What is a good credit score in the UK?
Editor, Personal Finance: Michelle Blackmore
Last Updated: August 5, 2025
In This Article
Understanding credit scoring is pretty important for maintaining your financial well-being. At Mintify, we simplify complex financial concepts to help you take control of your finances. In the UK, your credit score can play a significant role in securing loans, credit cards, mortgages, and potentially even rental agreements. Learning what qualifies as a good credit score, how scores are calculated, and ways to improve them can greatly enhance your financial opportunities.
A credit score in the UK is a number that helps lenders assess how reliable you are at repaying borrowed money. It’s a bit like a Trustpilot rating or your Bolt rating, showing how dependable you’ve been in handling your financial commitments.
However, you don’t have a single, universal credit score. Each lender uses its own method to evaluate your creditworthiness when you apply for credit
What is a good credit score in the UK?
A good credit score in the UK varies by credit agency. For example, Experian considers a good score between 881 and 960, and a ‘fair’ or average score between 721 and 880. Having a good credit score can help you qualify for better financial products, such as mortgages and credit cards.
What is considered a bad credit score in the UK?
In the UK, a bad credit score typically falls below 579 with Equifax. A low score can make it harder to secure financial products. However, you can improve your credit score in the UK by making timely payments and reducing debt.
How lenders will determine your rates
There’s no single “magic” credit score that guarantees approval. Each lender has its own criteria and priorities when evaluating potential customers. While you might meet the requirements for one lender, another may have different standards that you don’t quite fit. Before you apply for credit, it’s a really good idea to check your credit score and also take a free eligibility check, so you can make better informed decisions when it comes to applying for credit.
How to achieve and maintain a good credit score
Improving your credit score is definitely possible with a bit of time, effort and patience. Here are some practical steps and tips to improve your score:
- Register on the electoral roll: Ensure you’re registered at your current address. This helps companies confirm your identity and increases your credibility.
- Build a credit history: If you have little or no credit history, it can be challenging for companies to assess your reliability, which could lead you to be given a lower credit score. Start small, such as using a credit card responsibly for everyday purchases, pay in full each month and start to establish a credit history.
- Pay on time and in full: Always pay your balances by the due date and, if possible, in full. This demonstrates to lenders your ability to responsibly use credit.
- Keep credit utilisation low: Aim to only use a small portion of your available credit. For example, if your credit limit is £3,000 and you’ve used £1,500, your credit utilisation is 50%. Lowering this to 25% or less can positively impact your score.
Additional tips to maintain a healthy credit score
- Limit credit applications: Avoid making multiple credit applications in a short time. Each application triggers a hard search on your credit report, which lenders can see. Space out applications to avoid appearing over-reliant on credit.
- Stay on top of payments: Late or missed payments can harm your score. Accounts that become defaulted will negatively impact your credit report.
- Borrow within your means: Only borrow what you can afford to repay. Severe financial issues like CCJs, IVAs, or bankruptcy usually stay on your credit report for up to six years and can impact your score. Whilst you still might be accepted for credit with such low scores, APRs can be much higher so be aware of this.
- Watch out for fraud: Monitor your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity that could indicate fraud. Fraudulent actions can also harm your credit score.
Mintip: By following these steps, you can potentially improve your credit score which could help you when applying for future credit, especially when it comes to getting a mortgage or a car loan
What is a good score in the UK to buy a house?
There isn’t a specific credit score required for a mortgage, and that’s because there isn’t just one universal credit score.
When you apply for a mortgage or any other type of credit, lenders calculate a credit score specifically for you. This helps them decide whether they think you’re a worthwhile risk – whether you’re likely to be a responsible and reliable borrower who will repay the debt.
How do I check my UK credit score?
You can check your credit score through free services provided by credit agencies like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Additionally, third-party platforms such as ClearScore and Credit Karma also offer regular updates.
How to improve a credit score in the UK?
As mentioned above, to improve your credit score in the UK, focus on paying bills on time, reducing overall debt, and maintaining a low credit utilisation ratio (below 30%). Moreover, avoiding multiple hard searches in a short period and managing credit accounts responsibly is key to safeguarding your score.
Why is my credit score going down?
Your credit score may drop for various reasons. For example, missing credit card or loan repayments, maxing out credit cards, or applying for too many loans can all negatively impact your score. Furthermore, closing older accounts can potentially reduce your credit history length and credit utilisation ratio, leading to a lower score.
What is a soft credit check vs a hard search?
A soft credit check in the UK occurs when a company or lender reviews your credit report as part of an eligibility check. It’s good to know that soft searches do not affect your credit score and are visible only to you, not to lenders.
A hard search signals that you’re applying for credit. As a result, multiple hard searches in a short period can lower your score, suggesting to lenders that you may be experiencing financial difficulty.
Does checking credit card eligibility affect your score?
No, checking credit card eligibility through a soft search does not affect your credit score. In fact, checking your own credit report won’t impact your score or your chances of being approved for credit. These checks are considered soft searches, which are only visible to you and don’t affect your creditworthiness. If you want to see which credit cards you can apply for use a free eligibility checker to find out.
When do hard searches get removed from your credit report?
In the UK, hard searches are typically removed from your credit report after 12 months. However, they can remain visible to lenders for up to two years, though their impact on your score diminishes over time. For instance, utility providers and mobile phone companies may perform a hard credit check when you apply for their services, which can temporarily affect your credit score.
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What is a good score in the UK out of 1000?
A ‘good’ score can range between 881 and 960 according to Experian. Different companies assess customers differently based on their specific criteria. Experian provides a score range from 0 to 999, with a ‘good’ score typically falling between 881 and 960. A ‘fair’ or average score is considered to be between 721 and 880, but what is acceptable can vary between lenders.
How do I get a credit score in the UK?
To get a credit score in the UK, you need to engage in financial activities that are reported to credit agencies. Opening a credit account (like a credit card), paying bills on time, and using credit responsibly are ways to build a credit score over time.
What are the credit card requirements in the UK?
The typical credit card requirements in the UK include being at least 18 years old, a UK resident, and having a regular income. Lenders also check your credit history to determine if you’re eligible for a card. You can take an eligibility check to assess what options are available to you without impacting your credit score.
What is the minimum income for a credit card in the UK?
The minimum income for a credit card in the UK varies depending on the card. Some cards require an annual income of around £10,000 to £15,000, while premium cards may require a much higher income. If you have no income or a lower income, you could still be eligible for a credit card; take a free eligibility check to see what credit card options are available.
What is Equifax UK?
Equifax UK is one of the major credit reporting agencies in the UK, along with Experian and TransUnion. They provide credit reports that help lenders assess your creditworthiness.
Conclusion: Stay on top of your UK credit score
Understanding your UK credit score and taking steps to improve it can help you achieve your financial goals. By managing your credit responsibly and staying informed, you can enhance your ability to secure the best financial products available. Remember, improving your credit score is a gradual process, but with consistency, you can make significant progress.
This article provides a clear and honest overview of how credit scoring works, helping you make informed financial decisions. When choosing a credit product such as a credit card or a personal loan, always compare different offers and read the terms carefully before taking on any credit. Compare our unbiased directory of credit cards to find one that could match your needs.