UK Credit Score Explainer

Why your "credit score" depends on who's looking

The UK has three main credit reference agencies, and they each maintain their own file on you. Lenders pick which one(s) to query — sometimes just one, sometimes all three combined. None of them sees the whole picture.

• Experian — score range 0–999. Bands: Very Poor (0–560), Poor (561–720), Fair (721–880), Good (881–960), Excellent (961–999).
• Equifax — score range 0–1,000. Comparable bands.
• TransUnion — score range 0–710. Used by Credit Karma and ClearScore.

Each one has a slightly different model and slightly different data, so it's normal to see, for example, an Experian score of 850 and a TransUnion score of 580 — they're on different scales and based on different pictures.

What lenders actually look at

Crucially, lenders don't see "your score" — they see your underlying credit file and run it through their own scorecards. Two lenders looking at the same file can reach different decisions because they care about different signals. The headline number you see on a free app is a useful indicator, but never the full story.

The boring fixes that work

• Pay every bill on time, every month. Set direct debits on the minimum at minimum, even if you intend to pay more.
• Keep utilisation under 30% on cards. £300 used on a £1,000 limit is the sweet spot; £900 is a red flag even if paid in full each month.
• Register on the electoral roll at your current address. It's free and visible to all three agencies.
• Don't apply for credit you don't need. Use eligibility checkers (soft search) to test the water; only commit when you're confident.
• Keep old, well-behaved cards open even if unused. They drag your average account age upwards.

What hurts but isn't permanent

Most negative markers stay on your file for six years from the date of the event, not from when you cleared it. Late payments fade in influence well before that — most lenders weight the last 12–24 months heaviest. CCJs, IVAs and bankruptcies are the heavy artillery and effectively rule out high-street lenders for the full six years.

Frequently asked questions

Does checking my own score lower it?

No. Checking your own report (a "soft search") is invisible to lenders. Only "hard searches" — which happen when you formally apply for credit — leave a footprint others can see.

How often does my score update?

Files are typically refreshed monthly when lenders report your activity. Some apps show real-time updates as soon as new data arrives. Sustained behaviour change usually takes 3–6 months to show up clearly in your score.

Can I have a "no score" if I've never borrowed?

Effectively yes. With no credit history, lenders have nothing to assess, which can make first-time borrowing harder. A small credit card paid off in full each month, or a registered current account, builds a thin file quickly.

Does my partner's credit affect mine?

Only if you're financially linked — joint mortgage, joint account, joint loan. Living together, marriage and shared bills (in one name) do not link your files.