If your credit file contains errors that have affected your creditworthiness, now's your chance to correct them.

Bank IT failures can occasionally affect customers' ability to access funds or make payments on time. In some cases, this may lead to incorrect reporting on your credit file if the lender submits inaccurate data to a credit reference agency.

This isn't just frustrating when it happens. It could cause longer-term inconvenience and real financial costs. Customers who checked their credit file after a bank IT failure sometimes found errors that could affect their creditworthiness. That might mean being turned down for credit when you need it, or missing out on the best deals, for reasons that are not your fault - though approval also depends on other factors lenders consider, such as your income, existing borrowing, and affordability.

If you're one of the many people affected, the good news is that errors can often be corrected. The key is being aware and acting promptly, though outcomes will depend on the nature of the error and the evidence you can provide.

Of course, to spot any errors you need to keep an eye on your credit file and report. That's not just a good idea because of bank failures. Regularly checking your credit report can help you spot fraud early and acts as a useful financial health check.

If you spot an error caused by something beyond your control, here's what you can do to put it right

Talk to the company

If you spot a mistake, the first thing to do is let the company or lender know. They may be happy to amend it immediately, or you may need to go through their official complaints procedure.

Either way, they will usually send updates to any credit reference agencies they report to. However, this is not guaranteed in every case, so you may still need to contact each relevant agency yourself to confirm the correction has been made.

Talk to the credit reference agency

Your credit file belongs to you, and you have a right to make sure it's accurate. That means you can raise a dispute if you think there's an error.

You can raise a dispute with any of the three main UK credit reference agencies (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) using their respective dispute processes. However, it is usually best to first ask the lender or company that reported the information to correct it. Each agency has its own procedure for investigating and correcting errors on your file, and they are required by law to respond within 28 days of receiving your dispute.

ClearScore is not a credit reference agency, but if you use it, your report is provided for free using data from Equifax. You can raise a dispute directly through your ClearScore account, which will be passed to Equifax for investigation.

Where to raise a credit report dispute: agency comparison

Different lenders report to different credit reference agencies, so you may need to raise a dispute with more than one agency to ensure the error is corrected everywhere it appears. The table below compares the three main UK agencies and how their dispute processes work.

If you use ClearScore, your report is powered by Equifax, and you can raise a dispute directly from your ClearScore account. For entries reported only to Experian or TransUnion, you will need to contact those agencies separately.

What if the company doesn't agree?

If you believe there's an error on your report but you can't get it fixed, you can add a Notice of Correction to your file.

A Notice of Correction is a short statement of up to 200 words explaining the circumstances and why the entry does not reflect your normal financial behaviour. This option isn't limited to bank errors. It can also be used to explain any negative marks on your credit file.

For example, if you had a period of ill health that meant you fell behind on your bills, you can leave a note to explain the situation to any future lender who reviews your file. Lenders are required to take a Notice of Correction into account when making a lending decision, although it does not guarantee a different outcome.

What to include in a credit report dispute letter or form

Whether you are writing a letter, filling in an online form, or submitting a dispute through your ClearScore account, including the right information from the start helps avoid delays. Use the checklist below to make sure your dispute covers everything the lender or credit reference agency needs to investigate.

Personal details

• Your full legal name, date of birth, and current address

• Any previous addresses if the disputed entry relates to a former home

• Your account or reference number with the lender in question

Details of the entry you are disputing

• The name of the lender or company that reported the information

• The specific entry on your credit file - for example, a missed payment marker, an incorrect balance, or an account you do not recognise

• The date or dates the entry relates to

• A clear explanation of why you believe the entry is wrong

Supporting evidence

• Bank statements showing the relevant transactions (highlight the key lines)

• Screenshots of payment confirmations, direct debit mandates, or email receipts

• Any correspondence with the lender - including complaint reference numbers and response letters

• If applicable, evidence of a known bank outage or system error that affected your payment

Your preferred resolution

• State clearly what you want to happen - removal of the entry, amendment of incorrect details, or addition of a Notice of Correction

• If you are requesting a correction, specify what the entry should read once updated

Tone and presentation tips

• Keep your language factual and professional - avoid emotional phrasing, which can slow the process

• Stick to the facts: what happened, what the evidence shows, and what you are asking for

• Reference the 28-day statutory deadline so the recipient is aware you know your rights under UK data protection law

• Send your dispute by a method that provides proof of delivery (recorded post or an online submission with a confirmation reference)

What to do if your credit report says you missed a payment but you didn't

Discovering that your credit score says you missed a payment but you didn't can be alarming - especially if you know the money left your account on time. The good news is that false missed-payment markers can often be corrected on a credit file, particularly if you act quickly and keep clear records, though the outcome will depend on the evidence available and the lender's assessment.

Why a missed payment might appear when you paid on time

There are several reasons a payment you made could show as missed on your credit report. Bank processing delays mean that even if you paid before the due date, the funds may not have been applied to your account in time for the lender's reporting window. IT outages - such as those experienced during major banking system failures - can prevent payments from being processed altogether. Direct debit errors, including cancelled or incorrectly set-up mandates, are another common cause. In rarer cases, a payment may have been received by the lender but applied to the wrong account or reference number, leaving yours showing as unpaid.

Gathering your evidence

Before you contact your lender, collect everything that proves the payment was made. This includes:

• Bank statements showing the transaction date, amount, and the recipient

• Confirmation emails or in-app notifications from your bank

• Transaction reference numbers or direct debit mandate details

• Screenshots of any error messages you received during a known outage

Having this evidence ready before you raise a complaint will strengthen your case and help resolve the issue more quickly.

How to challenge the missed payment marker with your lender

Contact the lender that reported the missed payment and explain that you believe the entry is incorrect. Provide copies of your evidence and ask them to investigate. Most lenders have a formal complaints process; request a reference number so you can track your case. If the lender agrees the marker was reported in error, they should notify the credit reference agencies they report to and request the correction. Bear in mind that the lender may not report to all three agencies, so you may need to check your file with each one separately. Ask for written confirmation that they have done so.

Escalating to the Financial Ombudsman Service

If the lender refuses to remove the incorrect missed payment marker or you are unhappy with their response, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). You must usually give the lender eight weeks to resolve the complaint first, or receive a final response letter. The FOS will review the evidence from both sides and can order the lender to correct your credit file if it finds in your favour.

How long a corrected missed payment takes to update

Once a lender submits a correction, it typically takes up to 28 days for the updated information to appear on your credit file, though some changes reflect sooner. If you use ClearScore, your report is powered by Equifax, so you should see the update the next time your report refreshes. It is worth checking your file after the expected timeframe to confirm the correction has been applied.

What are the most common errors?

Your credit report should be an accurate record of your financial history, but sometimes mistakes happen. According to a survey by the Citizens Advice Bureau, checking your credit report regularly is one of the best ways to catch problems early.

These are some of the most common credit report errors:

• Missing relevant information: Not every financial product you use will show up on your credit file. Typically, products with credit facilities and your current account are reported. If information is missing, it could be that the company you're using doesn't report to all three main UK credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion). Different lenders may report to different agencies, so it can be worth checking your file with more than one provider to get a complete picture.

• An incorrect address: This may affect your credit score and report. To fix it, contact the lender or credit reference agency to correct the address. It also helps to make sure you are registered to vote at your current address and that all your accounts use the same, consistent address. For example, don't use "13a" for one product and "13 Flat 2" on another, as inconsistencies can cause matching issues.

• Something you don't recognise: If you spot a hard search for credit that you don't recognise, or a loan or credit card you didn't apply for, you should take immediate action. It could be a sign you've fallen victim to identity theft. You should usually not be held responsible for borrowing you did not authorise, but you must report suspected fraud to the lender and follow their procedure to minimise any impact on your credit file. You should also report it to Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud reporting centre, and consider placing a protective registration with CIFAS.

How long does it take to fix a credit report error?

Timelines for resolving a credit report dispute depend on the type of error, who reported it, and how you raise the issue. Below are answers to the most common questions about how long the process takes.

How long does a credit reference agency have to investigate a dispute?

Under UK data protection law, a credit reference agency must respond to your dispute within 28 days of receiving it. During this period, the agency will contact the lender that supplied the data and ask them to verify or correct the entry. If the lender confirms the information is wrong, the agency must update your file promptly.

How quickly will my credit score update after a correction?

Once the credit reference agency applies the correction, your credit score should update the next time your report is recalculated. With ClearScore, your Equifax-powered report typically refreshes on a regular cycle, so you may see the change within a few days of the correction being processed. Other providers may take a similar period. Keep in mind that while the incorrect entry is removed or amended, it may take additional time for your score to fully reflect the improvement, depending on the rest of your credit history.

Can I speed up the dispute process?

Yes, there are a few things you can do to help move things along. Submit your dispute with clear, organised evidence - bank statements, transaction references, and correspondence - so the agency or lender does not need to come back to you for more information. Contact the lender directly at the same time as raising a dispute with the credit reference agency, as the lender can often correct the data at source more quickly. If you raised the dispute through your ClearScore account, you can track its progress there.

What happens if the agency doesn't respond within 28 days?

If the credit reference agency does not resolve your dispute within the 28-day statutory deadline, you have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO). The ICO can investigate whether the agency has met its obligations under UK GDPR. In the meantime, you can also add a Notice of Correction to your file to explain the disputed entry to any lender who reviews your report while the investigation is ongoing.

When it's not a mistake at all

If your credit file shows areas for improvement and it's not an error, there are still steps you can take that may help.

Some straightforward actions can make a difference over time. These include making sure you're on the electoral roll, keeping up with existing repayments, and reducing outstanding balances where possible. If you have a limited credit history, a credit builder credit card used responsibly (spending a small amount each month and paying it off in full) can help demonstrate to lenders that you can manage credit well.

Whether it's an error caused by your bank or something in your own financial history, taking action is worthwhile. Addressing errors on your credit file promptly, and building positive financial habits, may help improve your creditworthiness and borrowing prospects over time.

Understanding what appears on a credit check empowers you to take control of your financial future. Check your credit report regularly, dispute any errors promptly, and make informed financial decisions. These actions may help improve your creditworthiness over time, though outcomes depend on your individual circumstances and how consistently you maintain positive financial habits.

Ready to see what's on your credit report? Check your free credit score and report with ClearScore - checking won't affect your score, as it's a soft search only visible to you. It takes just a few minutes and can help you understand where you stand financially.

Important information about this service: ClearScore offers a free credit score and credit report using data from Equifax, a credit reference agency we work with. There is no fee for this service and no part of it is charged at extra cost. ClearScore is a profit-seeking business and may earn a commission when you take a product, such as a loan or credit card, through our marketplace; some offers are provided by third parties. If you have a complaint we cannot resolve, you may be able to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk). For free, impartial guidance visit MoneyHelper (www.moneyhelper.org.uk); free debt advice is also available from not-for-profit organisations such as Citizens Advice and StepChange.