TL;DR: A notice of correction is a free statement of up to 200 words you can add to your UK credit report to explain something accurate, like missed payments during illness or a fraud-related entry. Lenders read it when you apply. It doesn’t change your score, may slow applications slightly, and has to be added separately at TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. If information is wrong, use a notice of dispute instead.
What it is
From TransUnion’s guide: a short statement you add to your credit report for anyone who searches your file. It explains accurate information. For inaccurate information, you use a separate Notice of Dispute.
The rules
- No more than 200 words.
- Relevant and accurate.
- Not trivial, rude or libellous.
- Must not blame or name another person or company.
So “My ex-partner ran up debts on our joint account” won’t fly, but “Payments were missed in March to June 2025 while I was in hospital; the account has been up to date since” will.
What Experian adds
Experian’s guide sets out its side:
- Keep it clear, concise and factual, under 200 words, setting out the facts as you see them.
- It won’t affect your credit score, and there’s no guarantee it changes a lender’s decision.
- If Experian can’t accept your wording, it will tell you and usually suggest an alternative. If you still can’t agree, it can ask the Information Commissioner’s Office to review it.
- It won’t pass your notice to other agencies. You contact Equifax and TransUnion yourself.
Debt charity PayPlan adds a useful tip: include dates, and keep it relevant. Because a person has to read the note rather than a computer deciding automatically, your application may take a bit longer.
A good notice vs a bad one
| Works | Won’t be accepted |
|---|---|
| "I missed payments on my credit card from March to June 2025 while in hospital. All payments have been made on time since July 2025." | "My bank treated me terribly and refused to help." (names and blames a company) |
| "This loan was taken out fraudulently in my name in 2025 and is being investigated. Ref: [police reference]." | "This is all my ex-husband’s fault." (blames a named person) |
When it helps
- explaining missed payments during illness, bereavement, redundancy or a relationship breakdown;
- PayPlan also lists economic or domestic abuse, a mental health condition, or a mental capacity limitation;
- explaining why there’s no electoral register record (e.g., you’ve just moved to the UK);
- after identity fraud, explaining that accounts or searches weren’t yours while they’re being removed (check with the agency on wording).
How to add one
At TransUnion: use its online form or write to its Consumer Services Team. It doesn’t carry over: add it separately at Experian and Equifax too.
Lenders see it during applications. It’s free, won’t affect your score, but may make applications take a little longer while someone reads it.
If you’re a fraud victim
Notice of correction is only one tool. Also:
- report to Report Fraud;
- ask the lender to remove the fraudulent account;
- dispute the entry with each agency;
- consider Cifas Protective Registration.
See our UK identity theft guide and how to check your report for fraud.
Spot problems early
Many UK identity fraud cases start with breached personal data. A free email exposure check shows whether your email has been in a breach, a hint that more of your details may be circulating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a notice of correction improve my credit score?
No. Experian says it won’t affect your score, but lenders will read it when you apply.
If I add a notice at Experian, does it show at Equifax and TransUnion?
No. Experian says it doesn’t add notices to other agencies’ reports, so contact each one yourself.
What is a notice of correction?
A statement of up to 200 words added to your credit report to explain accurate information to lenders.
Does a notice of correction affect my credit score?
No, but it may make applications take slightly longer to process.
Do I need to add it at all three agencies?
Yes. A notice added at TransUnion doesn’t carry over to Experian or Equifax.
What if the information on my report is wrong?
Use a Notice of Dispute and ask the agency to investigate.
Sources
- TransUnion UK: What is a notice of correction?
- Experian UK: Notice of correction
- PayPlan: Notice of correction
- Checkmyfile: What is a statutory credit report?