Vague, confusing and often frustrating, credit reports can make or break your financial life.
Having a dodgy credit file can severely impact your life. It can stop you getting a mortgage or a personal loan, or even just a bank account!
One term you may hear thrown about is a “notice of correction”.
We’re going to describe precisely what this is, and whether it’s worth creating one.
What is a Notice of Correction?
A Notice of Correction is a note (200 words max) that you can leave on your credit report to explain a negative event on your credit history.
Here’s an example:
I, Mr X, would like to explain the circumstances that ultimately led to the judgement on the DD/MM/YY. I was let-off by my work through no fault of my own and was left unemployed. My monthly income reduced to XXXX, so I was unable to keep up my credit card debt, hence the missed payments. I would ask all lenders who search my credit report to take this into account.
It’s vital that you’re accurate about your entry, and that you accept that you were in the wrong. By recognising that you made late payments, it makes you look like a more responsible person.
You can also comment that you think the judgement was unfair – or that there’s information that lenders ought to know.
For instance:
I received no notification about money owed, and I only became aware of this Decree/CCJ/Default on DD/MM/YY. I paid the money owed as soon as it was confirmed that I owed money.
I believe my default to be unfair – I received no warning that this would happen. I was making regular payments towards the debt.
I’m not on the electoral roll because I’m a Canadian citizen. I have, however, lived in the UK for ten years and at my current address for five years.
If you decide to put a Notice of Correction on your credit report, it’s imperative that you’re factual and to the point. Don’t get emotional and don’t waffle. Double-check your credit agreement so you don’t supply incorrect information.
If you’ve had to submit multiple Notice of Corrections and are struggling with debt, check out our guide on how to write off your debt in Scotland.
How do I do add a Notice of Correction to my credit report?
To add a Notice of Correction to your credit report, you’ll have to contact credit reference agencies (CRAs).
Thankfully, in the UK there are only 3 CRA’s, so this isn’t too difficult.
They are:
Experian:Contact them with your notice of correction. You can do this online if you have an account. Just hit “Errors on my Experian report” and “I want to explain something on my Experian credit report.”
Equifax: Check out this guide, which details how to submit a Notice of Correction to Equifax.
Transunion: Formerly known as Callcredit, Transunion is well known for their free credit report (Noddle). You’ll have to your email your Notice of Correction to Transunion, using the email dispute@noddle.co.uk.
Make sure you include your full name, date of birth, and address. You should also include previous addresses if you lived there when the debt wasn’t paid.
When you’re contacting the CRAs, it’s essential that you know the distinction between a decree (known as a County Court Judgement in England, Ireland and Wales) and a debt.
A decree is something you’re ordered to pay by the Sheriff courts – they are court judgements enforced by law. If you want to put a Notice of Correction on a decree (or a CJJ), you only need to contact one CRA, as they will pass it on to the other two.
Debt is money owed to a lender/creditor – not the court. If you’re looking to submit a Notice of Correction for a debt, you’ll need to contact each CRA individually. They may not have all received the same information from your creditor.
How does a Notice of Correction affect my credit rating?
A Notice of Correction won’t directly impact your credit score. However, lenders are human. Adding a Notice of Correction can generate you a bit of sympathy – assuming it’s a genuinely good cause.
That being said, there’s no guarantee that you’ll be treated any differently from future lenders compared to if you didn’t submit one.
Also, adding a Notice of Correction means your credit report will have to be manually checked, as opposed to using computer software. This will significantly slow down your applications for credit.
While the Notice of Correction isn’t guaranteed to do you any good, it’s unlikely to harm your credit application. If you have a glaring debt/decree on your credit file holding you back, it can’t hurt to add a Notice of Correction.
Summary:
A Notice of Correction is an explanation for why you got into a bad financial situation.
It’s straightforward to add one to your account, and it can result in a lender or creditor looking at your credit report more favourably.
However, don’t get it twisted – it’s vital that you understand the distinction between a Notice of Correction and a complaint.
If you have been told you’re in debt when you’re not, or the numbers don’t add up, you need to make a formal complaint.
For advice on how to proceed with a complaint, contact Scottish Debt Expert.
