Equifax is the first and only UK credit reference agency to give consumers instant online access to their credit information.
Eighteen months since the launch of MyEquifax, the company has relaunched the website and introduced Equifax Credit Watch, a unique service designed to tackle ID fraud and provide consumers with greater control over their finances. Central to the redesign of the website and addition of new products is Equifax's focus on giving financial services providers and other organisations that extend credit to consumers a powerful "added value" marketing tool.
Michael Shannon, managing director, Equifax Plc, comments: "MyEquifax has been used by more than half a million consumers since its launch in September 2003. And what is especially encouraging is the take-up by the financial services industry and other organisations marketing to the consumer, to use MyEquifax as an "added value" benefit.
"For the redesign of the website and introduction of Equifax Credit Watch, we have taken on board the issues being faced by lenders when dealing with consumer credit applications. ID fraud is a major factor, and they want to be seen to be helping the consumer protect themselves from this insidious crime. User-friendly advice and support on the MyEquifax website, combined with Equifax Credit Watch, can give lenders a powerful customer service solution to tackle this threat."
Equifax Credit Watch, which monitors activity on consumer credit files, and alerts the individual to any changes in real time, is available in two levels of service: Gold or Silver.
The Gold Service, which costs ?59.99 a year or ?6.50 a month, comes with the first 30 days free for annual subscribers, daily alerts on any changes to a consumer's credit file provided by email and/or SMS, changes to credit account balances, amendments to electoral roll information and the addition of County Court Judgments. The consumer also receives unlimited copies of their Equifax Credit Report.
The Silver Service which costs ?44.99 a year or ?5.00 a month, sends alerts to consumers of any changes to their credit file by email on a weekly basis and provides one free Equifax Credit Report when the subscription is started.
Both levels of the Equifax Credit Watch service provide the consumer with a monthly "no news is good news" message, if there has been no activity.
In addition to the introduction of Equifax Credit Watch, the MyEquifax website has been redesigned to offer consumers a wealth of information on managing and protecting their credit well-being. The new MyEquifax website empowers consumers to make sound personal financial decisions through in-depth content, including essential advice on the importance of credit, the financial impact of life events, such as divorce, and tips for improving personal credit and financial health. It also provides direct access to the Equifax Credit File Advice Centre which helps consumers resolve disputes and difficulties with their credit files and provides valuable advice and support for those affected by ID theft.
Michael Shannon concludes, "The redesign of the MyEquifax website and the introduction of Equifax Credit Watch demonstrate our continued commitment to educating, and aiding consumers on all matters relating to their credit information. We believe MyEquifax will make a significant difference to UK consumers long-term, as well as enable lenders to provide greater levels of consumer empowerment than ever before."