What is a Credit Score and Why is it Important?

The average credit score in the UK has increased slightly of late, peaking at 383 with Equifax and 759 with Experian towards the end of 2021.

While these numbers may seem relatively innocuous and meaningless by themselves, your credit score is incredibly important as you grow older. More specifically, it directly impacts your ability to source credit and obtain a mortgage, while also influencing the type of mortgage products and rates that you’re able to access.

But what exactly is a credit score, and what happens if yours is not deemed adequate in the eyes of lenders? Let’s find out!

What is a Credit Score?

There are three main credit score agencies in the UK; namely Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

While each agency uses slightly different measures and workings when calculating your precise credit score, this number is effectively derived from your financial behaviour and designed to showcase your reliability and trustworthiness when borrowing money.

This helps lenders to gauge your suitability as an applicant quickly and effectively, while making more informed decisions that benefit both them and individual customers.

Typically, your credit score is also supported by a more detailed report, which lists all of your current credit and household accounts, their balance and a six-year payment history. Such data can also be used to make lending decisions, while your score offers a snapshot into your credit history.

Where Can I Find My Credit Score?

There are numerous ways in which you can source your credit score, with the market having recently expanded to include free-to-access platforms such as Credit Karma and Clear Score.

These platforms provide their own scoring metrics and provide basic report data, without requiring you to pay a one-off or monthly fee.

However, you may be better served by reviewing your credit score and data through an official agency like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. After all, these platforms are also used by lenders, so you can gain a more accurate and meaningful insight into your credit score and proceed accordingly.

In most cases, you’ll be able to see your credit score for free through these platforms, although you will have to pay a nominal fee to see more detailed information and a comprehensive report.

What if You Have Bad Credit?

As we’ve already touched on, having good credit and a clear understanding of your score is highly important, especially as you age and want to secure a competitive quote for a mortgage, finance a car or take out loans and credit cards.

But what do you do if you have a bad credit score? Firstly, you’ll need to take practical steps to improve your credit score, by removing outdated debts, settling outstanding debts where possible and making all subsequent payments in full and on-time.

Secondly, it’s beneficial to build positive credit transactions going forward, without opening too many cards for applying for multiple loans. This is where bad credit loans come into play, with specialist options such as student loans for those with bad credit available online.

Depending on your credit score, it may take a few years to rebuild your credit score, but it’s never too late to start this process and boost your suitability in the eyes of lenders.