Who uses credit agency reports?
Companies need a License to be able to access personal data on your credit file. Lenders that may use credit agencies includes banks and building societies when considering loans or mortgages, catalogue companies and shops that offer credit facilities, credit card companies and telephone and utilities such as gas and electricity companies.

Can I improve my own credit rating?
You can improve your overall credit status, although each lender will ultimately set their own credit limits based on their own internal guidelines and criteria. But you can improve your rating with them by following a few basic ideas. It helps if you are not too nomadic in your lifestyle - moving your home frequently or not being on the Voters Roll; this may make some lenders more uncomfortable. Ensure that all your current credit agreements are settled promptly and watch those monthly accounts - they are just the type of information that gets passed back to credit rating agencies. The same is true for mortgage payments, and gas, water, electricity, and telecommunications companies. Not all these will share their data, but some do. If you set up Direct Debits you are less likely to miss a payment accidentally because you are away on holiday or through an oversight.

Why was I refused credit?
Only the company that refused you can tell you why. They do not have to give you exact details but they should give you an idea of what may have influenced them. They must tell you if they used a credit agency and tell you the name of the credit agency. The credit agency will not make the decision or apply the credit limit - the lender makes that decision. You need to ask the lender for an indication of why they refused your credit application.