Finance glossary
Notice of Correction
In simple terms
A notice of correction is a short note you can add to your credit file to explain unusual entries — for example a default caused by illness or job loss — so lenders see the context.
On this page
What does notice of correction mean?
A notice of correction is a statement of up to 200 words that you can ask a credit reference agency to add to your credit file. It lets you explain the background to entries that might otherwise look bad — such as arrears during a period of illness or redundancy.
It sits alongside the data and is intended to be seen by anyone assessing your file manually.
How a notice of correction works
You contact the credit reference agency and ask them to add your statement to the relevant entry. Once added, lenders should take it into account, although fully automated decisions may not always read it.
It is different from disputing an entry: a notice of correction explains accurate information, whereas a dispute challenges information you believe is wrong.
How could this affect me?
A well-written notice can help a lender understand a one-off problem, though it may slow down applications because automated systems can flag files with a notice for manual review.
For information that is simply incorrect, it is usually better to dispute it and have it corrected than to rely on a notice of correction.
Things to watch out for
- Automated lending decisions may not read your notice.
- A notice can slow applications, as files may be sent for manual review.
- For wrong information, dispute it rather than just explaining it.
Know your rights
- You have the right to add a notice of correction to your credit file with each credit reference agency.
- You can also require an agency to correct or remove inaccurate personal data (ICO / UK GDPR / Data Protection Act 2018).
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- Information Commissioner’s Office, Credit — your data matters (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.