How to Fix My Credit Score in the UK
A comprehensive, step-by-step guide to repairing and improving your credit score with UK-specific strategies that actually work.
Understanding UK Credit Scores
Before you can fix your credit score, it's important to understand how credit scoring works in the UK. Unlike the US, the UK has three main credit reference agencies, each with their own scoring system:
- Experian
Scores range from 0-999. A good score is 881-960, and excellent is 961-999.
- Equifax
Scores range from 0-700. A good score is 531-670, and excellent is 671-700.
- TransUnion
Scores range from 0-710. A good score is 566-603, and excellent is 604-710.
What Affects Your Credit Score?
- 1Payment History (35%)
Late or missed payments have the biggest negative impact
- 2Credit Utilisation (30%)
How much of your available credit you're using
- 3Credit History Length (15%)
How long you've had credit accounts open
- 4Credit Mix (10%)
The variety of credit accounts you have
- 5New Credit Applications (10%)
Recent applications for new credit
10 Steps to Fix Your Credit Score
Follow these practical steps to repair and improve your credit score in the UK.
Check Your Credit Reports
Request your credit reports from all three UK credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Look for errors, fraudulent accounts, or outdated information.
How to do it:
- Use statutory credit reports (£2) or free services like ClearScore (Equifax), Credit Club (Experian), and Credit Karma (TransUnion)
- Review all personal details, accounts, searches, and financial associations
- Make a list of any errors you find
Dispute Any Errors
Contact the credit reference agencies to dispute any errors you find. Under UK law, they must investigate and respond within 28 days.
How to do it:
- File disputes online through each agency's website or by mail
- Include supporting documentation when possible
- Follow up if you don't receive a response within 28 days
- If the agency refuses to correct an error, add a Notice of Correction (up to 200 words)
Register on the Electoral Roll
Being on the electoral register is one of the easiest ways to boost your credit score. It helps verify your identity and address.
How to do it:
- Register online at gov.uk/register-to-vote
- It takes just 5 minutes and you'll need your National Insurance number
- If you can't register to vote, ask the credit reference agencies about proof of address alternatives
Pay Bills On Time
Set up direct debits for at least the minimum payment on all credit accounts to ensure you never miss a payment.
How to do it:
- Set up automatic payments or direct debits for all bills
- Set calendar reminders a few days before payments are due
- If you're struggling, contact creditors before missing payments to arrange a payment plan
Reduce Credit Utilisation
Try to keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your available credit limit. High utilisation suggests you're reliant on credit.
How to do it:
- Pay down existing balances, focusing on high-interest debt first
- Consider requesting credit limit increases (without using the extra credit)
- Spread spending across multiple cards rather than maxing out one card
- Pay credit card balances twice a month to keep utilisation low
Want a personalized plan to improve your specific credit situation?
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Learn how to address common credit problems that might be affecting your score.
County Court Judgments (CCJs)
CCJs remain on your credit file for 6 years, but paying them within one month can get them removed completely.
- Pay the CCJ in full as soon as possible
- Get a 'certificate of satisfaction' from the court
- If paid within one month, apply for the CCJ to be removed
Defaults
Defaults stay on your credit file for 6 years from the date of default, even if you pay them off.
- Pay off defaulted accounts to show they're 'satisfied'
- Ask creditors for a 'goodwill adjustment' to remove the default
- If the default is incorrect, dispute it with the credit agency
Multiple Credit Applications
Too many credit applications in a short period can significantly lower your score.
- Wait at least 3-6 months between credit applications
- Use eligibility checkers that perform 'soft searches'
- Research products thoroughly before applying
How Long Will It Take to Fix My Credit Score?
Understanding realistic timeframes for credit score improvement.
Month 1: Foundation
- Get your credit reports from all three agencies
- Dispute any errors you find
- Register on the electoral roll
- Set up direct debits for all bills
Month 3: Building Habits
- Maintain on-time payments for all accounts
- Reduce credit utilisation below 50%
- Consider a credit builder product if needed
- Small score improvements may begin to show
Month 6: Gaining Momentum
- Reduce credit utilisation below 30%
- Continue perfect payment history
- Expect to see noticeable score improvements
- Consider applying for better credit products
Month 12: Significant Progress
- Most people see 50-100 point improvements
- Many negative items have less impact
- You may qualify for better interest rates
- Continue good habits for long-term success
Important Note:
Serious negative items like CCJs, defaults, and bankruptcies will remain on your credit file for 6 years. However, their impact diminishes over time, especially if you build positive credit history. Your score can still improve significantly even with these items on your report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about fixing your credit score in the UK.
How quickly can I fix my credit score?
You can see small improvements in 30-60 days by fixing errors and getting on the electoral roll. More significant improvements typically take 3-6 months of consistent positive behavior. Major improvements usually take 12+ months.
Can I pay someone to fix my credit score?
Be wary of companies that promise to "repair" your credit for a fee. In the UK, there's nothing a credit repair company can legally do that you can't do yourself for free. Some companies use questionable tactics that could get you in legal trouble.
Will checking my own credit score lower it?
No. When you check your own credit score, it's recorded as a "soft search" which doesn't affect your score. Only "hard searches" (when you apply for credit) can temporarily lower your score.
Should I close unused credit cards?
Generally, no. Keeping old accounts open can help your credit score by increasing your available credit (lowering utilisation) and demonstrating a longer credit history. However, if you're paying annual fees or struggling with spending temptation, closing some cards might make sense.
Does my income affect my credit score?
No, your income isn't part of your credit score calculation and doesn't appear on your credit report. However, lenders do consider your income separately when deciding whether to approve applications.
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