How to improve
your credit score

Start here. Errors on your credit file are more common than most people think — wrong address, an account that isn't yours, or a debt that was paid but still shows as outstanding. You're entitled to a free statutory report from all three agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Check all three, not just one — lenders may use any of them.

• Get your free report at CheckMyFile, Experian, or via the ICO process
• Look for: wrong address, accounts you don't recognise, closed accounts still showing as open, incorrect payment status
• Dispute errors directly with the CRA — they must investigate within 28 days

This is the fastest win that costs nothing. Lenders use the electoral register to verify your identity and address. Not being on it is a significant red flag — it makes it look like you don't have a stable address, even if you do. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote. If you're not a UK citizen and can't register, add a CIFAS notice of correction explaining this.

Payment history is the single biggest factor in your credit score. One missed payment can stay visible for 6 years. Set up direct debits for every minimum payment on every account so you never miss one accidentally. If you're going to miss a payment, contact the lender first — a managed arrangement is recorded differently from a silent missed payment.

• Set direct debits for at least the minimum on all accounts
• Use your bank's balance alerts to catch low-balance days before DD runs
• If struggling, call the lender before missing — don't let it go default

Credit utilisation is the percentage of your available revolving credit (cards, overdraft) that you're using. Using more than 30% of your limit signals financial stress to lenders. Below 30% is good; below 10% is optimal. The fix: pay balances down before your statement date, or ask your card provider for a limit increase (don't spend more).

• Check: total card balance ÷ total card limit = utilisation %
• 30% or under is the threshold; 10% is better
• Request a limit increase if your income has risen — same balance, lower %

Every credit application leaves a "hard search" on your file that other lenders can see. Multiple hard searches in a short window signal desperation or financial difficulty. Space applications at least 3–6 months apart. Use "soft search" eligibility checkers (available on most comparison sites) before applying — these don't leave a footprint.

• Use soft-check eligibility tools before applying anywhere
• Don't apply to 5 lenders simultaneously — it looks desperate
• If you're turned down, find out why before reapplying elsewhere

If you've held a joint account, mortgage, or loan with someone who has a poor credit history, you're financially linked — and their score affects yours. If that relationship has ended, submit a "financial disassociation" request to each CRA. You need to close all joint accounts first.

• Check your "financial associations" section on each CRA
• Close all joint accounts before requesting disassociation
• Submit the disassociation form to all three agencies

If you have a thin credit file (not enough history), mainstream lenders will decline you even if you've never had a problem. A credit-builder card (Aqua, Vanquis, Capital One) has a low limit and high rate — but use it for one small purchase per month and pay it in full. After 6–12 months of responsible use, you'll have a track record to borrow against.

• Spend only what you can afford to pay off that month
• Set up a direct debit to pay in full automatically
• Don't use more than 30% of the limit

The age of your oldest account contributes to your score. Closing a long-standing account shortens your average credit age and removes available credit (increasing utilisation). Keep old cards open even if unused — just put one small automatic charge on them (like a subscription) and pay it off monthly.

Rent payments are not reported to CRAs by default — so years of reliable tenancy don't show up on your file. Services like CreditLadder and Canopy report rent to Experian and Equifax for free, which gives you a record of consistent on-time payments. Particularly useful for people new to credit or rebuilding.

• CreditLadder — free, reports to Experian and Equifax
• Canopy — free, reports to Experian
• Rental Exchange via Experian — ask your landlord to register

Most negative marks fade significantly at the 2-year mark and drop off entirely at 6 years (CCJs, defaults, IVAs). Missed payments lose much of their impact after 12–18 months if followed by consistent on-time payments. Keep doing the basics — pay on time, keep utilisation low, don't apply for more than you need — and your score will recover.