Your credit score affects everything from mortgages to mobile phone contracts. This guide explains exactly how to rebuild credit after iva, with practical steps you can take today.
- Electoral roll + utilisation under 30% + zero missed payments = the core formula
- Pay cards before the statement date (not due date) to report lower utilisation instantly
- Check all three bureaus free — each holds different data and different errors
- Keep old cards open — closing your oldest card can hurt
Read This Before You Apply
Old joint accounts haunt credit files: a joint account or mortgage links your file to another person's behaviour indefinitely unless you formally disassociate. An ex-partner's missed payments can quietly tax your applications for years.
Credit scoring rewards boring consistency above everything: old accounts, small balances, perfect history. There are no shortcuts, but there are accelerants: electoral-roll registration shows in the next cycle, and utilisation resets every statement — pay before the statement date, not the due date, to report a lower figure.
UK Credit Score Ranges
| Agency | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experian | 0-560 | 561-720 | 721-880 | 881-999 |
| Equifax | 0-438 | 439-530 | 531-670 | 671-700 |
| TransUnion | 0-550 | 551-565 | 566-603 | 604-710 |
Fastest Ways to Improve Your Credit Score
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address — instant improvement
- Check for errors on your credit report and dispute any mistakes
- Pay all bills on time — set up direct debits for minimum payments
- Reduce credit utilisation below 30% of your credit limit
- Avoid applying for multiple credit products at once
- Keep old accounts open — a longer credit history helps your score
- Use a credit builder card and pay it off in full each month
FAQs
Which credit score do lenders actually use?
Not Experian's, Equifax's or TransUnion's headline number — lenders build internal scores from the underlying data. Focus on the report contents, not the marketing number.
Does checking my own credit hurt my score?
No. Checking your own file is a soft search, always free and harmless. Only applications create hard searches.
How do I improve my credit score fastest?
Register on the electoral roll, cut utilisation below 30%, and never miss a payment. Visible improvements typically show within one to three statement cycles.
Should I close old credit cards?
Usually not. Old accounts lengthen credit history and unused limits lower utilisation — both help your score. Close cards only if temptation or fees outweigh that.
How long does negative information last?
Missed payments, defaults and CCJs stay for 6 years, whether or not you later pay. Recent behaviour weighs far more than old problems.
Recommended Providers
We may earn a commission if you click these links. This never affects our editorial independence. Always check terms before applying.
Get Free Expert Advice
Speak to a regulated UK adviser — completely free, no obligation.