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.
First, Understand Your Current Situation
Before you can fix your credit score, you need to understand what's causing the problem.
Poor Credit Score (0-560)
If your score is in this range, you likely have serious credit issues that need immediate attention.
- Defaults or CCJs on your file
- Missed payments or late payments
- High credit utilisation
- Recent bankruptcies or IVAs
Fair Credit Score (561-720)
Your credit is below average and could benefit from targeted improvements.
- Occasional late payments
- High credit utilisation
- Limited credit history
- Not on electoral roll
Good Credit Score (721+)
Your credit is in good shape, but there's still room for optimisation.
- Mostly on-time payments
- Reasonable credit utilisation
- Established credit history
- Room for score optimisation
Your 8-Step Credit Repair Action Plan
Follow these steps in order to systematically improve your credit score.
Get Your Credit Reports
Before you can fix your credit, you need to see what's on your credit file. Get your free statutory credit reports from all three UK credit reference agencies.
What to do:
- Request free reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion
- Review each report carefully for errors or inaccuracies
- Make note of all negative items and their dates
- Check that all personal information is correct
Dispute Errors and Inaccuracies
Credit report errors are more common than you might think. Disputing and correcting these can provide an immediate boost to your score.
Common errors to look for:
- Accounts that don't belong to you
- Incorrect payment statuses or dates
- Wrong personal information (name, address, DOB)
- Duplicate accounts or entries
- Outdated negative information (older than 6 years)
- Incorrect account balances or credit limits
Register on the Electoral Roll
Being on the electoral roll is one of the easiest ways to improve your credit score. It helps verify your identity and address.
How to register:
- Visit gov.uk/register-to-vote
- Complete the online registration form
- Provide your National Insurance number
- Registration typically takes 2-3 weeks to appear on credit files
- Can improve your score by 20-50 points
Reduce Credit Utilisation
Credit utilisation (the percentage of available credit you're using) is one of the most important factors in your credit score.
Target utilisation levels:
- Aim for below 30% overall utilisation
- Below 10% is even better for excellent scores
- Pay down balances before statement dates
- Request credit limit increases to improve ratios
- Consider spreading balances across multiple cards
Set Up Payment Reminders
Payment history is the most important factor in your credit score. Even one missed payment can significantly impact your score.
Payment strategies:
- Set up direct debits for at least minimum payments
- Use calendar reminders for payment due dates
- Pay a few days before the due date to account for processing time
- Consider paying twice monthly to keep balances low
- If you miss a payment, contact the lender immediately
Address Defaults and CCJs
Defaults and County Court Judgements (CCJs) have a severe impact on your credit score. Here's how to deal with them.
Your options:
- Pay defaults in full if possible (shows as "satisfied")
- Negotiate payment plans with creditors
- For CCJs: Pay within 1 month to have them removed from the register
- Consider "goodwill letters" to request removal after payment
- Defaults and CCJs automatically drop off after 6 years
Build Positive Credit History
If you have limited credit history or are rebuilding after problems, you need to establish positive credit accounts.
Credit building options:
- Credit builder credit cards (designed for poor credit)
- Secured credit cards (require a deposit)
- Become an authorised user on someone else's account
- Credit builder loans from credit unions
- Use services like Experian Boost to add utility payments
Monitor and Maintain
Credit repair isn't a one-time activity. You need to monitor your progress and maintain good habits.
Ongoing maintenance:
- Check your credit reports every 3-6 months
- Monitor your credit scores regularly
- Keep credit utilisation low consistently
- Avoid applying for multiple credit products
- Keep old accounts open to maintain credit history length
How Long Does Credit Repair Take?
Credit repair is a gradual process. Here's what you can expect at different stages.
First Month
- • Error corrections appear
- • Electoral roll registration
- • Utilisation improvements
- • 10-50 point increases possible
3 Months
- • Payment history improves
- • Hard searches have less impact
- • New accounts establish
- • 30-80 point improvements
6 Months
- • Consistent payment patterns
- • Credit mix improvements
- • Negative items age
- • 50-120 point improvements
12+ Months
- • Established credit history
- • Negative items drop off
- • Optimal credit profile
- • 100-200+ point improvements
Ready to Fix Your Credit Score?
Don't wait any longer to improve your financial future. Upload your credit report for a free personalised analysis and get started today.