What credit score do I need to get a mortgage in the UK?

There is no single minimum credit score required for a mortgage because each lender uses its own criteria and scoring model. Generally, a score in the "good" or "excellent" band on any agency will give you access to the widest range of deals. Specialist lenders may consider applicants with lower scores, though typically at higher interest rates.

Does checking my own credit score lower it?

No. Checking your own credit score is recorded as a soft search, which is only visible to you and does not affect your score. Only hard credit searches — typically triggered when you formally apply for credit — are visible to other lenders and can temporarily lower your score.

How long do negative marks stay on my credit report in the UK?

Most negative information, including defaults, CCJs and missed payments, remains on your credit report for six years from the date it was recorded. After six years it is automatically removed, regardless of whether the debt has been repaid.

What is a Credit Score? Meaning Explained

Your credit score is a number calculated by credit reference agencies such as Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. It summarises your financial track record — including how reliably you have repaid debts, whether you have missed payments, and how much credit you currently use. Lenders check your credit score as part of their mortgage application assessment.

Each credit reference agency uses a different scoring scale, so your number will vary between them. Experian scores range from 0 to 999, Equifax from 0 to 1,000, and TransUnion from 0 to 710. A higher score generally indicates lower risk to a lender.

While your credit score gives a useful indication of your standing, mortgage lenders actually look at the full credit report behind the score. They examine individual accounts, payment patterns and any adverse markers such as defaults or CCJs. Two applicants with the same score could receive different mortgage offers depending on the detail in their reports.

You can improve your credit score over time by making payments on schedule, keeping credit utilisation low, registering on the electoral roll and avoiding unnecessary credit applications.

Example

Sarah checks her Experian credit score before applying for a mortgage and sees it is 890 out of 999, which Experian classes as "Good". She notices an old mobile phone contract showing a missed payment from three years ago. Because she has kept all other accounts up to date, her broker advises that most high-street lenders would still consider her application.

Key Points

Each UK credit reference agency (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) uses a different scoring scale
Mortgage lenders review your full credit report, not just the headline score
Registering on the electoral roll, reducing outstanding balances and avoiding multiple credit applications can all improve your score
You can check your statutory credit report for free once a year, or use free services such as ClearScore and Credit Karma