Why have I been refused credit in the past?

It has never seemed easier to borrow money, so if you do get turned down, the obvious question is “Why?” swiftly followed by the nasty suspicion, “Maybe I’m on a credit blacklist.”

The good news is that you're not. In fact, there’s no such thing as a credit blacklist. But there are many reasons why you might be rejected.

Your credit report has worried the lender

This unique, personal record of your credit history could show that you already have a number of loans and the lender may be worried that you will not be able to repay another. You will also find advice that will help you to improve your report. Click here for a free copy of your credit report.

You may not fit the lender’s profile

For example, a credit card issuer may only give cards to people who already have fewer than three, or a mortgage lender may specialise in first-time buyers.

You are a non-standard credit risk

According to Datamonitor, the independent market analyst, more than one in five adults in the UK are deemed non-standard. They may include the self-employed, others who cannot provide sufficient proof of income and people who have an outstanding county court judgment (CCJ) against them or have had their homes repossessed for non-payment of mortgage.

You move around

Credit companies look for stability – for example, living at the same address for at least three years or having a long-term relationship with the same bank. So, if you move around a lot or switch banks often, this may go against you.

Your credit score wasn’t high enough

Lenders generally base their decisions on a credit score, which they calculate using the information in your credit report and your application. Every lender has a different formula which can even vary from one type of loan to another.

To get an idea of how lenders may regard your application you can become a member of CreditExpert and order your National Credit Score for just £5.95. It is based only on the information in your Experian credit report, so it will not be the same as the one generated by a lender, but it will give you a good idea of what they may think. Click here to find out more.