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but first check your score

Here's a few platforms that we're affiliated which will provide you with your score.

What is a credit score?

You’re here because you want to learn about and improve your credit score. So what is a credit score?

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So your score is a number that estimates how likely it is that you will pay back your loan. 

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Your score can differ depending on who provides your score but the rule of thumb is the higher the score the better.

Credit scores are basically how lenders check out whether you'll return their money on time

How they work (How they're calculated)

Your credit score is based on your credit report, which contains information on the following:

Why it matters?

A good credit score means lenders are more likely to see you as a low risk borrower. 

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How is that a benefit?​

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This means you have a better chance of getting the most competitive interest rates on loans.

The lower the interest rate is on the loan, the cheaper that loan becomes. All in all a good credit score can lead to a house becoming more affordable. 

How to check it?

In the UK 'Credit Reference Agencies' (CRAs) are responsible for compiling  your credit history and providing you with a credit report, which contains your credit score. 

They are all obliged to provide you with a copy of your credit report for FREE!

What is a good score?

Lenders have their own criteria but if you have a good score with one of the main CRAs the chances are you will have a good score with your lender.

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Different CRAs have different score ranges so what classifies as a good score with each agency.

Quick fixes you can do today

How to build your credit score from scratch in 5 steps

It's difficult to get a credit score if you don't have credit history. But it's hard to have a credit history when you can't get credit. It's a chicken and egg situation, so here's how to build your score from the ground up

1. Open a uk bank account

It’s the start of a long and beautiful relationship. It means lenders can verify where you live and you can show them how well you manage your £ and payments.

2. Register to vote

Exercise your democratic right AND look good to lenders. Make sure your registered details are accurate. 

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Not eligible?

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No problem, send the CRAs a document to prove your identity and address.

3. Consider getting credit and manage it well

Your goal is to show lenders you can borrow money responsibly

• You could start off by asking your bank for an overdraft facility - you don’t have to use it (overdrafts can be an expensive way to borrow). 

• Just make sure to ask how likely you are to be approved before you apply/ use ‘eligibility checkers’)

• Pay with direct debits where possible but make sure you have enough money in your account - time them to coincide with payday. 

4. once you've built up your score, look into getting a credit builder card

Designed specifically for people with little or no credit history but be careful - they have high interest rates!

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• Use an eligibility checker before you apply

• Make small regular purchases with it and don't go above the credit limit

• Always pay your statement balance on time and in full

5. once your score is up, consider a better credit card

The one's with an interest free period, perks, the good stuff

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• Same rules apply as with a credit builder card

• DON'T go all guns blazing and apply for loads at once, play it cool.

What impacts your score?

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A bad rating is for life

A fee you pay to the fund manager or investment platform

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Checking your credit rating damages your credit rating  

You can check your credit rating as much as you like. What does impact your rating is trying to open too many lines of credit at once, so try to space out any applications. 

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There is a credit score ‘Blacklist’, ‘naughty list’ or universal score that all lenders have access to 

Nope! In fact, all lenders look for different things when lending, so don’t freak if you receive a rejection. 

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If you live with someone with a bad credit rating, you’re less likely to be able to borrow

Only if you’re financially linked  (e.g. you have a mortgage together, a joint credit card, made a credit application together)

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Myth busting!!!