How often should you check your credit report?

Your credit report plays a big role in your financial life - from getting approved for a personal loan to applying for a mortgage. But how often should you actually check it? And what are you looking for when you do?

Let’s explore how to stay on top of your credit report and why regular checks can make a big difference to your financial confidence.

Why it’s important to check your credit report

Your credit report is a record of how you manage money - showing details of your borrowing history, repayments, and credit applications.

Lenders use it to help decide whether to offer you credit, and on what terms. Checking your report regularly helps you:

• Spot mistakes that could harm your credit score
• Notice signs of fraud or identity theft early
• See how lenders might view you before you apply for credit
• Track your progress if you’re trying to build or repair your credit history

Think of it as your personal financial health check - a way to make sure everything’s in good shape before you need it.

How often should you check your credit report?

Most experts recommend checking your credit report at least once a year - ideally before applying for any major form of credit, like a loan, mortgage or car finance.

But with free access now available through all major credit reference agencies, there’s really no harm in checking more often. A quarterly check (every 3 months) is a good habit for most people.

You might want to check more frequently if:

• You’ve recently been declined for credit and want to understand why
• You’re working to improve your credit score
• You’ve moved house, changed jobs or taken out new credit
• You’ve noticed unfamiliar activity on your accounts

Regular checks give you visibility without affecting your score.

Will checking your credit report affect your score?

Good news - checking your own report won’t impact your credit score.

When you view your report, it’s classed as a soft search. That means it’s visible only to you, not to lenders, and won’t influence how future credit applications are assessed.

By contrast, a hard search happens when a lender reviews your file as part of a formal credit application. Too many hard searches in a short space of time can lower your score temporarily, but soft checks are safe.

What to look for when reviewing your report

When you check your credit report, focus on:

• Personal details: name, address, and date of birth should all be accurate.
• Credit accounts: make sure the balances, limits, and repayment history are correct.
• Missed payments: flag any that you believe are errors.
• Credit searches: review who has searched your file and why.
• Linked accounts: check any joint financial connections are still relevant.

If you spot a mistake, contact the credit reference agency or the lender directly to raise a dispute - they can investigate and update your file if needed.

Where can you check your credit report?

In the UK, there are three main credit reference agencies that hold your credit information:

• Experian
• Equifax (via ClearScore)
• TransUnion (via Credit Karma)

You can access your report for free from all three. It’s worth comparing them, as not every lender reports to all agencies - so one file may show information that another doesn’t.

Keep track of your financial health

Checking your credit report regularly isn’t just about spotting errors - it’s about feeling more in control of your money. By understanding what’s on your report, you can take small steps to build a stronger financial profile and improve your chances of getting the best rates when you need to borrow.

If you’re planning a big purchase or thinking about taking out a personal loan, a quick credit report review is a great first step.

Ready to take the next step? Explore Novuna Personal Loans to see how we could help you spread the cost of your next big goal with affordable monthly repayments.

Explore personal loans