Does Changing Address Affect Credit Score

Does Changing Address Affect Credit Score

Moving to a new home is a significant life event that comes with a long to-do list. Among the many tasks, one that often causes confusion is how a change of address affects your credit score. So, if you’re asking does changing address affect credit score, the good news is: changing your address does not directly impact your credit score.

However, how you update your address across your accounts, and whether you stay on top of your bills during the move, can influence your credit file and how lenders view your financial stability. In this article, we’ll explore what happens to your credit report when you move, how lenders use address history, and what steps you should take to avoid any credit-related hiccups.

Does Changing Address Appear on Your Credit Report

Yes. While changing your address does not affect your credit score, it does appear on your credit report. Each of the three main credit reference agencies in the UK — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — keeps a record of your past and current addresses. This information helps confirm your identity and track your credit accounts over time.

Your address history is not scored, but it’s used by lenders to:

• Verify your identity during credit applications

• Match your details across different accounts and databases

• Check your consistency and stability (frequent moves can sometimes raise questions)

How Changing Address Can Indirectly Affect Credit Score

Although the act of moving home won’t damage your credit score, certain mistakes made during or after the move can cause problems. Here’s how:

1. Not updating lenders and utility providers
If your bank, credit card company or energy provider still has your old address, you could miss important bills or statements. Missed payments are one of the biggest causes of credit score damage.

2. Inconsistent information on applications
Lenders use your address to verify your identity. If you use an old address on an application and it doesn’t match your credit file, your application could be delayed or rejected.

3. Falling behind on payments during the move
Moving can be hectic and expensive. If you forget to pay a bill or direct debit during the transition, it could result in a late payment marker on your credit file.

4. Not registering on the electoral roll at your new address
Being on the electoral roll improves your credit score because it helps lenders confirm your identity. If you move and don’t re-register, your score might drop slightly.

Real-World Example

Liam moved from Manchester to Leeds and forgot to update his broadband provider. His final bill went to his old address and remained unpaid. A few months later, he discovered a missed payment on his credit file, which lowered his score by 40 points.

By contrast, Priya changed her address and immediately updated her bank, credit card company and energy provider. She also re-registered on the electoral roll at her new address. Her credit score remained stable, and her mortgage application was approved without issues.

How to Change Address Without Harming Your Credit File

To make sure your move doesn’t negatively affect your credit score, follow these steps:

1. Make a list of all your credit accounts and service providers
Include banks, credit cards, mobile phone providers, energy suppliers, insurance companies and subscriptions.

2. Update your address with each provider promptly
Notify them as soon as you move or even a few days before. Many allow you to update your details online.

3. Redirect your mail with Royal Mail
Use the mail redirection service to ensure nothing important gets missed.

4. Register on the electoral roll at your new address
Visit gov.uk/register-to-vote and update your details. This improves your chances of being approved for credit.

5. Check your credit report after the move
Use free tools like ClearScore, Credit Karma or Experian to make sure your address has been updated and there are no unexpected changes to your file.

Does Moving House Lower Your Score Temporarily

It’s possible your score may dip slightly after a move, but not because of the address change itself. Some scoring models may factor in recent changes as a risk signal, especially if combined with new credit applications or unstable payment behaviour. This dip is usually small and temporary, as long as everything else is managed well.

Final Thought

Changing address does not hurt your credit score, but how you handle the move can affect your credit health. Updating your address with all financial providers, re-registering on the electoral roll and staying on top of your bills will help ensure your score remains strong throughout the transition.

A well-managed move shows lenders that you’re organised and financially responsible. Take a few simple steps during your move, and your credit file will continue to reflect a positive and stable financial picture.