First off, What’s the Difference?

• Credit Score:
  
  A 3-digit number (usually between 300–850 or 0–999 in the UK) that summarizes your creditworthiness. Lenders use this to decide how risky it is to lend to you.
  

• Credit File (or Credit Report):
  
  A detailed history of your credit activity — including credit accounts, loans, payment history, addresses, public records, and more. Your credit score is calculated based on the data in this file.

Step 1: Choose a Credit Reference Agency (CRA)

In most countries, there are multiple agencies that maintain your credit data.

If you're in the UK, the main CRAs are:

• Experian – experian.co.uk

• Equifax – equifax.co.uk

• TransUnion – data available via services like Credit Karma (creditkarma.co.uk)

You can use all three because each may hold slightly different information.

Step 2: Create an Account

• Go to the CRA’s website.

• Sign up using your name, address, date of birth, and email.

• You may be asked security questions (e.g., about past addresses or loans) to confirm your identity.

Step 3: Verify Your Identity

• Some platforms may send a code via email or SMS.

• Others might ask about your financial history (e.g., "Which of these addresses have you lived at?").

Step 4: View Your Credit File

• Once verified, you’ll be able to see your credit file and score.

• Many services offer free access, at least to a basic version (like Credit Karma or ClearScore in the UK).

• Some premium services (like full Experian access) may charge a fee — but you can often get a free statutory report once a year.
  

What to Look Out For?

1. Personal Information

• Full name, current and previous addresses, date of birth.

• Make sure there are no errors or unknown addresses — that could signal identity theft.

2. Credit Accounts

• List of current and past credit cards, loans, overdrafts, mortgages, etc.

• Check that:

  • The accounts belong to you.

  • Payment history is accurate.

  • Closed accounts are marked as such.

3. Payment History

• Late or missed payments can stay on your file for 6 years.

• Check for any errors or disputes.

4. Searches

• Soft Searches: Seen only by you (e.g., pre-approvals).

• Hard Searches: Seen by lenders (e.g., when you apply for credit). Too many hard searches can lower your score.

5. Financial Associations

• Anyone you’ve shared financial products with (e.g., joint bank accounts or mortgages).

• If you're no longer connected, ask for a "financial disassociation."

6. Public Records

• County Court Judgments (CCJs), bankruptcies, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), etc.

• These can significantly affect your creditworthiness.

Extra Tips

• Check all three agencies — data might vary between them.

• Dispute any inaccuracies directly with the CRA — they’re required to investigate and correct errors.

• Monitor regularly — many services offer monthly updates or alerts.

• Look for identity fraud — unknown accounts or addresses are red flags.