Notice of Correction: what it is and how to add one
Sometimes the data on your credit file is technically accurate but doesn’t tell the whole story. That’s where a Notice of Correction comes in. It’s a short statement (up to 200 words) you can attach to any entry on your file. Lenders must read it before making a decision.
It’s your statutory right under Section 159 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. All three CRAs have to accept it. No arguments.
Key takeaways
- Up to 200 words. Your chance to tell your side of the story.
- CRAs must accept it — it’s a statutory right under CCA s.159.
- You need to add it separately to each CRA.
- Lenders must read it before making a lending decision.
- Heads up: it can slow down automated decisions. That’s a double-edged sword.
When should you add one?
A Notice of Correction is most useful when the data on your file is technically accurate but needs context. For example: you missed payments due to illness or redundancy and are now back on track, you’re disputing an entry and want to flag this to lenders, or there are circumstances that the raw data doesn’t capture.
It’s not a replacement for disputing inaccurate data. If the information is wrong, dispute it. If it’s accurate but misleading, add a Notice of Correction.
How to add one (for each CRA)
Experian: Contact via phone (0344 481 8000), email ([email protected]), or post (PO Box 9000, Nottingham, NG80 7WP). Takes 2–4 weeks to add.
Equifax: Through the Online Help portal at help.equifax.co.uk/EquifaxOnlineHelp. Free of charge. Up to 28–30 days processing. Equifax may suggest wording.
TransUnion: Via the statutory report site (transunionstatreport.co.uk), by post (PO Box 647, Hull, HU9 9QZ), or by email ([email protected]). TransUnion reviews the wording before adding.
What to write (and what not to)
Your notice must be clear, concise, and factual. It must not be defamatory, libellous, frivolous, scandalous, or name specific third parties (some CRAs enforce this).
Good example: “Payments were missed between March and June 2024 due to a period of illness. I have since recovered and all payments are now up to date. I have documentation from my GP confirming the period of illness.”
Bad example: “[Lender name] ruined my life by charging unfair fees and they should be ashamed.”
Does it actually make a difference?
Mixed. A Notice of Correction triggers manual review for many automated lending systems, which can slow down applications. For manual underwriting (mortgages, business lending), it can genuinely help by providing context a human underwriter can consider.
For automated decisions (credit cards, phone contracts), the notice may have little practical effect because algorithms don’t interpret free-text statements.
The main benefit is that it’s a legal mechanism to ensure your side of the story is on record.
What’s the difference between a Notice of Correction and a Notice of Dispute?
A Notice of Correction is a permanent statement you write yourself. It stays on your file until you remove it. All three CRAs support it.
A Notice of Dispute is automatic and temporary — it’s placed while a dispute is being investigated. TransUnion calls theirs a formal “Notice of Dispute” (NOD); Experian and Equifax add a dispute note.
You can have both at different times on the same entry.
FAQs
Does it cost anything?
No. It’s free with all three CRAs. It’s your statutory right.
Do I have to add it to all three CRAs?
If you want it visible on all three reports, yes. CRAs don’t share notices between them.
Can I take it off later?
Yes. Contact the CRA and request removal. Same process as adding one.
Will it affect my credit score?
The notice itself won’t touch your score. But it may slow down automated credit decisions because lenders are supposed to review it manually. For most people, that trade-off is worth it.
Related topics
What to read next
How to dispute a late payment on your credit file
How to dispute incorrect late payment markers on your UK credit report. Evidence needed, sample letter, and how to file with each CRA.
How to dispute a default on your credit file
How to challenge or remove a default on your UK credit report. When defaults are invalid, evidence needed, and how to dispute with each CRA.
How to dispute or remove a CCJ from your credit file
UK guide to removing a CCJ from your credit report. Pay within 1 month for full removal, or set aside with Form N244.
Take control of your credit health.
Build your credit history and stay on top of your credit health.
Get startedNo credit check required. Cancel anytime.