You must be authorised by us if you want to provide credit references or credit information services. Find out how to apply for authorisation.
Read everything listed below
Start with our main 'how to apply' page for all applicants
Prepare your application
Include your business plan and other supporting material
Pay the application fee
You must pay this in order to apply
Submit your application
You'll do this on our Connect system, so please register first
What to read first
Prepare your application
You'll submit your application through Connect, so make sure you register.
Your application must include your:
- application form
- regulatory business plan (RBP)
- financial forecasts – learn how to prepare your firm's financial information
- other relevant forms and supporting material
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.
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.
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
- credit information services provider your fee falls into pricing category 3
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.