Electoral roll issues 'could be reason for credit rejection'

Tuesday, November 10th 2009

Consumers who know they have a good credit score yet are rejected for credit by lenders may want to check that their correct name and address is on the electoral roll, according to one expert.

Jane Baker of lovemoney.com says that the electoral roll is seen as an easy way of verifying an applicant's address by credit card companies, so if it is incorrect this may be why rejections occur.

She urges Britons to double check their electoral roll details by contacting their local registration office, as delays and mistakes can occur even after submitting new details for inclusion on the register.

"Most lenders will automatically decline you because you're not on the electoral roll - even though this has nothing to do with your credit score or how well you manage credit," Ms Baker states.

Electoral roll information can also be viewed in consumers' credit reports.

It can be a good idea to regularly check credit files for signs of ID fraud, according to CreditExpert, as reports can show any applications for finance made in the consumer's name, as well as any credit searches made by lenders.