What Is the Average Credit Score in the UK

Discover the average credit score in the UK by agency, age and region. Learn how your score compares and how to improve it.

What Is the Average Credit Score in the UK

Your credit score is a key indicator of your financial health. It influences whether you’ll be approved for loans, credit cards, mortgages, mobile contracts and even rental agreements. But how does your score compare to everyone else’s? If you’re asking, what is the average credit score in the UK, the answer depends on which credit reference agency you’re checking with, as each uses a different scoring system.

In this article, we’ll break down the current average credit scores in the UK by agency, age group and region — and explain what they mean for your financial future.

What Is a Credit Score

A credit score is a number that reflects how likely you are to repay credit based on your borrowing history. It’s calculated by credit reference agencies (CRAs), which collect data on your credit accounts, repayment behaviour and financial activity.

There are three main credit reference agencies in the UK:

  • Experian (score range: 0 to 999)

  • Equifax (score range: 0 to 1000)

  • TransUnion (score range: 0 to 710)

Lenders use these scores — along with their own criteria — to decide whether to approve your application and what interest rate to offer.

What Is the Average Credit Score in the UK

As of the most recent data, here are the average credit scores in the UK by agency:
Credit Reference Agency Score Range UK Average Score

Experian 0 – 999 797

Equifax 0 – 1000 383 (on their old 0–700 scale; now estimated around
580–600 on 0–1000 scale)

TransUnion 0 – 710 610

Keep in mind: these are averages across all age groups and regions. A score above the national average generally puts you in a stronger position for credit approval, but it doesn’t guarantee it. Lenders assess affordability, income and other factors alongside your score.

What Is a Good Credit Score Compared to the Average

Each CRA categorises credit scores slightly differently. Here’s how their bands line up compared to the average score:

Experian (0–999)

  • Very Poor: 0–560

  • Poor: 561–720

  • Fair: 721–880

  • Good: 881–960

  • Excellent: 961–999

➡️ Average score: 797 = Fair (on the edge of Good)

Equifax (0–1000)

  • Very Poor: 0–438

  • Poor: 439–530

  • Fair: 531–670

  • Good: 671–810

  • Excellent: 811–1000

➡️ Average estimated score: 580–600 = Fair

TransUnion (0–710)

  • Very Poor: 0–550

  • Poor: 551–565

  • Fair: 566–603

  • Good: 604–627

  • Excellent: 628–710

➡️ Average score: 610 = Good

So, in most cases, the UK average credit score falls in the Fair to Good range, depending on the agency. This means the typical UK adult has access to mainstream credit but may not always qualify for the best interest rates.

Average Credit Score by Age Group

Younger people tend to have lower credit scores due to shorter credit histories. Here's how scores typically change with age (Experian data):

  • 18–24: ~714 (Fair)

  • 25–34: ~740 (Fair)

  • 35–44: ~767 (Fair)

  • 45–54: ~797 (Fair/Good)

  • 55–64: ~823 (Good)

  • 65+: ~862 (Good/Excellent)

Scores usually increase with age as people build longer credit histories, own homes and reduce debts.

Average Credit Score by Region

There are slight differences in average credit scores depending on where you live. According to Experian, some of the highest scoring regions include:

  • South East: 825

  • South West: 821

  • East of England: 818

Regions with lower average scores include:

  • North East: 766

  • Yorkshire & the Humber: 770

  • North West: 774

These differences may reflect regional variations in income, employment, housing and borrowing habits.

How Your Score Compares to the Average

If your credit score is:

  • Below average: You may still qualify for credit but could face higher interest rates or stricter terms

  • Around average: You’re in line with most UK adults and likely to be approved for many mainstream products

  • Above average: You’ll have more borrowing options and better access to competitive rates

But remember — your credit score is not the only thing that matters. Lenders also consider:

  • Your income and employment status

  • Existing debts and financial commitments

  • How long you’ve lived at your current address

  • Whether you’re registered to vote (on the electoral roll)

How to Improve Your Credit Score

If you’re below average — or just want to strengthen your profile — here are some proven ways to boost your score:

  • Register on the electoral roll at your current address

  • Pay all bills and credit agreements on time

  • Keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your total limits

  • Avoid too many credit applications in a short period

  • Check your credit report regularly for errors or fraudulent activity

  • Keep older credit accounts open, if you’re managing them responsibly

You can track your progress for free using ClearScore (Equifax), Credit Karma (TransUnion) or Experian’s free account.

Final Thought

The average credit score in the UK sits around 797 with Experian, 580–600 with Equifax, and 610 with TransUnion. That means most people are in the Fair to Good category — able to access credit but not always at the best rates.

If your score is lower than average, don’t panic. With the right habits and a little time, you can improve your credit profile and put yourself in a better position to borrow when you need to.