Online credit information provider Equifax has outlined its partnership with the Money Advice Service to support its awareness campaign this spring.

Designed to raise awareness of the role of credit information in consumers’ ability to access and manage credit, the campaign focused on the information on an individual’s credit report as well as the ways in which they can ensure it gives them the best chance of getting new credit when they need it.

As part of the campaign, consumers visiting the Money Advice Service website were given free access to their Equifax statutory credit report, with 8,000 making the most of the offer during a three-week period.

“We want to empower individuals by helping them understand the importance of their credit information,” said Andrew Webb, sales and marketing director of Equifax Personal Solutions.

“We were, therefore, very excited to be involved in the Money Advice Service campaign.

“Whether applying for a mortgage or setting up a new mobile phone account, credit information will be used to confirm the identity and assess the credit status of an individual. It’s vital, therefore, that people understand what information is on their credit report and the Money Advice Service campaign did an excellent job of improving this understanding. More than 8,000 Money Advice Service customers took advantage of the free statutory credit reports we provided which demonstrates the appetite consumers have for taking control of their credit information.”

Caroline Rookes, CEO of the Money Advice Service, added: “We were delighted to see that more than 8,000 customers applied for a free copy of their statutory credit report from Equifax. Checking your credit rating is a vital for anyone who is intending to borrow money using products such as credit cards, loans and mortgages. Understanding how lenders use credit reports and ensuring that they are accurate enables consumers to really take control of their finances.”