Apply to become a credit reference agency or credit information services provider

First published: Last updated: 13/12/2023

You must be authorised by us if you want to provide credit references or credit information services. Find out how to apply for authorisation.

On this page document icon

1

Read everything listed below

Start with our main 'how to apply' page for all applicants

2

Prepare your application

Include your business plan and other supporting material

3

Pay the application fee

You must pay this in order to apply

4

Submit your application

You'll do this on our Connect system, so please register first

You'll need to demonstrate that you can consistently deliver good outcomes for retail consumers.

What to read first

The application process Our letters to your sectors Supporting material

Prepare your application

You'll submit your application through Connect, so make sure you register.

Your application must include your:

Below are the specific things we expect to see in your application – providing this information will help you to demonstrate that you can meet our expectations.

We know we're asking for lots of information, but if you submit everything required in sufficient detail it'll help us assess and determine your application without delays.

You must answer all questions on the application honestly, including on Form As, and provide us with full information regarding any disclosures you make, including details about any removals you've had from lender or product providers’ panels.

If in doubt, let us know as much as possible, even if it may not seem relevant.

If you don't disclose something, we take this very seriously and may consider it to be evidence of dishonesty and/or lack of integrity.

Application fee

You have to pay a fee to submit your application. The fee is non-refundable.

If you're applying to become a:

  • credit reference agency your fee falls into pricing category 6, which will be £10,000
  • credit information services provider your fee falls into pricing category 3, which will be £1,000

You may have to pay other fees if you also need payment services permissions.

Find out more about our authorisation fees, including our pricing categories and how to pay.

Final check and submit

Before you submit everything on Connect, give it one more check to be sure you've included everything.

Our how to apply page has 3 top tips to ensure your application goes smoothly, and explains what happens after you've submitted it.

If you need more help

Please contact us on 0300 500 0597. We're open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am to 5pm, and Thursday 9.45am to 5pm.