How to Check If You Have a CIFAS Marker
CIFAS markers do NOT appear on your credit report. Most people don't know they have one until it's too late.
CIFAS Markers Are Invisible
CIFAS markers are NOT shown on your credit report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. They exist on a separate fraud prevention database shared by 775+ financial institutions. Most people only discover they have a CIFAS marker when a bank declines their application — by which point the damage is already done.
CIFAS markers do NOT appear on Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion credit reports
You only find out when a bank rejects you for an account, credit card, or mortgage
The only way to check: submit a DSAR (Subject Access Request) to Cifas directly
775+ organisations can see your marker — but you can't see it without a DSAR
How to Submit a DSAR to Cifas
Go to cifas.org.uk
Visit the Cifas website and find their Subject Access Request (DSAR) form under the "Your Data" or privacy section.
Complete the DSAR Form
Fill in the DSAR form with your personal details. You'll need to provide full name, date of birth, current address, and previous addresses.
Provide ID Verification
Submit copies of identification (passport/driving licence and a utility bill) to verify your identity. Cifas must verify you before releasing data.
Wait Up to 30 Days
Cifas has up to 30 days to respond to your DSAR. You'll receive a report showing any markers filed against you, including the type and filing organisation.
Cost: Cost: FREE. Cifas cannot charge you for a DSAR. Alternatively, we can submit and analyse your DSAR for you as part of our service.
What Your DSAR Will Show
Your Cifas DSAR report will show the marker type, who filed it, when it was filed, and the category of fraud alleged. However, it will NOT show the evidence the bank used to file the marker — for that, you need a separate DSAR submitted directly to the bank that filed it.
The marker type (e.g. Misuse of Facility, False Application, Identity Fraud)
The name of the organisation that filed the marker
The date the marker was filed
The category of fraud alleged (e.g. Category 3, 4, 6, 8)
NOT the evidence the bank used — you need a separate DSAR to the bank for that
What to Do If You Have a Marker
Don't Panic
Having a CIFAS marker is stressful, but many markers are challengeable. Wrongful filings are common — especially for Misuse of Facility and False Application markers.
Don't Contact the Bank Directly
Contacting the bank directly can harm your case. Anything you say may be used against you. Let us handle all communication.
Get a Free Assessment
Send us your DSAR results. We'll review them and tell you honestly whether your marker is challengeable — at no cost.
Start the Challenge Process
If your marker is challengeable, we'll guide you through the process — from DSAR to bank complaint to FOS escalation if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most CIFAS markers last 6 years from the date they were filed. The exception is a "Victim of Impersonation" marker, which lasts 13 months. Markers remain on your file for the full duration unless successfully challenged and removed.
Yes. Submitting a DSAR to Cifas is completely free under GDPR data protection law. Cifas cannot charge you. You can also submit a DSAR to the bank that filed the marker — also free.
No. Cifas does not inform the bank that you submitted a DSAR. Your DSAR is a private data protection request. The bank will not be notified that you checked your file.
Cifas has up to 30 days to respond to your DSAR, though they often respond faster. Bank DSARs also take up to 30 days. We can help expedite the process as part of our service.
If your DSAR shows no markers, the issue may be on your credit file (defaults, CCJs, late payments). We can help with those too — check our Credit Report Analysis and Default Removal services.
Not Sure If You Have a CIFAS Marker?
Get a free assessment today. We'll help you check and tell you if any marker is challengeable.
Or £249 deposit + 6 monthly payments of £75 · No credit check · ICO registered
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