A credit report is one of those things that most people know exists, but don’t think about until they’re applying for something, like a credit card.
That’s usually when questions start popping up about what lenders can see and how it might affect your application.
If you’ve ever wondered, ‘What is a credit report?’, or ‘How do you get a credit report?’, then you’re in the right place! This guide breaks down what your credit report includes, who can see it, and why keeping an eye on it can help protect your credit score.
How Far Back Does a Credit Report Go?
One of the most common questions people ask is ‘How far back does a credit report go? In most cases, information stays on your credit report for six years.
This can include things like:
Missed payments
Defaults
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
Insolvencies
After six years, this information should drop off automatically. That’s why older issues don’t affect your credit score forever, although newer activity will always matter more.
Some information, such as your current accounts and active credit agreements, stays on your credit report for as long as the account remains open and active.
Who Can See Your Credit Report?
Your credit report isn’t public information, but certain organisations can view it if they have a genuine reason. This could include:
Banks and lenders
Credit card providers
Mortgage providers
Mobile phone contract providers
Utility companies
Insurance providers
Basically, if you’re making a credit application, it’s normal for the provider to check your report.
What Information Shows Up on a Credit Report?
Your credit report is made up of a few different sections, all pulled together by the credit reference agencies (CRAs).
Your Personal Details
This includes:
Your name and date of birth
Current and previous addresses
Whether you’re on the electoral register
Being registered to vote at your current address helps lenders confirm who you are and can actually help your credit profile.
Your Credit Accounts
This is where most of the action happens. You’ll see details of things like:
Credit cards
Loans and overdrafts
Mortgages
Utility accounts
A mobile phone contract
Public Record Information
This section includes more serious financial events, such as:
County court judgments
IVAs
Bankruptcies
These tend to have a bigger impact on your credit report for up to six years.
Credit Searches
Every time you apply for credit, a search may be recorded:
Hard searches are visible to lenders and can affect your credit score
Soft searches are only visible to you
Making lots of applications in a short space of time can raise eyebrows with lenders since it can come across as being credit hungry, so it might be a good idea to wait a while if you’ve recently made an application.
Fraud Markers and Notes
If fraud has ever been linked to your details, this may show as a protective marker. You can also add notices of correction, which are short statements that explain specific situations like disputed information.
What Doesn’t Show Up on Your Credit Report?
Despite what people sometimes think, your credit report does not include:
Your salary
Savings or current account balances
Student loans
Council tax arrears
Parking fines
Criminal records
Medical history
What’s the Difference Between a Credit Report and a Credit Score?
They’re often mixed up, but your credit report and credit score are two very different things.
Credit Report | Credit Score |
Full breakdown of your credit history | Simple number based on your credit history |
Shows accounts, payments and public records | Gives a quick snapshot of your credit health |
Used by lenders and credit providers | Not seen by lenders |
Changes when lenders update information | Moves up or down as your report changes |
Does Checking Your Credit Report Affect Your Score?
When you check your own credit report, it’s recorded as a soft search, which means that it won’t affect your credit score in any way. In fact, checking your report regularly is a smart habit, as it helps:
Spot mistakes or outdated information
Pick up on potential fraud early
See what’s influencing your credit score
What Is a Statutory Credit Report?
A statutory credit report is the basic version of your credit report that you’re legally entitled to see for free.
It includes the same core information lenders use, but usually doesn’t come with extras like scores, alerts, or tools. It’s useful, but many people prefer ongoing access so they can keep an eye on changes.
How Do You Get a Credit Report?
You can request a statutory credit report directly from the credit reference agencies, or you can sign up to a service like CreditKnowledge that gives you free ongoing access to your credit information in one place.
One of the major advantages of using CreditKnowledge is that you’re not limited to a one-off snapshot. You can check in whenever you like, keep track of changes as they happen, and spot anything unusual early.
How Much Does It Cost for a Full Credit Report?
A statutory credit report, and your CreditKnowledge credit report, are free! Some services offer enhanced versions with added features, which may come at an additional cost.
For most people, free access is more than enough to understand their credit position and keep everything on track.
CreditKnowledge is a credit broker, not a lender.
Editorial Disclaimer: This content is for entertainment purposes only. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or any other company. This article has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these organisations. NB: The information on this page does not constitute financial advice, please do your own research to ensure that the product/service is right for your individual circumstances.