How credit scores work in the UK

What is a credit score?

When you apply for a credit card, phone contract, loan or mortgage, the lender checks your credit report. This is a record of how you've handled credit and bills in the past. Many lenders also use it to work out a credit score, a quick measure of how likely you are to repay.

A good history can mean a better chance of being accepted and lower interest rates. A poor one can mean being turned down or paying more to borrow.

Who holds your credit report?

In the UK, your report is held by credit reference agencies, including Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Each one may hold slightly different information, and each uses its own scoring system, so your score can differ between them.

Every agency must give you your statutory credit report for free. You can check it as often as you like, and checking your own report doesn't affect your score.

What helps your credit history

Register to vote at your current address. Lenders use the electoral roll to confirm who you are and where you live.
Pay on time, every time. Setting up direct debits for at least the minimum payment helps you avoid missed payments.
Keep balances low. Using a small share of your available credit looks better than regularly using all of it.
Space out applications. Each full application leaves a 'hard search' on your report, and several close together can make lenders cautious.
Check for mistakes. If something on your report is wrong, ask the credit reference agency to correct it.

What harms it

Missed or late payments, which can stay on your report for up to six years.
Defaults and County Court Judgments (CCJs).
Applying for lots of credit in a short time.
Being financially linked to someone with a poor history, such as through a joint account.

No credit history?

If you've never borrowed, lenders have little to go on, which can make it harder to be accepted. Registering to vote, paying a mobile phone contract on time and using a credit card for small purchases that you clear in full each month can all help you build a record over time.

Only use credit you can afford to repay. A credit card used carefully can build your history, but carrying a balance can quickly become expensive. If you're struggling with debt, read our guide to building a safety net or get free help from a debt charity.

Common questions

Does checking my credit score lower it?

No. Checking your own report is a 'soft search', which lenders can't see. Only full credit applications leave a hard search.

How long does it take to build a good credit score?

It builds gradually. A few months of on-time payments help, but a strong history usually takes a year or more.

Will a student loan affect my credit score?

Student loans from the Student Loans Company don't usually appear on your credit report, although some lenders may ask about them when you apply for a mortgage.

Sources

We checked this guide against these sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and allowances can change, so always check the latest position on GOV.UK.

This guide is general information, not personal financial advice. Read our full disclaimer.