Struggling to get a credit card or a loan approved? You might be facing 'Credit Invisibility'. Here, we will explore what credit invisibility and thin credit files are, their impacts, and how you can start and improve your credit profile in the UK.

What is Credit Invisibility?

Credit invisibility means that major UK Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs) - Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion - have no information about your borrowing history. If there is very little information, or it is blank, your financial reliability is hard to assess, which makes lenders more hesitant to offer you credit or loans. This can be a huge hurdle when trying to finance a car, get a mortgage, or even sign up for a mobile phone contract. 

Thin File vs. Credit Invisible: What is the Difference?

Think of your credit history as a book about your past finances. Being credit invisible means your book hasn’t been started yet - lenders have nothing to look at when assessing how you handle money.

A thin file, on the other hand, is like having a few pages in your book, but not enough evidence to make an informed decision. For instance, if you've only had one credit card or a short-term loan, lenders have a brief glimpse into your credit history, but it’s not detailed enough for them to estimate your creditworthiness with confidence.

Reasons for Credit Invisibility or Having a Thin File

• Younger Age: If you’re a young adult, particularly between 18 and 21, you could lack a credit history simply because you haven't yet had the chance or the need to engage with credit products yet.
• New to the UK: When you move to a new country, you have to start your credit report from scratch. Unfortunately, your credit history from another country doesn’t follow you to the UK. (Check out our article on Building Credit In The UK: Essential Guide For New Residents)
• Non-Use of Credit: If you've always been a 'cash-only' person or haven’t used credit for a few years, you might find yourself with a thin file or even invisible credit. It indicates that you are ‘out of practice’ with managing money on credit. Yes, this can even affect you if you are slightly older and paid off a mortgage, but haven’t had a loan in a while! 

Building and Improving Your Credit History

• Register on the Electoral Roll: This is like putting your name on the map. It's a straightforward way for the Credit Reference Agencies to confirm your identity and address.
• Utility and Phone Bills: Regularly paying these bills in full and on time shows CRAs that you're responsible with payments, which can enhance your credit profile.
• Credit Improvement Programs: You’re in luck! Here at Ozoomi, we have a nifty, interest-free way to build your credit score without risk.

Check out our simple steps:

Start with a manageable monthly amount, as low as £20.

Kickstart your savings: We secure your annual total in a savings account from the get-go.

Credit Enhancement: Make on time monthly repayments. These will get reported to CRAs to let them know you are managing your money and credit.

End of year Bonus! : Complete a year of timely, full payments and unlock your savings, plus enjoy the bonus of an upgraded credit score!

For more info, check out our Ozoomi Boost page! 

We have a couple of great articles about why your credit score may have dropped and how you can boost it, so be sure to check them out if you would like some more information.

Benefits of Having a Credit Report

‍A credit report is more than just a gateway to loans and credit cards. It's a key part of your financial identity, used for everything from renting a place to live to certain employment checks. Many landlords check credit reports to get an idea about a potential tenant's reliability with rent payments.

Begin your journey to financial success! Check your credit status, make yourself known to CRAs, and explore credit-building opportunities that will benefit you!