Use of credit reference agencies

Credit reference agencies (CRAs) are required to be authorised by the FCA because they undertake the regulated activity of providing credit references. 

Where a lender or credit broker consults a CRA in relation to a customer, it must on request give the customer the name and address of the CRA.

When a customer's application for credit is rejected as a result of information on their credit file with the Credit Reference Agencies, the customer must be given the contact details for the CRA in case the customer wishes to query their credit record.