Your credit score affects everything from mortgages to mobile phone contracts. This guide explains exactly how to dispute credit report errors, with practical steps you can take today.
- Keep old cards open — account age and unused limits both help
- Electoral roll + utilisation under 30% + zero missed payments = most of the score
- Check all three bureaus free — one clean file doesn't mean three
- Pay cards before the statement date (not due date) to report lower utilisation instantly
Insider Notes
Old joint accounts haunt credit files: a joint account or mortgage links your file to another person's record until you file a notice of disassociation. After any separation, disassociation should be on the checklist next to the address change.
Credit scoring rewards boring consistency above everything: old accounts, small balances, perfect history. Quick wins exist: electoral-roll registration shows in the next cycle, and paying before your statement date (not the due date) reports lower utilisation immediately.
Check all three bureaus, not one: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion hold different data from different lenders, and an error on any one can sink an application with lenders who use it. All three offer free access — use it annually.
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
How long does negative information last?
Missed payments, defaults and CCJs stay for 6 years, whether or not you later pay. Their impact fades over time even before they drop off.
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.
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.
Should I close old credit cards?
Often it's better to keep them. Old accounts lengthen credit history and unused limits lower utilisation — closing your oldest card can actually drop your score. Close cards only if temptation or fees outweigh that.
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.
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.