Credit Score Basics > How to find your credit history from many years ago

How to find your credit history from many years ago

If you're concerned about your old credit history returning to haunt you, you shouldn't. In the UK, the law forbids companies to keep records over 6 years old.

How do I find my credit history from 20 years ago?

You can't. The Data Protection Act prevents companies from keeping records for over six years (except in rare cases). This means that once an account is closed or settled, the repayment history will be held only for six years.

This includes credit reference agencies like Experian or Equifax and even the bank or lender who owned the debt in the first place.

In other words, you can only check your credit history as far back as 6 years.

Can I get old credit reports?

Your credit report will have information about your finances over the past six years. This information is constantly updated to give lenders the best view of your behaviour. Because of this, there are no "old versions" of your credit report. You can't just call Experian and ask for a copy of your credit report from April 2010.

Can lenders ask for information older than 6 years?

Technically, yes. When you apply for a loan or mortgage, you might be asked if you ever had a CCJ issued against you or declared bankruptcy. Even if this happened more than six years ago, you still have to tell them—it's your legal obligation.

However, you shouldn't stress about it – just be truthful. Old defaults or CCJs have a very low impact on a lender's decision to give you credit. This only applies to so-called "adverse events" like CCJs or bankruptcies.

If you're worried about old missed or late payments, rest assured that lenders can only look at the past six years of your credit history and can't see account activity older than this.

How can I get information on old mortgages?

As with other loans, if you're looking for mortgage information that's more than 6 years old, you won't be able to see it on your credit report. The best place to get this information is on any paperwork you should have relating to the mortgage.

If you don't have any mortgage documents, you can try searching the Land Registry database. A title register search costs £3 and will give you the mortgage information on any property. It may also give you a copy of the mortgage deed, which, in some cases, might carry an account number.

Does my old credit history affect my credit score?

No. Only the most recent 6 years of your credit history will affect your credit score – that's it.

But if you want to improve your credit history and ensure your credit score is in great shape, try downloading a credit-building app like Wollit. Wollit reports your monthly subscription as loan repayment, helping you rebuild your credit history and potentially boosting your credit score.

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