How to improve your credit score

Quick answer: Improving your credit score starts with the habits that lenders can see. Pay accounts on time, keep balances low, check your credit report and limit new applications. You could also build your credit history, register to vote and use Experian Boost to see if your score can increase.

Your credit score is important. The higher your credit score, the better your chances of being accepted for credit at the best rates. It can affect your ability to get credit cards, loans, mortgages, mobile contracts and more.

Your score can move up or down when the information in your credit report changes. That means the steps you take now could help lenders see you differently in future. Focus on what you can control and remember that every lender has its own checks.

Looking for ways to improve your credit score? Try the steps below. They can help you understand what lenders may see, spot anything that needs fixing, and build positive credit habits over time.

10 ways to improve your credit score

1. Prove where you live

   Register on the electoral roll at your current address. You can do this if you’re in shared accommodation or living at home with your parents. Electoral roll information helps lenders confirm your name and address.

   This can make it easier for them to check who you are when you apply for credit. It also helps link you to your current address, which is one of the details lenders often check before making a decision.

2. Build your credit history

   Having little or no credit history can make it harder for companies to assess you. Your credit score could be lower as a result. This is common if you’re young, new to the UK, or have not borrowed before.

   Building a credit history takes time, but well-managed accounts can help lenders understand how you handle credit. If your credit history is limited, even small, regular accounts that are managed well could help build a clearer picture over time.

3. Make regular payments on time

   Paying accounts on time and in full each month is one of the clearest ways to show lenders you’re a reliable borrower. If you want to better your credit score, start with the payments you already make. A record of on-time payments can help show that you manage credit responsibly. Set up reminders or Direct Debits so important payments are less likely to be missed.

4. Keep your credit utilisation low

   Credit utilisation means how much of your available credit you’re using. For example, if you have a £2,000 limit and use £1,000, your utilisation is 50%. A lower percentage is usually seen positively by lenders. If possible, try to keep your credit utilisation below 30%. Paying down balances, or spreading spending carefully across available credit, could help keep this percentage lower.

5. See if you could get an instant score boost

   Experian Boost lets you connect your current account to your Experian account. Experian then looks for examples of responsible financial behaviour. This could include paying Council Tax, digital subscriptions, or money into savings and investment accounts. Not everyone’s Experian Credit Score will increase with Boost, and not all lenders use Boost. But using it will not make your score go down.

   There are not many fast ways to boost credit score, because most improvements depend on your report changing over time. Experian Boost is one way to see if your Experian Credit Score could increase instantly.

6. Check for errors and report any mistakes

   Even small mistakes, such as a mistyped address, can affect your score. They could also be enough for a lender to refuse you credit. Check your credit report to make sure the information is accurate and up to date. If you spot a mistake, contact the provider and ask them to fix it. Experian can also raise a dispute with them on your behalf.

   If negative information is correct, but happened because of special circumstances, you can ask Experian to add a Notice of Correction. This lets you explain the situation on your Experian Credit Report.

7. Monitor your credit file for fraud

   If fraudsters get your personal details, they could apply for credit in your name. Check your credit report for anything you don’t recognise, such as applications or accounts you did not open. If something looks wrong, Experian’s specialist fraud support team can help. See what to do if you’ve been a victim of identity fraud.

8. Avoid moving home a lot if you can

   This is not always possible. But lenders could see stability in your circumstances as a positive sign. Moving home often could make it harder for lenders to verify your details too. Find out why your address is an important part of your credit history.

9. Keep old accounts open and show a long credit history

   Long-standing, well-managed accounts can help show lenders that you can manage credit over time. This doesn’t mean every old account needs to stay open. Before you close an unused account, check whether it could affect your score or your credit utilisation. For more information, see our guide on what to do with unused credit cards.

10. Consider getting a credit builder card

    A credit builder card could help rebuild your credit score if you use it well. These cards usually have low spending limits and high interest rates. When you first get a credit card, your score might briefly drop. But using a small amount and repaying it on time and in full each month can help show responsible borrowing.

Why improve your credit score, and how can it help?

When you apply for credit, lenders usually calculate their own score to help decide whether to lend to you. They can use information from your credit report, your application details, and data they already hold if you’ve been a customer before. Each lender can assess you in a different way.

Credit reference agencies, such as Experian, also calculate credit scores for lenders and the public. Your free Experian Credit Score can give you an idea of how lenders may view your credit history. Checking your own score won’t affect it.

Improving your score could improve your chances of being accepted for credit. It could also help you access a wider range of offers. This can include credit cards, loans, mortgages, car finance and mobile contracts.

A stronger score may help you access lower interest rates. If lenders see you as lower risk, they could offer cheaper borrowing. It could also support applications for higher credit limits or larger borrowing amounts. These outcomes aren’t guaranteed, because lenders use their own criteria.

The benefits of improving your score may include:

• A better chance of being approved. A higher score can improve your chances of being accepted for a credit card, loan or mortgage. It may also mean you have more offers and providers to choose from.
• Lower interest rates. If lenders see you as lower risk, they could offer better rates on loans and credit cards. This can make borrowing cheaper, although the rate you get will depend on the lender and your circumstances.
• Better options when paying for insurance. If you choose to spread the cost of car insurance over the year, your credit score can affect the interest charges you pay on top of the premium.
• Higher credit limits. A better score could improve your chances of being offered a higher credit limit. This could help with larger plans, such as buying a car or making home improvements, as long as the repayments are affordable.

How long does it take to improve your credit score?

It depends on what’s affecting your score. Some information, such as a new bank account or credit card, can take several weeks to appear on your credit report. This means it might take at least that long to see a change in your score. New accounts might also need a few months to mature before they start to help.

Positive habits can help over time. Paying accounts regularly and on time can support your score as you build a credit history. But missed payments, defaults and court judgments can stay on your credit report for six years. Their impact can get less over this time. So quick fixes are limited, but steady habits can make a difference as your report updates.

How to maintain a good credit score

1. Limit credit applications

   Applying for credit often in a short space of time can make lenders think you’re relying on it too much. Each application can leave a hard search on your credit report. Lenders can see hard searches, so it’s better if you can space out applications. A good rule of thumb is no more than one application every three months, but lenders’ criteria can vary.

2. Avoid defaulted accounts

   Defaulted accounts usually happen when the relationship between you and the company has broken down. This often follows several missed payments. Defaults can have a significant impact on your credit score. If you’re worried about missing payments, contact your lender as early as possible to discuss your options, as they might be able to offer you a different repayment solution. It’s always best to speak up.

3. Only borrow what you can afford

   Borrowing more than you can afford can lead to debt problems. This could increase the risk of missed payments, defaults, County Court Judgments, Individual Voluntary Arrangements or bankruptcy. These can stay on your credit report for at least six years and have a negative impact on your score.

4. Keep an eye out for fraudsters

   Checking your credit report can help you spot possible signs of fraud. Look out for applications you didn’t make, accounts you don’t recognise, or a sudden increase in what you owe. If you become a victim of fraud, your lenders should fix any damage to your credit report when they’ve investigated and confirmed the facts. We can help you correct your credit report following fraud if you get in touch.

Credit Score Specialist

What our expert says

Improving your score is usually about steady, visible habits. Pay accounts on time, keep balances low and check your credit report so you know what lenders will see. Start by checking your score, then looking for any small steps you can take to improve will help over time. Jacqui Hamilton, Experian UK

FAQs

Does having a credit card increase your credit score?

Having a credit card could increase your credit score if you manage it well. Simply having one isn’t enough. Try to use a small amount, stay within your limit and repay on time each month. Missed payments, high balances or frequent applications can harm your score.

How can I improve my credit score quickly?

How fast your credit score improves depends on what’s affecting it. Some updates can take several weeks to appear on your credit report. To improve your credit score quickly, check for mistakes, register to vote, pay on time, lower your balances and see if Experian Boost could help.

How can I improve my credit score without a credit card?

You don’t need a credit card to improve your score. You can register on the electoral roll, pay bills and accounts on time, check your credit report, correct mistakes and limit new applications. Experian Boost could also help if eligible payments are found in your connected current account.

How do I fix a poor credit score?

To fix a poor credit score, start by checking your credit report. This can help you understand what’s affecting your score. Then focus on small, steady steps. Correct mistakes, pay on time, reduce what you owe and avoid lots of credit applications close together. Poor credit can improve, but it usually takes time.