Experian is the UK's largest credit reference agency. The company compiles credit records, using information from two main sources:

Public Records, for example electoral roll information, court judgments, individual voluntary arrangements and bankruptcies; and

Information provided by lenders and financial institutions, such as credit accounts, credit applications and financial associations.

When you apply for a loan, the potential lender will usually contact a credit reference agency to check the information on your credit report in order to calculate your creditworthiness and risk.

These calculations may vary between lenders. It is important to note that Experian does not offer any comment or advice and does not know how the information a lender has seen will affect the lending decision.

The CreditExpert service allows you to view the personal credit information on which lenders are basing their credit decisions.

Get a free 30-day trial and a copy of your Experian credit report

Advice offered here is of a general nature and is intended for guidance only. It is offered without any legal responsibility. You should always consult your own independent professional adviser - such as an accountant, solicitor or money adviser (at your local citizens advice bureau, for example) - about your specific situation.