The Three Major UK Credit Reference Agencies: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion
In the United Kingdom, lenders rely on three main Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) to assess creditworthiness:
- Experian – Largest UK CRA. Free statutory report; paid "CreditExpert" service with score, alerts, simulator.
- Equifax – Global CRA. Free "Equifax Credit Report & Score" (via ClearScore partnership).
- TransUnion (formerly Callcredit) – Third major. Free via Credit Karma, TotallyMoney, MSM Credit Monitor.
Key Facts
- Each CRA holds slightly different data (not all lenders report to all three).
- You have a legal right to a free statutory credit report from each annually (or monthly via free partner services).
- Scores differ by CRA (different scales, algorithms). Lenders may use one, two, or all three.
- Crediva is a smaller, newer CRA used by some subprime lenders.
Best Practice
Check all three regularly—especially before mortgage, loan, or credit card applications. Dispute errors directly with the CRA.
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