Credit Score Help and Advice

We provide comprehensive guidance articles on credit scores, equipping you with the knowledge you need to make key decisions.

Your credit score affects everything from mobile phone contracts to mortgage approvals yet most people don’t fully understand how it works. This page brings together all of our expert guidance on credit scores in one place. Whether you’re looking to boost your rating, correct a mistake, or understand what lenders are really looking for, we’ve got you covered. Explore our articles to learn what improves your score, what can damage it, and how to take control of your financial future with confidence.

Most Searched Credit Score Topics

How to Improve Credit Score
There are quick wins and long-term strategies. Discover how to improve your credit score, from paying bills on time to reducing your credit utilisation.

Does Klarna Affect Credit Score?
Klarna's Pay in 3 doesn’t but other products might. Learn whether Klarna affects your credit score, and which types of activity are reported.

Does Overdraft Affect Credit Score?
Using an overdraft can help or harm your score. Find out whether overdrafts affect your credit score, and how to manage them responsibly.

Does Clearpay Affect Credit Score?
It depends on the product and whether you miss payments. Learn how Clearpay affects your credit score, and how it compares to other BNPL services.

How Much Will My Credit Score Go Up Electoral Roll?
Being registered to vote boosts your credit file. Find out how much your credit score can increase by joining the electoral roll, and how lenders view it.

Does Betting Affect Credit Score?
Bookmakers don’t report activity to credit agencies but there’s a catch. Discover whether betting affects your credit score, especially when using credit for gambling.

Does PayPal Credit Affect Credit Score?
Yes it's a form of revolving credit. Learn whether PayPal Credit affects your credit score, and how it's reported to credit reference agencies.

Does a Mortgage in Principle Affect Credit Score?
Most don’t but it depends on the lender. Find out whether a mortgage in principle affects your credit score, and what a soft search means.

Does Universal Credit Affect Credit Score?
Claiming benefits doesn't appear on your file. Discover whether Universal Credit affects your credit score, and how income impacts affordability checks.

Does Amazon Monthly Payments Affect Credit Score?
Yes, if financed through a credit agreement. Learn whether Amazon monthly payments affect your credit score, and how to use them responsibly.

Does Balance Transfer Affect Credit Score?
It can lower utilisation but a new application may drop your score temporarily. Learn how a balance transfer affects your credit score.

Does Checking Your Credit Score Lower It?
No, soft searches are invisible to lenders. Discover whether checking your credit score lowers it, and how often it’s safe to look.

Does Voting Increase Credit Score UK?
Yes — registering to vote boosts your credit profile. Learn whether voting increases your credit score in the UK, and how it improves verification.

How Common Is 999 Credit Score in UK?
It’s rare but possible with excellent habits. Discover how common a 999 credit score is in the UK, and what it takes to reach it.

What Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a Car?
Lenders vary but the better your score, the lower your rate. Learn what credit score you need to buy a car, and how to improve your chances.

What Is a Good Credit Score out of 1000?
Scores above 800 are usually considered good. Find out what a good credit score is out of 1000, and how different agencies score differently.

Does a Student Loan Affect Credit Score?
Student loans don’t show on your credit file. Discover whether student loans affect your credit score, and how they influence affordability checks.

Does Transferring Credit Card Balances Affect Credit Score?
Yes it may help reduce utilisation, but applying for credit impacts your score. Learn how transferring balances affects your credit score.

Is Experian Credit Score Accurate?
It reflects your Experian file but other agencies may differ. Discover how accurate your Experian credit score is, and why scores vary.

Why Is My Credit Score Different on Different Sites?
Each agency uses different data and scoring models. Learn why your credit score is different on different sites, and which one lenders use.

Does Credit Score Affect Car Insurance?
Yes insurers may use it to assess risk. Find out whether credit score affects car insurance, and how it impacts monthly payment plans.

Does Increasing Credit Limit Affect Credit Score?
It can improve utilisation if used wisely. Learn how increasing your credit limit affects your score, and what risks to avoid.

How Long Does a Bankruptcy Stay on Your Credit Score?
Bankruptcy stays on your file for six years. Discover how long bankruptcy affects your credit score, and how to rebuild after discharge.

What Is a Good Credit Score ClearScore?
ClearScore uses Equifax data. Learn what a good credit score is on ClearScore, and how it compares to other providers.

Does a 7-Day Late Payment Affect Credit Score?
Lenders usually report payments 30+ days late. Discover whether a 7-day late payment affects your credit score, and how to fix it quickly.

Does a Hard Search Affect Credit Score?
Yes each hard check can slightly lower your score. Find out how a hard search affects your credit score, and when it matters most.

Does Council Tax Affect Credit Score?
Not directly unless enforcement action is taken. Learn whether council tax affects your credit score, and how to stay on top of payments.

Does Frasers Plus Affect Credit Score?
Frasers Plus is a credit agreement. Discover whether Frasers Plus affects your credit score, and how missed payments are reported.

Does Switching Banks Affect Credit Score?
No but opening a new account may cause a soft check. Learn whether switching banks affects your credit score, and what to watch out for.

How Often Does Credit Score Update?
Most lenders report monthly. Find out how often your credit score updates, and why it may change suddenly.

Can You Get a Mortgage with a Fair Credit Score?
Yes but your options may be limited. Discover whether you can get a mortgage with a fair credit score, and how to improve your approval chances.

How to Build Credit Score for New Immigrants UK
Start with a bank account and bills. Learn how to build credit score as a new immigrant in the UK, and which cards or services help.

What Is the Average Credit Score in the UK?
As of 2024, it’s around 759 (Experian). Discover what the average credit score is in the UK, and how yours compares.

Do Joint Accounts Affect Credit Score?
Yes they financially link you to the other person. Learn how joint accounts affect your credit score, and how to unlink if needed.

Does Applying for a Credit Card Affect Credit Score?
Yes a hard search is performed. Find out whether applying for a credit card affects your score, and how long it stays on your file.

Does Being a Guarantor Affect Credit Score?
It won’t appear unless the borrower defaults. Discover whether being a guarantor affects your credit score, and the risks involved.

Does Extending Due Date on Klarna Affect Credit Score?
It depends on the product. Learn whether extending a Klarna due date affects your credit score, and how late payments are recorded.

Does Monzo Flex Improve Credit Score?
It can if used responsibly. Find out whether Monzo Flex improves your credit score, and how it's reported to agencies.

Does Voluntary Termination Affect My Credit Score?
Voluntary termination under car finance is your legal right. Discover whether voluntary termination affects your credit score, and when it’s flagged.

Does Zilch Improve Credit Score?
Zilch reports to TransUnion. Learn whether Zilch improves your credit score, and how it compares to other BNPL platforms.

Can Late Payment Affect Credit Score?
Yes even one missed payment can cause damage. Discover how late payments affect your credit score, and how to minimise the impact.

Do Money Transfers Affect Credit Score?
Only if done via credit card. Learn whether money transfers affect your credit score, and what lenders see on your file.

Does an IVA Affect Your Credit Score?
Yes severely, for up to 6 years. Find out how an IVA affects your credit score, and how to rebuild once it ends.

Does Breathing Space Affect Credit Score?
No it protects you temporarily but doesn’t show. Learn whether breathing space affects your credit score, and how it helps with debt management.

Does Cancelling a Direct Debit Affect Credit Score?
Not directly but missed payments do. Discover whether cancelling a direct debit affects your credit score, and how to avoid credit damage.

Does Car Finance Improve Credit Score?
Timely payments can help build credit. Learn whether car finance improves your credit score, and how missed payments hurt it.

Does Changing Address Affect Credit Score?
No but it must be kept up to date. Find out whether changing address affects your credit score, and why it matters for verification.

Does Having Multiple Bank Accounts Affect Credit Score?
Not directly but applications may trigger checks. Discover whether having multiple bank accounts affects your credit score, and what lenders care about.

Does Increasing Overdraft Affect Credit Score?
It can help or hurt, depending on usage. Learn whether increasing your overdraft affects your credit score, and what lenders will see.

How Many Points Does a CCJ Affect Your Credit Score?
A CCJ can significantly reduce your score. Discover how many points a CCJ affects your credit score, and how to repair the damage.

How Much Does a Loan Affect Your Credit Score UK?
Repaying on time helps, missed payments hurt. Learn how much a loan affects your credit score in the UK, and what to expect.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Phone Contract?
Most providers accept fair scores. Find out what credit score you need for a phone contract, and how to pass affordability checks.

What Credit Score Do You Need for PCP Finance?
Scores of 700+ are often accepted. Learn what credit score you need for PCP finance, and how to improve your chances of approval.

What Does In Default Mean on Credit Score?
It means you haven’t paid and the account is flagged. Discover what in default means on your credit score, and how long it stays.

What Is Bad Credit Score UK?
Typically anything below 560 (Experian). Learn what a bad credit score is in the UK, and what you can do to improve it.

Do Direct Debits Help Credit Score?
Yes if they’re paid on time. Discover whether direct debits help your credit score, and how they build a consistent payment history.

Do Payday Loans Affect Credit Score?
Yes and often negatively. Find out whether payday loans affect your credit score, and why lenders view them as high risk.

Do You Need a Good Credit Score to Rent?
Landlords and agents may check it. Learn whether you need a good credit score to rent, and what alternatives exist.

Does an AIP Affect Credit Score?
An AIP (Agreement in Principle) usually involves a soft check. Discover whether an AIP affects your credit score, and when it turns into a hard search.

Does Job Seekers Allowance Affect Credit Score?
No benefits are not recorded. Find out whether Job Seekers Allowance affects your credit score, and what impacts affordability instead.