Every time you buy something through on e of these firms, your credit history is checked because technically you are making an application for credit – even if you later pay the bill in full. This leave a footprint on your credit record. The more credit you apply for, the more marks you will get on your record and your rating will fall.

This could lead to you being refused cheaper rates of interest for loans when you really need one, or even being turned down outright. The spokesperson from Equifax, one of the main credit bureaus says that if a customer is acquiring goods and paying later, it definitely fits the broad definition of credit and a credit check can be made by the vendor.

However, he also confirmed that, a single credit search is not likely to make a significant difference on an individual’s credit rating, but the cumulative effect of a number of searches may well have an adverse impact on a credit rating.

Although mail order companies do state on their order form that a credit check may be made, it can only be found in the fine print at the bottom of the order form.