If you have been denied credit it is best not to apply for credit again until you find out why. There are a number of factors that may result in an application for credit being refused, but this depends on the lending criteria of the credit provider. Nevertheless, reasons may include :
- Level of income and savings to meet the loan repayments;
- Number of other loans and other financial commitments you have;
- How secure your employment is;
- Details on your credit report which can include information such as previous bankruptcy, defaults, serious credit infringements, high number of credit applications and poor repayment history.
If you have been declined credit and the information on your credit report was a factor, the lender, phone or utility company will give you details of the credit reporting body they used.
If it was Equifax, the first step in understanding why your credit report has contributed to you being declined credit, is to obtain a free copy of your Equifax credit report. If you have been declined credit you are entitled obtain a free credit report if you apply within 90 days of being declined and provide evidence that a credit provider has declined your application for credit.
By getting a copy of your Equifax credit report you can better understand what information may have contributed to your application refusal. It is important to check your credit report regularly to ensure it is accurate.