Your Credit Score
Understanding Your Credit Score for a Mortgage
Lenders do not all use the same credit score, and the number on your app is not what decides your mortgage. Here is what lenders actually look at on your credit file and how to put it in good shape.
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The Truth About Scores
Lenders Use Their Own Scoring
The score you see on an app is a guide. Lenders look at the detail in your file and score it their own way.
- ✓Three agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion
- ✓Different files: each can show slightly different information
- ✓Lender scorecards: each lender scores you its own way
- ✓History matters: payments, balances and searches all count
How We Help
How to Check Your Credit
Five steps.
Get All Three Reports
Free options are available for each agency.
Fix Errors
Wrong addresses, old accounts or wrong balances.
Check Financial Links
Remove links to people you no longer share finances with.
Join the Electoral Roll
It helps confirm who you are.
Keep Paying on Time
Recent history matters most.
What Lenders Look At
Key Parts of Your Credit File
Each one matters.
Common Questions
Credit Score Questions, Answered
The things people ask us most.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage?
There is no single number. Lenders score you their own way.
Which credit agency do lenders use?
It varies. Some use one, some use more. Check all three.
Can I get a mortgage with a low score?
Often, yes. Some lenders specialise in less than perfect credit.
Does checking my score lower it?
No, checking your own file is a soft search.
How can I improve my credit score quickly?
Join the electoral roll, fix errors, lower card balances and pay on time.
Why was I declined with a good score?
Lenders look at more than the score, including affordability and their own criteria.
Related guides
- How to improve your credit score
- Bad credit mortgages Scotland
- Mortgage declined after an agreement in principle
- Being mortgage ready
- All mortgage questions answered
Written by Tony Flynn, mortgage broker at Tony Flynn Mortgages, helping homebuyers across Lanarkshire and Scotland. This page is general information, not personal advice. Speak to Tony about your own circumstances.
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Worried About Your Credit?
Fill in the form and we will be in touch within one working day. We will look at your file and tell you straight where you stand.