Having been looking into credit scores, I found out that there are 3 different credit agencies in the UK, Equifax, Experian and Call Credit. The scores from each can differ quite a bit too. Which is a bit of a nightmare.

What I did also come across was a great site called CheckMyFile.com, which can pull all 3 credit scores for you (which works out cheaper than pulling all 3 separately).  There is a monthly membership that is available, so you can track your scores constantly. All is detailed on the site.

Also, CheckMyFile will point you to credit cards and loans that suit your credit rating. Rumour has it that it is better to apply on the phone or in person than over the internet.

One thing I will add though, is that my score from CreditExpert differs quite a bit from my score for Experian by CheckMyFile. So keep your wits about you!!

Hope this helps

I have heard of Cartel before now, but got reminded about them at the property and finance course I went on. What these guys do is look into your credit agreements and determine whether or not the contracts are enforceable.

I also heard adverts on the radio, generally geared around the ‘struggling with your debt scenario’, but I thought I would try them out anyway.. In a best case scenario they could wipe out my mortgage!!

I contacted them and got a call back from a really nice guy, who bizarrely went on a very similar course to the one I did. I gave him the details of my mortgage etc yesterday and by lunchtime today I got an answer.

The rough pre-requisites for the agreements are, if I remember rightly -

• Mortgages taken out before 2006
• Other credit agreements taken out before 2007

Sadly, my mortgage was a no-goer but my credit card was. This leaves me in a juxtaposition, as I am trying to increase my lines of credit and, for the relatively small gain, I may sour the relationship with my chief creditor! So, I am going to talk that over with the guy on Friday. But, I have potentially sourced 2 more customers for him if I do indeed pull out.

Check out Cartel‘s website and have a look at what is involved (bear in mind this is UK only). A quick way to register is to  text ‘clear’ to 60777 and wait for a call back.