What is a good credit score in the UK?

Each of the three UK credit reference agencies uses different scales. On Experian (0-999), scores above 880 are considered good. On Equifax (0-1,000), above 670 is fair and above 810 is excellent. On TransUnion (0-710), above 628 is good. There is no single universal score — and the number matters less than the factors affecting it.

Do credit scores affect interest rates?

Yes. Lenders use credit scores and the underlying credit report to assess risk. A higher score generally means access to lower interest rates and more competitive products. A lower score may result in higher rates, lower credit limits, or declined applications. The most important factor is usually your payment history.

Is there one universal credit score in the UK?

No. The three UK credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — each calculate their own score using their own model and scale. Your score will differ between agencies. Lenders typically use one agency (some use more than one) and also apply their own internal scoring criteria on top of the CRA data.

What Is a Credit Score UK? | Ask Fin

A credit score is a numerical rating of your creditworthiness — how likely you are to repay borrowed money based on your past financial behaviour. Lenders use it when deciding whether to approve credit applications and what interest rate to offer. In the UK, credit scores are produced by three main credit reference agencies (CRAs): Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

How credit scores work in the UK

Each credit reference agency uses its own scoring model and scale. Experian scores from 0 to 999. Equifax uses 0 to 1,000. TransUnion uses 0 to 710. Higher scores indicate lower credit risk. There is no universal UK credit score — each agency produces a different number based on the same underlying credit data.

Lenders typically check one or more of these agencies when you apply for credit. Different lenders use different agencies and different internal models, which is why the same person can be approved by one lender and declined by another.

What your credit score is used for

Mortgage applications
Credit card and loan applications
Car finance
Some rental agreements — landlords and letting agents often check credit
Some employers check credit for roles involving financial responsibility
Mobile phone contracts
Utility accounts

A good score vs a poor score

Each agency defines bands differently, but broadly: a score in the upper half of the range is considered good or excellent. A score in the lower half may result in declined applications, higher interest rates, or limited product availability. A very low score or no credit history may mean only specialist lenders are available, often at significantly higher rates.

How credit scores differ from credit reports

Your credit report is the underlying data — the full record of your credit accounts, payment history, public records (CCJs, insolvency) and current balances. Your credit score is a number calculated from that data. Both are useful: the score gives a quick summary; the report shows exactly what is affecting it.

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General guidance only — not regulated financial advice.

General educational information only. Credit scoring models and lender criteria change. Check your credit report directly with Experian, Equifax or TransUnion for your actual data.

What is a credit score in the UK?

How credit scores work in the UK

What your credit score is used for

A good score vs a poor score

How credit scores differ from credit reports

More Credit and Credit Scores guides