Because each lender uses a different scoring system when assessing your credit application, knowing precisely how any lender will view you is impossible. Yet generally knowing how healthy your credit profile is can be important.

You have rights under the Consumer Credit Act, allowing you to write to the various credit agencies and obtain a copy of your files. However the cost is £2 per agency and the process can be very slow.

Instead, there is a quick way to get more detailed information for FREE from the 2 main agencies, Experian and Equifax.

It is good practice to check all three agencies. Checking your file is recorded on your file, but it does not show up as a "Credit Search" that a lender can see so there is no harm in doing this. Your credit report is worth checking because any errors can cause you problems. Ideally, make a check every 1 year to 18 months and in good time before making any significant or important applications.

Monitoring your own credit file can be costly. You can be charged up to £70 per year for the pleasure by the main credit agencies. To attract you they usually offer a free period of 1 month, which require you to setup a rolling credit card payment or direct debit.

Of course, they hope you will not bother to cancel it when the month ends and the payments continue to be made.

When you sign up to monitor your credit report online, you get it laid out in a way that is very easy to understand. Therefore;

• Sign up for the FREE period,
• Then view your file at no cost
• Cancel the Subscription Immediately over the phone. In some cases you may have to be posted a passcode before you can cancel.

Although the free period is 30 days, its best to cancel as soon as possible because if you forget the payments will just continue.

Credit Expert from experian offers a free 30 day trial, then its £6.99 per month. The service includes your credit report, so just sign up for the free trial then cancel the service having viewed it. Don't confuse this with the Credit Score service which carries a one off cost of £5.95.

How to Cancel - Easy, just call this number , 0800 656 9000

There are two options: The first is at £7.50 per month, but the one we need to choose is the "Free for 30 days then £69.99 per year". When you sign up a £1 fee is needed to authorise a payment card, but the £1 is not actually charged to your card if you cancel in time.

How to Cancel - Call 0844 335 0550 and quote your account reference number.

If your worried about the hassle of cancellation then the other alternative is to use the Consumer Credit Act and apply for a copy of your file by post. Visit the websites of the above credit agencies for details of how to do this. It involves filling out forms containing your information.

What to Check On Your Credit Report