People
Soft vs hard credit check: what’s the difference?
Last reviewed February 2026 i QUICK ANSWER A soft credit check looks at your credit file but doesn’t leave a footprint other lenders can see, and it has no effect on your credit score. A hard credit check leaves a footprint and is recorded when you formally apply for credit. A single hard check usually…
Read More5 ways credit cards reduce your credit score
Last reviewed February 2026 i QUICK ANSWER Credit cards can help build your credit history when used carefully. But poor management can damage your score. The five main pitfalls are: carrying a high balance, going over your limit, withdrawing cash, maxing out your card quickly, and making multiple applications in a short period. When used…
Read MoreHow financial associations affect your credit profile
Last reviewed February 2026 i QUICK ANSWER Financial associations link your credit file to another person’s. Even if you separate finances, the link stays unless you file a notice of disassociation with each credit reference agency.. What is a financial association? A financial association is a formal link between two people’s credit files, created when…
Read MoreWhat is a credit union?
Last reviewed January 2026 i KEY TAKEAWAYS Member-owned and not-for-profit. Any surplus goes back to members, not shareholders Offers savings accounts and personal loans with government-capped interest rates Membership requires a “common bond” (area, employer, or community group) Savings protected up to £120,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) — same as high street…
Read MoreNotice of Correction: add context to your credit file
Sometimes the numbers on your credit file don’t tell the full story. You have the right to add a personal explanation. This is known as a Notice of Correction. What is a Notice of Correction? A Notice of Correction (NOC) is a short statement (no more than 200 words) that you can add to your…
Read MoreHow Open Banking speeds up the loan application process
Applying for a loan should be straightforward, but sometimes gathering and submitting paperwork adds unnecessary stress and delays. Lenders are legally required to make sure your loan is affordable. To do this they will want to check your income and expenditure. Traditionally this has meant sending in paper bank statements. Open Banking is a secure…
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