Linked addresses: why and how?

A linked address can be created for a few reasons. Let’s look at why they’re created, and how they can affect you.

What are address links?

We see address links when you register on the Electoral Roll, change your address with a lender, or apply for credit using that address. An address link can also be a delivery address or belong to a financial associate. If you have a financial connection with someone who doesn’t live with you, their address may show on your report as an address link.

There’s a misconception that too many addresses on your report is a bad thing. While it may look like you move around a lot, this doesn’t affect your credit score. It’s only the payment information for you at that address link which will affect you. So as long as there’s only positive credit history recorded at the address, it will help grow your score.

An old address can’t be removed from your credit report if it’s correct. But the good news is, there’s no need to. Previous addresses are seen as an important record which lenders use to view your full credit history. The more information they can see, the more certain they can be that what they see represents how you use credit.

It’s important to check any linked address on your report is one you recognise – it could relate to a problem if not. This could be something simple like an incorrect building name or flat number, or something more concerning like attempted identity fraud. Either way, it’s best to contact the lender who created it for further details.

If there’s an address link you don’t recognise, there may be a search and possibly even an account linked to it. The best thing to do is get in touch with the lender directly to dispute it (the lender name will show with the address). They are responsible for reporting the information to the credit reference agencies. So if they accept that there’s an error, they should be able to update it for you.

How do address links affect you?

Are old addresses good for your credit health? In a word, yes. Linked addresses are important as they allow your credit report to follow you when you move house. Without them, you’d have to build a new credit history each time you change address. Plus, when submitting an application, address links mean you don’t have to remember every address you’ve lived at. At Checkmyfile, we bring all the information together in one place, so you can see where you stand.

If you move house and don’t update your address details or register on the Electoral Roll, this would affect your credit score. You’d be missing the opportunity to show good credit behaviour and stability, and possibly miss payments if your bills are still sent to an old address. This could also make it difficult to get the credit you need to make purchases while you move. If you’ve recently moved house and don’t see your new address on your credit report, don’t worry. Some lenders only update credit reference agencies once a month; so if you made a payment just before you moved, your new address might not show until the next payment is reported. Key takeaways:

• Old addresses aren’t normally removed from your report

• Linked addresses don’t affect your credit score; the information recorded at the addresses do

• Regularly check the Addresses & Electoral Roll section of your report for new address links

• Check all linked addresses are correct; correct any inaccuracies

• Investigate any address links you don't recognise