How to Dispute an Error on Your UK Credit Report
A step-by-step guide to identifying and disputing errors on your UK credit report to protect your credit score and borrowing ability.
How to Dispute an Error on Your UK Credit Report
Your credit report influences almost every financial decision a lender makes about you. Errors — even small ones — can result in rejected applications or higher interest rates. Here's how to spot and fix them.
Common Credit Report Errors
- Accounts that don't belong to you (possible fraud)
- Incorrect payment statuses — showing missed payments you actually made
- Wrong personal details such as address or date of birth
- Closed accounts still showing as open
- Duplicate entries for the same account
How to Check Your Report
In the UK, you can access your credit report for free through the three main agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Services like ClearScore (Equifax data) and Credit Karma (TransUnion data) provide free ongoing access.
Steps to Raise a Dispute
1. Identify the Error
Document exactly what's wrong and gather any evidence — bank statements, correspondence, receipts.
2. Contact the Credit Reference Agency
Each agency has an online dispute process. Submit your evidence and a clear explanation of the error.
3. Contact the Lender Directly
The agency will contact the lender on your behalf, but you can also contact the lender directly to request a correction. They have 28 days to respond.
Adding a Notice of Correction
If a dispute isn't resolved in your favour, you can add a Notice of Correction — a short statement explaining the circumstances — to your credit file. Lenders must take this into account when assessing your application.
