News
What is an Anti Money Laundering Check?
Money laundering is a method used by criminals to make it appear as if the money was earned through legitimate means. Essentially, it's a process of "cleaning" dirty money. In the UK, money laundering is a significant issue, and banks are spending over £5 billion a year to try to stop it. Efforts to stop money laundering affect all of us [more...]
Key Points About a Pre-Employment Credit Check
For many positions in banking and finance companies, a pre-employment credit check is a standard step in the interview process. Other companies may also choose to run credit checks, but many candidates are unsure about the purpose of the process and what it involves. Employers typically look for two things during these checks: Identity Verification [more...]
What Will My Landlord See on a Credit Report?
Landlords will typically do a soft search when you apply for a rental property. Unlike hard searches used by lenders, which focus on your borrowing and repayment history, soft searches only access publicly available information and won't affect your credit score. Minor issues like occasional missed payments or a lack of credit history generally won't appear in a landlord's search [more...]
Do You Need a High Credit Score to Rent a Home?
While there isn't a specific credit score number that you'll need to rent a property, having a good credit score can make the process smoother. A good score indicates a reliable borrowing history, which can reassure landlords that you're capable of making regular rent payments. [more...]
How Can I Boost My Credit Score Quickly?
Your credit score is the most important single factor in determining whether you can easily get credit, such as a personal loan, car loan, mobile phone contract, or even the best rates for utility bills. Many of the most favourable deals are available only to those who pay their bills automatically by direct debit—a payment option often requiring a good credit score. [more...]
Does an Agreement in Principle Affect Your Credit Score
Congratulations on finding your ideal new home and having an offer accepted! Your next step towards securing a mortgage is applying for an agreement in principle (AIP); also known as a mortgage in principle. This essential piece of documentation is what you can show to the estate agent or seller to that you are a serious buyer and are in the right financial position to go ahead and make the purchase. [more...]