly what your score means and how to move it in the right direction.

You’ll start to see the new score appearing from September 2026. Not all providers are changing to the new score at the same time. They’ll let you know once your new TransUnion score is available with them. 

Whilst the new TransUnion score is being rolled out, there may be a scenario where you will see two different credit scores. This may depend on where you access your TransUnion credit score and when your score provider chooses to adopt the new score. They will communicate with you once your score changes. it's fine to have two scores. The information organisations receive about you will not be changing and having two scores will not impact or influence any lender decisions if you make an application at this time.

No, you cannot revert back to the old TransUnion score. Your score will be updated to the new TransUnion score which has been updated to provide a more complete view of how lenders assess your creditworthiness.

Although the new TransUnion credit score uses similar scoring principles to other credit scores in the UK, it’s important to understand that each credit reference agency works independently. This means they collect data from different sources and use their own unique methods to calculate scores. As a result, your credit score can vary depending on which credit reference agency you check. This is primarily because each agency may have slightly different information and different ways of using the information to create a score.

No, the new score doesn’t alter any of the information in your credit report. It’s simply designed to give you a clearer picture of how lenders might interpret your report. All the details within your credit report, and the information lenders can see, remain exactly the same.

The score bandings (previously known as credit ratings) have been updated to reflect the new score. Your TransUnion credit score will continue to be categorised into five bandings ranging from Very Low to Excellent. The bandings breakdown is displayed below:

• Excellent: 786 - 999
• Good: 653 - 785     
• Fair: 563 - 652        
• Low: 488 - 562       
• Very Low: 0 - 487   

These bandings are intended to reflect how a lender might assess your creditworthiness. Please note that they are an indicator only. Whether you’re eligible for credit products will depend on individual lenders and their specific policies. 

Your credit score is based on the information in your credit report. The score shown is calculated by TransUnion and is designed to give you an indication of how your financial behaviour reflects your overall creditworthiness. Several factors contribute to your TransUnion credit score, including your financial account performance history, public records such as judgments, bankruptcies, and insolvencies, your outstanding debt levels, credit limit usage and whether you're registered on the electoral register. Your score now looks at how you manage credit over time, not just at a single moment, offering a fuller picture of your financial behaviour. The new score offers richer insights and more personalised recommendations that empower smarter financial decisions, giving you confidence that your score reflects your actual credit health.

No, the new score will not have an impact on any existing applications you may have. The new score is designed to give you a better indication of how your credit profile is viewed by lenders. It’s important to remember that lenders assess the information in your credit report itself, not the score you see. The score is simply a helpful guide for you, and it does not influence decisions on applications you’ve already made.

No, your new credit score will not determine whether you will be accepted or rejected for credit. The credit score is designed to indicate how your creditworthiness may be viewed by lenders. Your eligibility for lending products will remain the same. Lenders will view your credit report alongside their own rules and policies that determine whether offering credit to you is deemed appropriate. Your TransUnion credit score highlights the key aspects of your credit behaviour that may be affecting your creditworthiness, and provides helpful tips and guidance on how to improve your score.

No, your new credit score will not determine whether you will be accepted or rejected for a mortgage or credit. The credit score is designed to indicate how your creditworthiness may be viewed by lenders. Your eligibility for lending products will remain the same. Lenders will view your credit report alongside their own rules and policies that determine whether offering credit to you is deemed appropriate. Your TransUnion credit score will identify areas in your credit behaviour that are impacting your creditworthiness and offer hints and tips on how to improve your score, and therefore your creditworthiness.

Alongside the updated score range of 0–999, we’ve refreshed the score itself so it better reflects current trends, behaviours, and predictors of risk.The new score spans a broader range of themes, allowing us to provide deeper insight into the behaviours that influence your overall creditworthiness. The score has been designed to better reflect how lenders view your credit profile and behaviours.You may also notice updates to your educational hints and tips. These tools will continue to offer personalised actionable guidance to help you improve your credit behaviours.

We’ve updated your credit score to give you a clearer and more helpful picture of your financial health. Your score now looks at how you manage credit over time, not just at a single moment, offering a fuller picture of your financial behaviour. The score range has been extended to 0–999, and the way your score is calculated has been updated to provide a more holistic view of how lenders assess your creditworthiness. As a result, the score bands are now different so your score band may have changed. We know a change in your score band can feel worrying, but it doesn’t necessarily mean something negative has happened. 

This will be determined by your credit score provider for example, apps or services you use through your bank, your credit card provider, or a third‑party partner. They will decide whether to display the score history of your old TransUnion credit score or move to only the new TransUnion credit score. We’ve updated how the score is calculated, so it’s no longer a direct like‑for‑like comparison.

No, the new TransUnion score replaces your previous score out of 710. It’s built using the latest methods to assess your creditworthiness and is supported by improved education and tips. These updates are designed to give you clearer, more helpful guidance on maintaining or improving your credit health, and to reflect how lenders may view you today.

Your TransUnion credit report will show any searches carried out in your name. A score impacting search is commonly known as a hard search, these often occur when you apply for credit and may affect your credit score. Score impacting searches can also be conducted for other reasons such as insurance, government checks and business checks. These searches remain on your file and visible to lenders for around two years. 

Your TransUnion credit report will show all accounts that are reported to TransUnion, including Deferred Payment Credit accounts which are a type of Buy Now Pay Later account with a short payment term (e.g. credit you repay in 12 or fewer installments, usually over a 12 month period). Although these accounts will show in your credit report, Deferred Payment Credit accounts are not taken into account when we calculate your new TransUnion credit score.

Your TransUnion credit report will show all your accounts, with open and closed accounts shown separately depending on your score provider. In your credit report an account is most likely considered open if there is no closed date on the account. In your new TransUnion credit score open accounts are viewed a bit differently. An account is only classed as open if the lender has sent updated data for the account within the last 12 months, the account has not defaulted, and contractual or agreed payments are still being maintained. If an account has a closed date, has not been updated in the last 12 months or has defaulted this will not be classed as an open account and considered closed. 

Your TransUnion credit report will show all accounts that are reported to TransUnion, this includes financial and non-financial accounts. Financial accounts display where credit is available. These include credit cards, revolving credit accounts, loans, mortgages, home shopping (e.g. mail order accounts) and current accounts with an overdraft. Telecoms (e.g. phone or broadband service), utility, insurance and current accounts without an overdraft are not included when we talk about financial accounts.

Revolving credit is a type of credit account that allows you to repeatedly receive cash, goods, or services usually up to an agreed credit limit. As you borrow and make repayments, the available credit replenishes and can be used continuously, for example a credit card. Some revolving credit accounts, such as a charge card, work in a similar way but without a fixed credit limit. Some retail accounts can also be considered as revolving credit, for example where you pay for a large purchase over monthly installments.

The information in your TransUnion credit report is only updated when lenders, banks, utility providers, public bodies and data providers submit new data. This typically happens every 4- 6 weeks and each provider has its own update schedule and reporting timelines. Because of this, there can often be a delay or lag between when a change occurs and when it appears on your TransUnion credit report. If something doesn’t look quite right, it may simply be that the provider has not yet sent their latest update to TransUnion.

Why are you processing my data when I haven't given you consent?

We do not rely on your consent to process credit reporting data. Instead, we process personal data under other lawful bases permitted by UK GDPR, including legitimate interests and, where applicable, legal obligations. We explain the legal basis we rely on, why the processing is necessary, and the safeguards in place to protect your rights in our privacy notices. Because consent is not the lawful basis, it cannot be withdrawn for credit reporting activities.

Why are you processing my data when I don’t have a contract with TransUnion?

We process personal data to help lenders make responsible lending decisions, to prevent fraud and financial crime, to verify identity, and to support tracing and collections. To do this, Credit Reference Agencies will receive and process information from lenders. Please see the industry-wide Credit Reference Agency Information Notice (CRAIN) for more information.

Can I request all information you hold about me?

Yes. You can obtain a copy of the personal data we hold about you through a Statutory Credit Report or a Full Subject Access Request (FSAR). We will provide your personal data and the information required by law, but we may withhold information where an exemption applies, where it contains another person's personal data, or where it is not your personal data at all.

You can get your Statutory report for free here:   Get Your Statutory Credit Report

●       Email us at UKConsumer@transunion.com

●       Call us on 0330 024 7574, lines are open Monday – Friday 8 a.m.–6 p.m.

●       Write to us at (for postal statutory credit report applications): TransUnion Consumer Services Team, PO Box 647, Unit 4, Hull HU9 9QZ. You can download and print the application form here.  

If you would like to make a Full subject access request, please email us at: UKFullSubjectAccessRequest@transunion.com

Will you provide internal notes, audit logs, contracts and legal assessments that justify or relate to the processing of my personal data?

No. Article 15 of UK GDPR gives you a right to access your personal data and certain supporting information. It does not require us to provide internal legal assessments such as Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs) or Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs), commercial contracts, business records or information relating to other individuals. We do not hold copies of credit agreements, assignment deeds, or notices of assignment you may have with a lender or debt purchaser. If you need these documents, please contact the lender or debt purchaser directly.

How do you ensure information on my credit report is accurate?

We rely on data supplied by lenders and other organisations, who are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide to us. If you believe information is inaccurate, you can raise a dispute, and we will investigate with the data supplier.

What happens if I raise a dispute?

We will contact the organisation that supplied the information and ask them to investigate. They will have 28 days to respond and provide an outcome. The entry will be marked as disputed while the investigation is ongoing.

Can I ask for my credit file personal data to be deleted?

Yes, you can. However, this is not an absolute right, and we are not required to delete personal data simply because you ask us to do so. We assess each request individually and may refuse it where data protection law permits. Credit reporting data remains necessary for legitimate purposes including responsible lending, fraud prevention and financial crime prevention. If we refuse your request, we will explain our reasons.

Can TransUnion stop sending me marketing communications?

Yes. If you ask us to, we will add you to our marketing suppression list. This does not affect credit reporting activities. To make a request to be added to our marketing suppression list please email us at: ukconsumer@transunion.com. Please be aware that may take up to 30 days to process any such request.

Can I object to TransUnion processing my data?

Yes. You have the right to object in certain circumstances, such as where we process your data based on legitimate interests. We will consider your specific circumstances and carry out a balancing exercise before deciding.

When I object, do you have to demonstrate legitimate grounds for processing?

Yes. Where Article 21 of UK GDPR applies, we must demonstrate compelling legitimate grounds for continuing the processing or show that the processing is necessary for legal claims.

Will TransUnion stop sharing disputed information while it's being investigated?

No. Disputed information is normally shared with a Notice of Dispute flag attached (NOD) so that organisations viewing the information know it is under investigation.

Must TransUnion restrict all processing while considering my objection?

No. Making an objection does not automatically freeze the information on your credit file. We will consider your request and apply appropriate measures, such as adding a Notice of Dispute or Notice of Correction, where necessary.

What can I do if I'm unhappy with the outcome?

You can:

Raise a complaint through our complaints process. 

If you are unhappy with the outcome of our complaints process, raise a complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Seek legal redress through the courts where appropriate.

Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for eligible financial services complaint

Freeman on the Land & Similar Movements

Some individuals align with ideologies like ‘Freeman on the Land’, ‘Strawman’, or ‘Sovereign Citizen’, which claim people can opt out of laws and obligations (e.g. taxes or debts) they did not consent to by invoking historical legal doctrine such as Magna Carta. However, these ideologies have no legal standing and do not exempt individuals from UK data protection laws. 

Legitimate Interest & Data Processing

Under UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), legitimate interest is a lawful basis for processing personal data without the individual having provided their consent, provided the processing serves a genuine purpose and does not override the individual's rights. Credit reference agencies rely on this lawful basis when sharing data with lenders, insurers, and others. TransUnion conducts Legitimate Interest Assessments (LIAs) to ensure its processing is necessary, minimally intrusive, and within reasonable expectations. 

For full details on how we use data, and our lawful bases, please refer to Credit Reference Agency Information Notice (CRAIN). 
 
Common Misconceptions with No Legal Basis

The following claims do not override lawful data processing: 

●       Pseudo-legal theories (e.g. freeman on the land, strawman, living man/woman and ‘I, X of the family Y’)

●       Lack of consent or contract with TransUnion 

●       ‘Lawful rebellion’

●       Public declarations (e.g. Affidavit of Status, Deed Poll) 

●       Registering personal information as a trade mark

●       The ‘People’s peace’ 

Your Rights: Objecting or Rectifying Data

If you believe the data we hold about you is incorrect, you can contact us to raise a dispute, and we will investigate further. 

If you want us to erase your data, you'll need to give us information about how our use of your data is affecting you. Then we'll weigh up the importance of the aims we are pursuing against the effect that we're having on you. If we consider that your rights outweigh the need for us to use the data then we'll erase it; otherwise, we'll be entitled to keep it.

If you want more information about your rights in respect of your personal information, please see Your Data Rights. 

Important information about potential scams

If you are contacting us about your rights as a ‘freeman on the land’ (or other misconceptions listed above) because a company or an individual has advertised this as a method of ‘writing off’ debts or any form of credit, then please be aware that this is likely a scam. Some individuals or companies may offer unauthorised claims management services, often charging fees and making false promises, and these schemes can lead to financial loss. Fraudsters use ideals like ‘freeman on the land’, ‘strawman’ etc, to appeal to consumers who could potentially be facing financial difficulties. 

Only firms authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) are legally allowed to provide claims management services in the UK. If you believe you’ve been approached by an unauthorised person or company promoting these ideas, we strongly recommend reporting them to the FCA. You can also check the Financial Services Register and the Solicitors Register to make sure the firm is authorised for the service they are offering you.

A financial disassociation is the process of removing a financial link between you and another person from your credit report when you no longer share financial responsibility.

Why might I need a disassociation?

You may need a disassociation if you were previously financially linked to someone, such as a former partner, spouse, family member, or joint account holder, but no longer have any active joint financial products or obligations with them.

What is a financial association?

A financial association is created when two people apply for or hold a joint financial product together, such as:

●       A joint bank account

●       A joint mortgage

●       A joint loan

●       A joint credit card

Credit reference agencies may record this link on both individuals' credit reports.

Does living at the same address create a financial association?

No. Simply living at the same address does not create a financial association. A financial link is normally created through joint financial arrangements.

Why is disassociation important?

If a financial association remains on your credit report, lenders may consider information about the associated person's financial situation when assessing your application. Removing an outdated association helps ensure lenders assess you based on your own financial circumstances.

Can I request a disassociation if I still have a joint account?

No. Credit reference agencies will generally only remove a financial association if all joint financial arrangements have been closed, settled, transferred, or otherwise ended.

How do I request a disassociation?

You can usually contact the relevant credit reference agency directly and submit a request. You may be asked to provide details confirming that no active joint financial commitments remain.

Will the disassociation happen automatically?

Not always. Even after a joint account has been closed, the financial association may remain on your credit report until it is updated by the lender.

Please note: Once a lender or organisation has updated your information, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

Will a disassociation improve my credit score?

A disassociation does not automatically improve your credit score. However, it ensures that lenders assess your application based on your own financial information rather than considering a former financial associate's circumstances.

What information might I need to provide?

You may be asked for:

●       Your full name and address history

●       Details of the person you were associated with

●       Information about any previously shared financial products

What if my request is declined?

If a credit reference agency believes an active financial link still exists, they may decline the request. You can review your credit report, check whether any joint products remain open, and provide additional evidence if appropriate.

We understand that changing your name as part of your gender reassignment journey is an important step.

This FAQ explains how you can update your name and ensure your credit report reflects your current identity. Our aim is to make the process as straightforward and supportive as possible.

Can I change my name on my credit report following gender reassignment?

Yes. If you have legally changed your name, you can request that your lenders and credit reference agencies update their records to reflect your current name.

Do I need a Gender Recognition Certificate (GRC)?

No. A Gender Recognition Certificate is not required to update your name with lenders or credit reference agencies.

In most cases, you only need evidence that your name has changed, such as:

●       A deed poll (enrolled or unenrolled)

●       Statutory declaration

●       Updated passport

●       Updated driving licence

●       Other acceptable legal documentation showing your new name

What should I do first?

 You should contact all organisations where you hold accounts and ask them to update your name.

 This may include:

●       Banks and building societies

●       Credit card providers

●       Mortgage lenders

●       Loan providers

●       Utility companies

●       Mobile phone providers

Ensuring all organisations hold the same information helps maintain an accurate credit file.

How do I update my credit report?

Credit reference agencies generally receive information from lenders rather than directly from consumers.

To update your credit report:

●       Update your name with your lenders and account providers.

●       Ensure they have received and processed your supporting documentation.

●       Check your credit report after the updates have been made.

If your credit report still shows your previous name, you can contact the relevant credit reference agency for assistance. 

If you have any questions or require additional support, please contact our Specialist Services team at UKSpecialistServices@transunion.com. They will be able to discuss your individual circumstances and provide further assistance.

Will my previous name appear on my credit report?

The treatment of previous names may vary between credit reference agencies and lenders.

If you have concerns about privacy or the visibility of a previous name, contact the credit reference agency directly. They can explain what information is displayed and discuss any additional protections or processes that may be available.

What documents might I need to provide?

Requirements can vary between organisations. You may be asked to provide one or more of the following:

●       Deed poll or statutory declaration

●       Driving licence showing your new name

●       Passport showing your new name

●       Proof of address

●       Account details to help identify your records

Will changing my name affect my credit history?

No. Changing your name should not affect your credit history or credit score.

Your credit file is linked using a combination of personal information and account history. Updating your name is intended to ensure your records remain accurate and connected to your existing credit history.

How long does it take for my credit report to be updated?

Timescales vary between organisations. After your lenders have updated their records, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for the changes to be reflected on your credit report.

What if my report still contains incorrect information? If your credit report has not been updated after a reasonable period:

●       Contact the lender that supplied the information.

●       Confirm they have updated their records.

●       Contact the credit reference agency if the information remains incorrect.

As well as updating your name with your banks, lenders, and other account providers, you should contact the major UK credit reference agencies directly to ensure your records have been updated correctly.

 Experian Ltd​

Customer Support Centre​
PO Box 8000​
Nottingham​
NG80 7WF​

Equifax

 Equifax Ltd​
Customer Service Centre​
PO Box 10036​
Leicester ​
LE3 4FS​

Will my information be handled confidentially?

Organisations have obligations to protect your personal information and process it in accordance with data protection legislation.

Need Further Support?

 If you require assistance updating your personal details or understanding information held on your credit report, please contact the relevant lender or credit reference agency directly. They will be able to explain their specific requirements and support options.

 We are committed to treating all consumers with dignity, respect, and fairness. If you require additional support during the process of updating your personal information, please let us know and we will do our best to help.

Can I receive information in an alternative format?

Yes. We offer a range of accessibility support services to help ensure our communications are accessible to all consumers.

Available formats include:

●       Large print (font size 20)

●       Braille

●       Audio

●       Coloured paper (please specify your preferred colour when making your request)

How do I request an alternative format?

If you would like to receive correspondence in one of these formats, please email: UKSpecialistServices@transunion.com and let us know your preferred option. For coloured paper requests, please specify the colour you require.

Will future communications be provided in my chosen format?

If you require correspondence in an alternative format, you will need to let us know each time you contact us or make a request. This helps us ensure we provide information in the format that best meets your needs at that time.

Who should I contact for support?

If you require information in an alternative format or have any accessibility requirements, please contact our Specialist Services team, who will be happy to discuss your needs and provide further assistance.