Fixing my credit rating

[homoeopathics]

Six months ago I missed the first payment date on my Co-Op credit card. As I was in debt up to the limit the consequent fine of £25.00 pushed me over the limit of the card. This has left me with a blemished credit history. I did write to the bank asking is anything could be done, bearing in mind that I met the payment required only 3 days late. They refunded the fine but have not resolved my credit history. Is there anything I can do.....????

[comanche]

Have you obtained a copy of your credit file? Provided that you weren't late with the payment, it probably won't have affected your credit score but it's worth checking.

If you think it would be worthwhile, you could go after the bank for the £25 penalty charge.

[homoeopathics]

Thank you for your reply Seminole although I think perhaps my question was not too clear.

I was almost instantly refunded the £25.00 when I called and paid the minimum payment 3 days late.

I have not obtained a copy of my credit file since the incident, although I was turned down for a new current account, which has never happened before.

Is it possible to persuade the Co-Op to remove its entry on my credit history?

In normal circumstances I would accept that it is not, although in this case I would not have breached my credit limit if it was not for the imposed £25.00 fine.

I did write to the bank, but only recieved a standard reply which ignored my specific request and simply stated I would receive a refund.

[BankFodder]

You should get a full Data Protection Act disclosure frm your bank and also get a disclosure of your credit file from the CRAs - linked in the library

[homoeopathics]

I have today written to the Co-Op requesting a Data Protection Act disclosure.

Once I have confirmation of their input on my credit file, I will request they remove it on the grounds that going over my credit limit was caused by their unlawful charge.

After reading my statements, I have only now noticed that I was actually charged £25 for breaking my limit and another £25 for notification of the event. .....of course i will be seeking a full refund.

Although I unintentionally broke the credit limit, the fact remains I missed a payment by 3 days. Are there any grounds for me to seek rectification of this issue?

The only circumstance I can offer is that the Co-Op is the only bank (I am aware of) that only accepts DD mandates via the post. This contributed to a delay in the creation of a direct debit and therefore a late manual payment.

Many Thanks