Your Credit Report can surprise you: it can include reference to an address you have long-forgotten about or sometimes even an address you have never heard of, which is one of the reasons it’s important to check in every now and then.

If you recognise all the addresses listed on your Credit Report when you check it and have previously lived or held accounts there, you’ve got nothing to worry about. In fact, even if there are addresses that don’t immediately jog your memory - shown as ‘linked addresses’ – you still don’t need to panic.

What are linked addresses?

Address links are simply a historical record of when a lender has reported a change of address to Credit Reference Agencies. Unlike payment history, they will remain on your credit file indefinitely if they are correct. If not, you can apply to have them removed.

The presence of address links doesn’t suggest to other lenders that there is currently active information at that address, although it doesn’t rule out the possibility either – it’s simply making other lenders aware that information relating to you has been found there.

How do they affect my ability to get credit?

Linked addresses on their own don’t affect your ability to get credit, but if you have debt at a previous address that has gone unpaid, this could limit the number of lenders willing to offer you credit.

Your Credit Rating is not affected by your address or a former address, or the area that the address is in, so an address on your Credit Report should not impact your Creditworthiness in the slightest.

What if I don’t recognise an address on my Credit Report?

Unknown address links can sometimes be an indication of identity fraud, but more typically result from administrative errors by lenders when sharing account information – these mistakes can normally be removed by contacting the lender directly.

How can I see my linked addresses?

checkmyfile’s Multi Agency Credit Report will let you see any address links on your report based on data from four Credit Reference Agencies, making it the most detailed Credit Report in the UK. Our unique service also provides you with specific advice on resolving address link issues, should you need it.

You can try checkmyfile completely free for 30 days, then for just £14.99 per month if you choose to subscribe. There’s no obligation, and you can cancel at any time.

Updated 30/07/2018 by Jamie Mackenzie Smith