HOW SCORES WORK
There Is No Single "Bad Credit" Score
Your credit score is a number — but it is not the number that gets you a mortgage. In the UK, three main credit reference agencies (CRAs) each calculate their own version of your score using their own scale and methodology: Experian scores out of 999, Equifax out of 700, and TransUnion out of 710. Because each uses different data and weightings, your score will vary between agencies — sometimes significantly.
CHECKING YOUR FILE
How to Check Your Credit File Before Applying
Before any mortgage application, we strongly recommend checking your full credit report from all three agencies — not just one. This is exactly what we ask every client to do, and the simplest way to do it is through CheckMyFile, which combines Experian, Equifax, TransUnion and Crediva data into a single, easy-to-read report.
Frequently Asked Questions: What credit score do I need for a mortgage in the UK? There is no universal minimum. Experian scores above 881, Equifax above 420 and TransUnion above 566 are broadly considered good — but specialist lenders assess the full picture, not just the number. Do all mortgage lenders use the same credit score? No. Lenders subscribe to one or more CRAs and use their own internal models. A rejection from one lender does not mean all will say no.
How do I check my credit file before applying? Use CheckMyFile to see your Experian, Equifax, TransUnion and Crediva data together. It uses a soft search — no impact on your score. Can errors on my credit file affect my mortgage application? Yes. Incorrect default dates, accounts still showing as open, or linked addresses can all harm your chances. You can raise a dispute directly with the relevant CRA.
How quickly can I improve my credit score? Some changes (electoral roll, settling small debts) take effect within 30–60 days. The biggest long-term impact comes from a sustained 12–24 month period of clean credit history.
