James
I use quite a few online gambling sites, pretty successfully I might add. I always use my debit card attached to my current account to deposit into the sites. Will this impact on my credit rating? I have always maintained a healthy balance and have never got into any debt due to gambling. I was told your current account is not looked at when a credit rating is assessed, is this true? Thanks.
Mike, Southampton
Mike
For a while now banks have been registering information about current account overdraft facilities on credit reports. Because most people have an overdraft facility and because most people who use their overdrafts from time to time don't exceed their limits, this has been a very positive development for credit reports. What is registered includes details of your overdraft balance, your overdraft limit and your recent account status. It does not show what you have been spending money on, such as payments to gaming sites. However, some gaming sites actually offer credit facilities themselves and these can be registered on credit reports, with the customer's consent. If you're in any doubt, a copy of your credit report will show you exactly what is being registered. If you use our online CreditExpert service, you'll also be able to buy your Experian Credit Score. This will tell you whether other lenders looking at your credit report will see you as a safe bet.
James