Last week I saw my business manager - apparently, my credit rating with HSBC is pretty good - so now I'll be allowed a Business Credit Card - Mastercard on the front. Much better than personal credit card, as it's interest free for 30 days, then the debt must be paid. As I only intend to use it as a debit card anyway - ie, when available funds are present - this will certainly be very useful - especially as there are still merchants on the internet who will not take UK Switch debit cards (ie, Template Monster).
Anyway, apparently a new service has been launched to allow you to check your credit rating online - for a small fee, of course.
http://www.equifax.co.uk/ That's as reported here by the BBC:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3896223.stm Story:
An internet service has been launched to let people check their credit rating. For a £11.75 fee the encrypted service from Equifax, one of the UK's two major credit reference agencies, will outline an individual's credit history.
In addition, the website will tot up an individual's credit score and explain how lenders are likely to use this.
The service will also suggest ways in which people can improve their credit score, such as making sure they are on the electoral register.