Why does ScottishPower share data with credit reference agencies?

Since 2010, ScottishPower has been sharing customer information with credit Reference agencies to help them understand customers payment behaviour. We share payment information on all customers*. This change aims to provide a more complete view of customer payment behaviours, which can benefit customers with good payment histories. We share data with all three credit reference agencies; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion at relevant times. Our ability to share this data is outlined in our terms and conditions, and privacy information notice.

On a monthly basis, we tell credit reference agencies if you have an unpaid bill and if so, how many months your bill has been unpaid and the value of the unpaid bill. This will trigger a status of 0-6, which indicates the number of months your bill has remained unpaid. If you have no unpaid bills, the number of months will be 0.

0 – Means you don’t have an outstanding balance and us sharing your data will most likely improve your credit score

1-6– Means you have an overdue invoice that hasn’t been paid for 1-6 months. Sharing this information could change your credit score inform other lenders of credit about your ability to repay. Other lenders may use this information to shape their lending decisions.

8 – Means there has been a breakdown in the payment relationship and there have been no substantial payments received. This status can stay on your credit score for up to six years.

By sharing customers’ payment status with credit reference agencies, the majority of customers will see a positive impact on their credit score. If you pay by any of the payment methods below and have no outstanding balance, we’ll share a 0 status, which can lead to a positive impact on your credit score:

If you have an open complaint with us, we’ll let the credit reference agencies know so they can take this into account.

We now share payment information on all customers*. This change aims to provide a more complete view of customer payment behaviours, which can benefit customers with good payment histories.

When you open a new account with us, your credit score may drop slightly, this is nothing to worry about. It happens because a hard check is being performed to ensure you’re a trustworthy customer. This check leaves a mark on your credit report, showing other lenders that you’ve recently sought credit. This score drop is only temporary, after a few months of payments on time, your score should start to recover as you show you pay responsibly. After this sharing your data will most likely improve your credit score.

If you get an alert from a credit agency saying ScottishPower has been added to your credit report – don’t worry, it as a standard notification and it is not a fraud alert.

However, if you believe the details reported to the credit reference agencies are incorrect, please contact the Credit Reference Agency who send you the notification or contact us.

If you would like to improve your credit position, you can either pay any outstanding balance or move to one of the preferred payment methods listed above.

For more information read our terms and conditions, and privacy information notice.