Your credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness, reflecting how lenders perceive your ability to manage debt. In the UK, three major credit reference agencies (CRAs) assess your credit: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each uses its own scoring system, meaning your score can vary across agencies.

UK Credit Score Ranges by Agency (2025)

• Experian (0–999):

  • Very Poor: 0–560

  • Poor: 561–720

  • Fair: 721–880

  • Good: 881–960

  • Excellent: 961–999

• Equifax (0–1,000):

  • Poor: 0–438

  • Fair: 439–530

  • Good: 531–670

  • Very Good: 671–810

  • Excellent: 811–1,000

• TransUnion (0–710):

  • Very Poor: 0–550

  • Poor: 551–565

  • Fair: 566–603

  • Good: 604–627

  • Excellent: 628–710

Note: These ranges are based on data from 2025 and may be subject to change.

📊 Average Credit Scores in the UK (2025)

• Experian: Average score of 797

• Equifax: Average score of 644

• TransUnion: Average score of 610

These averages are based on data from 2025 and may vary by age group and region.

How Your Credit Score Affects Borrowing

A higher credit score can open doors to:

• Lower interest rates on loans and credit cards

• Higher credit limits

• Better mortgage rates

• Increased chances of approval for credit applications

Conversely, a low score may limit your borrowing options and result in higher costs.

Checking your credit score

You can check your credit score for free through various services:

• Experian

• Equifax

• TransUnion

Additionally, MoneySavingExpert's Credit Eligibility Tool offers insights into your likelihood of being accepted for credit based on your credit score and financial situation.

Improving your credit score

1. Register on the Electoral Roll: Being listed at your current address can positively impact your score.

2. Build a Positive Credit History: Use credit responsibly, make timely payments, and avoid maxing out credit limits.

3. Maintain Low Credit Utilisation: Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit.

4. Check Your Credit Report Regularly: Ensure all information is accurate and dispute any discrepancies promptly.

5. Monitor for Fraudulent Activity: Report any suspicious transactions to your CRA immediately.

6. Avoid Frequent Address Changes: Stability can be viewed favourably by lenders.

7. Keep Old Accounts Open: A longer credit history can enhance your score.

This information is for general guidance and should not be construed as financial advice. Always consult with a financial advisor for personalised advice.