How to Check Your Credit Score
Find out how to check your credit score in the UK and why it’s worth checking regularly.
If you’re new to credit, you might be wondering what is a credit score? In basic terms, it’s a three-digit number showing how well you manage credit and is used by credit reference agencies to determine your overall creditworthiness.
Regularly checking your credit score is a smart way to assess your financial position. It can also point you towards any financial habits or behaviours that could be impacting your ability to secure future products, such as a credit card.
Even if you currently have a low or bad credit score, it’s good to know nothing’s fixed. And with the right approach to credit management, you can start to get your finances back on track.
How to check your credit score in the UK
Checking your credit score is a simple process and has no onward harm on your credit score. In the UK, there are three credit reference agencies (CRAs) that allow you to check your score for free: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Steps involved to check your credit score may vary between each agency. It’s also the case they use different scoring models, so you might find your score may vary depending on who you use. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose your preferred credit reference agency
Start the process by researching your preferred agency. Although all of them offer a free credit score check, you could also be eligible for other perks such as a free credit report or score tracking to notify you about any changes.
Step 2: Create an account and verify your identity
Once you’ve chosen an agency, submit your details and verify your identity. As well as basic information such as your name and address, you’ll also need to verify your identity with a bank statement, bill, or details from the electoral roll.
Step 3: Log in and check your credit score
View your credit score instantly from your online account at the credit reference agency’s website or dedicated app. Depending on your chosen agency, your credit score will typically update every 30 days.
Where can you check your credit score for free?
You can check your credit score for free with three UK credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Each agency uses its own scoring model which means you don’t technically have just one credit score. Where Experian’s scoring scale ranges from 0–1,250, Equifax ranges from 0–1,000, with TransUnion ranging from 0–750.
Not all lenders report to all three credit reference agencies, it’s typically just one or two. So, before you apply for credit, it’s wise to check your score and assess your eligibility across all three credit reference agencies.
You should also get in the habit of regularly checking your score. That way, you can see how your financial behaviour is affecting your overall creditworthiness and ability to secure future financial products.
Does checking your credit score affect it?
Checking your credit score is otherwise known as a soft check which has no onward impact on your credit score. It means you can check your score as often as you like while still maintaining healthy credit.
A soft check might also be used by employers or landlords to gauge your financial responsibility. Or it could also be used by lenders to see if you prequalify for a particular product such as a credit card.
In other instances, a hard check might be required which can temporarily lower your credit score and leave a mark on your credit file visible to other lenders when they check your credit file.
For that reason, you should be selective about how often you apply for credit. Should your file have multiple records of hard checks, it could suggest to other lenders you’re dependent on credit and a higher risk for lending.
How often should you check your credit score?
It’s good practice to check your credit score every 1 to 3 months. That way, you can monitor whether your score is improving and act on any financial habits or behaviours that might be pulling your credit health in the wrong direction.
As well as regularly checking your score, there are several instances where it’s more important than ever:
Applying for credit
Checking your credit score prior to applying for a financial product, such as a loan or mortgage, can help you determine the likelihood of being accepted and ultimately protect your credit health.
Suspecting suspicious activity
A sudden drop in your credit score could be an early sign criminal activity has occurred on your account. If you spot anything suspicious (such as unrecognised hard checks), report it to your agency straightaway.
Making a significant purchase
Lenders run a hard check whenever you apply for credit to make a significant purchase. To protect your credit history, check your score to assess how likely it is you’ll be approved and whether it’s worth making an application.
Whatever the reason you need credit, checking your score is regarded as a soft check and has no onward impact on your credit health. It’s also invisible to lenders and doesn’t leave a mark on your credit file.
What if your credit score is lower than expected?
Even if your credit score is lower than expected, it’s reassuring to know nothing is permanent and there’s always time to get things back on track.
There could be one or multiple reasons why your score is lower than expected. Be it missed or late payments, a high credit utilisation ratio, or even a limited credit history which makes it difficult for agencies to determine your creditworthiness.
In other instances, it could be caused by an error on your credit report, multiple hard searches following new credit applications, closing old accounts reducing your credit history, or not being registered on the electoral roll.
Whatever’s pulling down your score, it’s a smart move to take these practical steps to start building credit and increase your chances of securing future financial products:
- Register on the electoral roll (if not already).
- Pay down existing debt to lower credit utilisation.
- Set up direct debits to avoid missing payments.
- Avoid multiple credit applications in a short time span.
- Consider a credit-builder credit card.
By taking these practical steps and consistently demonstrating sensible borrowing behaviour, you can gradually build your credit score and start to feel more in control of your finances.
FAQs about checking your credit score
Q1: Does checking my credit score affect it?
No, checking your credit score is regarded as a soft check and has no onward impact on your credit history. Only hard checks, which are usually required for formal credit applications, can lower your credit score.
Q2: Why is my credit score different across Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion?
Credit scores can differ across Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion because each credit reference agency uses different scoring models. They might also hold different data which can further influence the calculation of your score.
Q3: How much does it cost to check my credit score?
It doesn’t cost anything to check your credit score. Credit reference agencies are legally required to provide your report at no cost, and many also offer free ongoing score access.
Q4: What’s the difference between a credit score and a credit report?
A credit score is a three-digit number calculated by credit reference agencies to determine your overall creditworthiness. A credit report is a more detailed record of your finances including personal details, credit accounts, and public records.
Q5: How often should I check my credit score?
It’s best practice to check your credit score every month or whenever you intend to apply for credit. Checking your score has no onward impact on your credit health and there are no limits as to how many times you can check.
Q6: Can I check someone else’s credit score, like a partner’s?
No, you can only check your own credit score. A partner would need to check their score separately using their own details which is also the case with a joint account in both of your names.
You can check your credit score for free as many times as you like without harming your credit rating. It only takes a few minutes and can go a long way to help you prepare for future applications, such as a loan or mortgage.
If your current credit score is holding you back, it’s reassuring to know there’s always time to turn things around. To start your journey towards building better credit, explore our range of Aqua cards.
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