Many people in the UK are unaware of how much information is recorded on their credit files, a new survey has found.

Credit report provider MyCallcredit found that forty two per cent of people were surprised when they saw their files.

The majority of people checked their files out of curiosity but others followed suit after being turned down for credit by lenders or being concerned about particular details of their credit report. Others wanted to reassure themselves that their ID had not been stolen.

Of the people who had seen their credit reports, 96 per cent said they would check it again whilst 42 per cent said they would regularly view it as part of looking after their finances.

Nine out of ten people would also recommend that friends and family members have a look at their own credit files.

MyCallcredit director Alison Nicholson said: "It does make sense for people who are buying a house or shopping around for a credit card to know what the lenders will see about them when they apply for credit.

"It also empowers the individual, if they’re a good credit risk there’s no reason why they should accept anything but the best deals."