LEEDS, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 01/28/13 -- Asda Money has joined forces with Noddle to allow customers the chance to quickly and easily check their credit record online, through a free for life credit report.

It offers customers free insight into their credit history and will give them the opportunity to carefully select the right products to manage their finances. The information provided can be used to check whether there's anything in their credit history that could affect their chances of a successful application, such as for a loan, credit card or a new mobile phone contract. If someone has been declined credit in the past, they will be able to find out why and take action if necessary.

Companies use the information to work out potential customers' spending habits, deducing how much of a risk they are, and ultimately deciding whether or not to accept their application. This can sometimes result in people being declined credit without explanation which can be confusing and frustrating.

Kirsty Ward, head of Asda Money said: "At Asda Money, we are passionate about saving our customers money every day and we believe that this new relationship with Noddle will mean both our existing and potential customers can get some reassurance about their credit history and how this could impact the type of products they apply for in the future. We hope it will help people better manage their day to day finances and give them the reassurance that there are no nasty surprises around the corner."

Tom Ilube, founder of Noddle, commented: "Companies look at your credit report all the time and make decisions about you based on this information, from approving a mortgage or credit card application to giving you a mobile phone contract. We believe consumers need to get into the habit of doing the same and think it's only right they have ready access to the personal information these important decisions are based on.

"We are delighted to be working with Asda who also recognise the benefits of using Noddle and are proactively encouraging their customers to take more control of their finances."

Noddle is free for life, not just for 30 days, offers immediate and unlimited online access and is updated monthly which means that it will always provide accurate information. It also offers money saving vouchers and discounts, to further ensure customers the best value for money. It doesn't leave a footprint on people's credit report and there is guaranteed support from its dedicated customer services team whenever is needed.

For those looking to re-vitalise their finances this year, the Asda Money Credit Card offers 1% unlimited cash back on Asda shopping(1) and 1% cash back on Asda fuel, plus 0.5% unlimited cash back on all shopping outside of Asda. And unlike other cashback cards, the Asda Money Card has unlimited cash back that is redeemed monthly with no annual fee. It has a low APR of 14.9%(2); 12 month 0% balance transfer offer(3); up to 50 days interest free credit and no cash advance fees on Asda Travel Money. Customers can manage the card online, by telephone through UK call centres or by post, with text alerts sent when payments are due. The card is provided by Creation, the power behind many of the UK's leading card, loyalty and retail finance programmes.

Notes to editors:                                                           
(1) Including George, Living and online shopping                            
(2) In comparison to Tesco's 16.9% APR                                      
(3) Balance transfer fee of 2.9% (minimum fee GBP 3 per transaction) will be
charged in respect of each Balance Transfer                                 

About Noddle

Noddle is a free service from credit reference agency Callcredit which offers people access to their monthly credit reports for free for life. There are no restrictions on the number of times a customer can view their credit report. "Go use your credit rating." www.noddle.co.uk

About Asda

Founded in the 1960s, Asda today is one of Britain's leading retailers. It has over 180,000 dedicated Asda colleagues serving customers from 542 stores, including 32 Supercentres, 309 Superstores, 27 Asda Living stores, 174 Supermarkets, 25 depots and seven recycling centres across the UK. It has its main home office in Leeds, Yorkshire and its George clothing division based in Lutterworth, Leicestershire. Asda serves over 18 million shoppers a week in store and its growing home shopping business at www.asda.com serves 98 per cent of UK homes.

Its Asda Price Guarantee, launched in 2011, gives customers the reassurance that a basket of groceries will always be 10 per cent better value than competitors. Powered by MySupermarket.co.uk, the APG is the only independent, transparent online grocery price-checker in the world. Asda joined Walmart, the world's number one retailer, in 1999.

About Creation

Creation, www.creation.co.uk, is the consumer brand of LaSer UK, a leader in card, loyalty and retail finance solutions. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services Ltd, Creation Consumer Finance Ltd and Sygma Bank UK.

Creation is a leading provider of co-branded credit cards, loyalty and retail finance solutions based in the UK with a strong retail heritage. The company has developed 40 years of experience of working with UK consumers and retail partners. It has two UK based call centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Dell, Sony, Marriott Rewards, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, Everton FC, Dixons Retail, Sony, Sharps, DFS and Dreams to name a few.

About MasterCard

MasterCard, www.mastercard.com, is a global payments and technology company. It operates the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. MasterCard's products and solutions make everyday commerce activities - such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances - easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone.

Asda Money is a trading name of Asda Financial Services Limited. Asda Financial Services Limited uses a selection of companies to provide its products and services. Please refer to www.ASDA.com/money for details of our product partners and the relevant terms and conditions for each of our products and services.