Read MNers reviews of TotallyMoney & find out how to improve your credit score

[EmmaMumsnet]

We recruited Mumsnet users to test out free credit report provider TotallyMoney Testers signed up to TotallyMoney to find out their credit score and look at what has affected it over the years. They then browsed the TotallyMoney site to see credit cards, loans, and mortgages they could be accepted for based on their credit score, as well as tips on how to improve their credit score.

Here’s what TotallyMoney has to say: “TotallyMoney is a Free Credit Report provider, which aims to make consumer credit fairer and more transparent by giving customers the information they need to make the right choices.

Until recently, our customers didn't really know why their credit score changed, meaning they had little idea of what they could do to make it better. What's more, our customers didn't know whether they were eligible for a credit product: their only option was to apply and hope they would be accepted. This was a problem, because being rejected for credit can make it much harder to get accepted for credit in the future.

Now, thanks to our Free Credit Report, that’s a thing of the past. Your Free Credit Report lets you track your credit score and gives you reasons why your credit score has changed, so you know what you need to do to improve it. Your Free Credit Report also comes with Borrowing Power: one number to show the best offers for your credit profile — offers you're most likely to get accepted for, helping reduce your chances of being rejected.

But, why else should you sign up to TotallyMoney? TotallyMoney is free and always will be — and 97%* of customers would recommend us to improve their credit score. Our service is easy to use and understand, we’re the highest rated Free Credit Report provider on Trustpilot, and we're Moneynet’s Best Credit Report Provider 2018.”

If you’d like to find out your credit score and how to improve it click here to sign up to TotallyMoney.

All selected testers who leave their feedback on this thread will receive a £10 voucher of their choice (from a list) for taking part AND will be entered into a prize draw to win one of three £100 vouchers.

Testers please answer the following questions:

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?
• How did you find the sign-up process?
• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?
• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?
• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?
• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

Terms and conditions apply

*Based on a Feb–March 2018 survey of 958 respondents.

How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney? Very easy to use and simple to navigate, I liked it.

• How did you find the sign-up process? Not too bad. The multiple choice to confirm identity is something I’ve got wrong on previous sites, luckily this one wasn’t too bad.
• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you? I liked seeing my credit score and finding out it was excellent. It would be interesting to know what I’d need to do to improve it to nearer 10 though.
• What did you think of your Borrowing Power? Very good. Not that I need money at the moment (well more that anyone does) but it’s nice to know the options are there.
• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)? Ok. We have just remortgaged after seeing a financial advisor and I already have a cash back credit card I’m happy with though so I won’t be taking up any of their offers.
• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed? Not so much my financial situation but I now know all my old addresses. I might use them for a PpI search if I get organised.

How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?
I thought it was good nice and easy to understand

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Great it doesn't ask for bank details like alot of others do

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

The monthly account

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

Found it interesting

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Good the soft search is a good thing

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

I now know my financel position

The sign-up was easy and quick, though some of the security questions I was unsure of (I have student loan - does that count as a 'personal' for example) and was a bit worried that I might answer these incorrectly but it accepted my answers no problem.
I like the clear score and reasons for any lack, which come up right away as 'what has happened in the past month'. This is a great feature as you can look at your report several times but unless you download and check it carefully you can't be immediately sure of any changes. I like that changes are right there when you log in.

My score is low but I am working on rebuilding it so it was no surprise to see it was relatively low, same with my borrowing power. The guides on improving can be found at the bottom of the page, I thought these could have a link a bit higher up, more prominent. The advice is for things I am doing but it doesn't hurt to look them over to redouble my reserve!

My recommendations were limited for credit cards but showed a good range for loans and mortgages.

Overall a really nice, quick and easy tool to keep track of your credit with a layout that is easy to navigate and I will continue to use this.

1. Very easy to use and understand
2. Very easy quick sign up so good all round
3. I like how simple it is to understand and easy to navigate round the site
4. It couldn’t generate a report for me unfortunately
5. Very useful for when I may need to borrow seeing the different options available to me
6. It hasn’t really

1. I found the experience of using totallymoney very easy. It was interesting to see what was on my file and to gain a better understanding of credit scores and reports.
2. I found the sign up process very easy. Took 5 minutes and only needed minimal information which i had to hand.
3. I liked being able to see my credit score very clearly and the site was very easy to navigate. I would like to have been able to find the sections on what your score means and how to improve it more easily.
4. I found the section on my borrowing power interesting although I currently have no plans to change of extend my credit.
5. The recommendations for products were good, particularly in terms of mortgages .
6. I had never checked my credit score previously so that was interesting. It has allowed me to check my file and ensure everything is correct.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

Really easy to se, I was quite impressed with how easy after trying other credit score websites and failing to even register.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Oops see above, it was really easy.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

I like the lists of current accounts/loans/cards. It’s great to have it all in one place.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

This bit seemed strange. I’m not sure I totally understood this part.

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Mortgages seems really good and will be the most helpful to me as I’m looking at getting one. Credit cards seemed a little weird. All offers seemed high interest and arranged to show higher interest cards before lower interest cards even though it said my chance of acceptance was the same.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

It’s much better than I thought it was which is brilliant!

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

It was a nice straight forward site to use, generally gave me the information I was expecting.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Sign up was quick and easy I was impressed by it.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

I liked that it was easy to navigate and how it was set out. It was clear about what accounts I had and it was useful to look at the suggestions for cards although I didn't feel like they were totally personalised.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

I wasn't really sure how this was calculated. It was interesting to see what it suggested.

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

I didn't feel like they were totally appropriate, I've just got a new mortg age and the suggestions didn't really match what my broker came up with, same with cards, I have a very low balance but it was trying to suggest I might want to get a balance transfer or lower rate and these would save me money (they wouldn't).

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

It hasn't really, I was a bit disappointed because I hoped it would suggest ways to improve my score, currently it's showing as over 600 but it wasn't giving me any reason it wasn't higher.

Overall experience was positive. Easy and simple website to use.
I was surprised at how quick it was to sign up, and how little information was needed to do so.
I liked the mortgage bit, and that was the most useful for me, as I could look into it for the future.
My borrowing power was better than I expected. Would be good if it told you how you could increase it.
The recommendations were helpful, and they are useful to go back to if getting a loan etc.
I have a clearer view of my credit score, I know what I could get with my score

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

Really straightforward and quick. Site was easily to nativage and informative.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Simple, but also very secure in the questions you are asked.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

I liked be able to easily see my credit score and current debt status. The most useful was looking into the remortgage and loans deals as that’s something I’m actively doing at the moment.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

It was insightful to see where I am and as a SAHP pretty accurate!

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

I specifically was interested in the re mortgaging area and it bought up companies I would never have thought of looking into but who offered great rates.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

Absolutely. I had never checked my credit report until now and I’m really pleased I did. I also got DH to do his too as I found it so interesting!

Overall experience
Really easy to navigate. Clear dashboard and links to follow.

Sign-up
Simple to do and very quick

Aspects I liked most / most useful
The ease of use. I liked the breakdown of the hard / soft searches. It was really clear. The bit I found most useful was the guides to rebuild credit.

Borrowing power
It was poor but that was what I was expecting. I liked that there was info on how to improve and the number line made it easy to see at a glance where the borrowing power was at.

Recommendations
The how to rebuild your credit recommendation on credit cards was good, I thought I wouldn’t be eligible for any so hadn’t bothered looking

Knowledge
My knowledge of my financial situation hasn’t changed as I knew it was poor. However, it was good to see what I could do to improve and I liked the interfaces and found them simple to use so I will keep using TotallyMoney.

How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?
I found the experience on the whole very smooth and easy and really interesting to see a breakdown of my credit score.

How did you find the sign-up process?
Really simple and quick.

Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?
I loved the graphic representation of the scores and knowing my borrowing power was something I'd not really come across before so that was great to know.

What did you think of your Borrowing Power?
I thought it was really interesting and great to know for the future.

How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?
I thought it was good they were categorised so I could choose what was relevant to me and see what products where on offer.

How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?
I now have a more clear understanding on my credit score, on some accounts that I should probably close and what my borrowing power is.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

It was ok, loads of information, took a while to understand it all, but the explanations helped.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

It was quite straightforward, I was just surprised that they were asking questions from 12 years back to verify my identity, it took me a while to remember everything.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

I like the overview one, as it sums up all my accounts and balance.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

It was good to see what I could be entitled to.

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

they were not something that I would go for, but then being a stay at home parent with no real income to my name, I knew that they wouldn't be interesting deals.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

Yes it has.

• Very simple site to use. I was impressed as it is easy to navigate.
• Quick and simple sign up process, but also very secure.
• Its good to know what lenders know about me and how my behaviour affects my eligiblity for future credit.
• I knew my score wouldn't be great so it was no surprise, but I do now feel I have the chance to improve it.
• It's really good to know what I can and can't apply for before actually going ahead with an application. This is very useful to know as I can work on improvements.
• I feel I should have checked this information long ago. I have made several unsuccessful applications for credit in the past year and did not realise the impact they had. I feel now I can get to work on improving my score for the future.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

Very simple, quick to sign up, easy to view and understand my credit score. Good section on mortages. Useful info about which credit cards I could likely get.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Very fast and simple, one of the security questions threw me but only because it referred to a bank account opened so long ago.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you? Credit score and the underlying data. Credit Cards where both most interesting and useful.
• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

A helpful guide, but I guess not 100% reliable. I was quite surprised by my borrowing power seeing I only work one day per week.

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Seemed in line with what I would expect, however I would not rely on this advice. I would really only use the site for checking my credit score.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

Yes, I feel I know exactly what credit rating companies are looking at when they assess me, which is useful.

How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?
Really easy, everything was very easy to understand and straightforward. Well laid out website made navigation nice and easy.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Incredibly simple, only took a couple of minutes in all.

• Which aspects of the Totally Money site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

It was interesting to see what information is linked to me. Useful to know your credit score just for reference and how likely you are to get approved for cards etc.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

I was a bit suprised, it was lower than I'd of expected but interesting to know.

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Interesting! Not the same as I would have gone for at all.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

Yes and no. My actual scores came out roughly where I'd expect to but was suprised at the things that were recorded.

- How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?
I found it really easy to use and understand. I was really quite impressed.

- How did you find the sign-up process?
Remarkably easy. Only took a couple of minutes.

- Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?
The credit score itself is very useful, and the report. I really liked being able to see the searches, both hard and soft.

- What did you think of your Borrowing Power?
I’m not surprised by it.

- How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?
They were useful. Could save a lot of time in trawing through sites individually.

- How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?
I’m not surprised by my credit score or borrowing power, but I feel that the site could really help me get a better score in time. The guides were good; informative and easy to understand.

How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

It was easy enough but a bit of a let down for me. I’veoved this year, paid off mortgage and bought new stuff for our new house. Despite this I as informed a credit report wasn’t possible but I could access my borrowing power.
I liked the look of the website and if it had been more useful for me I may have used it again

How did you find the sign-up process?

Very easy, simple and straight forward questions. It’s very user friendly, it all made sense.

Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

I like the look of the site, it’s well set out and easy to navigate. It’s good on my mobile phone and my iPad. The site allows you to change preferences easily which is important to me.

I didn’t find the site very useful unfortunately as it couldn’t produce a credit report for me, I was able to see my borrowing power which was positive. I should, in theory, have a full credit history. We’ve moved this year, paid our mortgage off etc but the site informed me that it could not produce a credit report. This was disappointing.

What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

The borrowing power was the only part of the site which I could access as I wasn’t given a credit report. My borrowing power is good but I would expect that as I’ve moved house, paid off mortgage and work full time so it didn’t really produce new information for me. I would check back in the future if I needed to borrow funds to see what my offers were.

How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

It was ok, not very usueful at this time but something I would go back to check in the future. It was clearly set out in an easy to understand format. It was easy to navigate and it made sense.

How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

My knowledge of my financial situation hasn’t changed due to registering an account. Despite the fact I should have a full credit history it was unable to produce a credit report for me. I’ve moved this year but also provided details of my last address where I lived for 10 years so there just be a financial trail. I did like the site and will get my husband to register so I can see if it produces as report for him. It will be interesting to see if it does, we both work full time and have the same credit cards etc so it’s goibg to be interesting to see if he gets one.

Thanks for the opportunity to try out the site Mumsnet

I've just downloaded the TotallyMoney app and that's good too.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

I found it really easy to use, overall a positive experience.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Easy! Not too much faffing around, nice and simple.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

The dashboard, seeing my score.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

This is a useful section, especially if you’re thinking of applying for credit

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Ok, but I would do my own research and not just rely on these suggestions.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

I didn’t really have any knowledge before...!!! I found it really interesting and feel more confident about my financial situation.

Initially when I went to the page I was a bit dubious. My impression was based on the look and feel of the site to be very 'cheap'. I signed up nonetheless. The whole process was extremely quick and easy which was great.
I had a browse around the site and liked the layout. The recommendations in various sections are very useful if you are on the look for a new card, although it feels like it's just trying to sell me things (but then the service is free). Other areas are also useful like mortgages, but I would still do my research and compare on other sites. It would also be nice to see a section on savings and investing.
Unfortunately I was unable to get my credit card score which was extremely disappointing. It told me I entered my answers incorrectly, which I didn't as I double checked prior. I am never able to get this now which is incredibly frustrating. I was extremely keen and excited to explore this so it's a huge disappointment and deturant. It would be better if there were more security questions available rather than just the same questions twice. Since I am unable to get this information it is unlikely I would use the site again. I would like to delete my account which I don't seem to be able to do.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

The site feels a bit cheaper initially but otherwise good. Easy to use and navigate.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Extremely quick and easy

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

Thex credit card recommendations were good. The credit caRd score would have been extremely useful had I been able to get it

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

Good although a better explanation would be helpful, especially recommendations on how it can be improved

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

It was useful but I wouldn't use it as a sole source. Would be nice to have a section on savings and investing

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

No, I didn't learn anything I already wasn't aware of. I couldn't access the credit score which was extremely frustrating. That would have been the most useful to me.

The TotallyMoney credit score site ticked all my expectation boxes and more. I entered my details and it instantly found my credentials and after completing the requested information I was presented with my up to date credit history/score. I found the menu/tabs were clearly labeled and easy to use. I am very impressed with how quickly TotallyMoney were able to gather all the latest data as well as provide me with details of available credit lenders who would be happy to provide me with their services if I was to need them. Each section was accurate and simple to understand. I find that TotallyMoney goes above and beyond in being helpful, and their services are outstanding. It is a great, fast and easy to use website that has your best interest in mind. It saves the stress of having to be rejected and getting a poor mark against your history score.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

Easy to use, although surprised to find that a credit report couldn't be generated due to insufficient data on my Callcredit file.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Very simple, and the email verifcation message arrived within a couple of minutes.

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

The summary of what lending products were available, and my borrowing power score.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

Relieved to discover that I had an 'excellent' rating and was likely to be accepted for some highly competitive products.

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Easy to see on the page and clear what was available. However, I'd still always check on other broker/comparison sites to ensure the best deal.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

Not a lot, since my credit report couldn't be generated, but I was glad and interested to see my borrowing power score was very high.

• How did you find the overall experience of using TotallyMoney?

It was very easy to use and clear to understand.

• How did you find the sign-up process?

Very quick and easy. I didn’t have to dig out any old paperwork. Maybe too easy?

• Which aspects of the TotallyMoney site do you like the most? And which were most useful to you?

The monthly report is very good and accurate. I like being able to search for credit cards, loans and mortgages and seeing the likelihood of being accepted.

• What did you think of your Borrowing Power?

Interesting to see, I was shocked at how much I could potentially get my hands on!

• How did you find TotallyMoney’s recommendations for products (e.g credit card/mortgages)?

Interesting. To see mortgage deals was really useful as we are looking to change our lender. I wouldn’t have known where to start looking.

• How has your knowledge of your financial situation changed?

I wouldn’t say it has changed a great deal. I knew our finances looked pretty good. However I am still unsure about a couple of things.. like whether I should keep my second credit card, even though I don’t use it anymore, or would I be in a better position having 2 credit cards for potential lenders.

1. It was so user friendly. It was colourful and attractive. I have to say my finances are not something I get particularly excited about but I would definitely use this site again simply because it was so well presented and easy to navigate.
2. The sign up process was straightforward - it took a couple of minutes from start to finish on my phone.
3. My credit score was displayed prominently on the log in page. I like that I will be able to see that and if it changes over time. Hopefully that will let me know how my financial affairs impact on my credit rating.
4. I am part time so quite happy with my borrowing power
5. There was a good variety. I would probably use there suggestions as a starting point when I am next in the market for a new financial product.

6.We have moved house a couple of times in recent years -- glad I kept my details on the electoral register up to date. I wasn't aware this could affect my rating! From the history of searches on my records it appears that when you apply for (motor) insurance a credit check is carried out too!