Credit Score: 26 ways to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders don’t just look at your income and deposit. They also review how you’ve managed credit in the past, because it helps them assess the risk of lending to you.

A stronger credit profile can make your application smoother and may help you access a wider range of mortgage options. It’s also important to remember that in the UK there isn’t one single “credit score” that every lender sees in exactly the same way. Your credit file is held by credit reference agencies, and the scoring models can differ.

Below are 26 practical ways to improve your credit profile and make it more mortgage-friendly.

Related guides:

• Wondering how the application process itself affects your score? Read how mortgage applications impact your credit score.
• New to credit scores generally? Read what a credit score is and how it affects your mortgage.

1–6: Start with your credit file

1) Check your credit report regularly

Review your credit file at least once a year, and again in the weeks before you apply. This helps you spot issues early, such as accounts you don’t recognise, or changes you didn’t make.

Look out for:

• accounts you don’t recognise
• incorrect balances or payment statuses
• duplicate entries
• addresses that don’t match your current situation

2) Correct any mistakes

If you find errors (for example, an incorrect address, a wrong account status, or a misspelt name), take steps to have them corrected. Small inaccuracies can still cause problems.

3) Keep older accounts open (where it makes sense)

The length of your credit history can matter. Closing long-standing accounts may reduce the amount of history lenders can see. If an account isn’t costing you anything and you can manage it responsibly, keeping it open may be beneficial.

4) Make sure your details match your current address

Lenders like consistency. If you’ve moved recently, check that your address details are up to date and correctly recorded.

5) Register on the electoral roll at your current address

Being on the electoral roll helps lenders verify identity and address history. If you’ve recently moved, check that your registration is up to date.

This is a straightforward step that can support the consistency of your credit file.

6) Use free credit monitoring tools

Many credit reference agencies and other services offer free access to your credit file and alerts for changes. Monitoring can help you react quickly if something unexpected appears.

For more on reviewing your file, read credit reports and mortgage applications and how to find your credit score.

7–11: Make your credit use look stable

7) Be careful with new credit applications

In the months leading up to a mortgage application, avoid applying for unnecessary credit. Multiple applications in a short period can look like you’re taking on more debt.

8) Prefer checks that don’t harm your file

Some “eligibility” checks may be recorded differently from a full credit application. If you’re comparing options, look for ways to check without triggering a hard search.

For more on checks early in the mortgage process, read whether an Agreement in Principle affects your credit score.

9) Reduce problem debt where you can

If you have outstanding balances, paying them down can improve how lenders view your overall situation. If you’re repaying multiple debts, consider tackling the highest interest first.

10) Aim for address stability

Where possible, keep your address consistent for longer periods. Frequent changes can add complexity to your credit history.

11) Maintain employment stability

Lenders typically want to see a stable picture. If you’re planning a mortgage, avoid major employment changes right before you apply if you can.

12–14: Strengthen your financial relationships

12) Check for outdated financial links

If you were previously financially linked to someone (for example, through a joint account that’s no longer relevant), ensure your credit file reflects the correct position.

13) Keep your own credit commitments clearly in your name

Shared accounts and certain arrangements can affect how your credit file is interpreted. Where possible, keep your own borrowing and repayments clearly defined.

14) Protect yourself from identity theft

Identity fraud can quickly damage your credit file. Use strong passwords, be cautious with unexpected messages, and act quickly if you notice accounts or searches you don’t recognise.

15–19: Use bills and payments to your advantage

15) Make sure at least one bill is in your name

Where it’s available, having household bills registered to you can help demonstrate that you manage responsibilities consistently.

16) Consider whether rent payments can be reported

Some services and platforms may report rent payments to credit reference agencies. If you rent, check whether your arrangement supports reporting.

17) Set up direct debits for key bills

Direct debits can reduce the risk of missed or late payments. Late payments can have a disproportionate impact compared with other credit issues.

18) Use reminders if you don’t want automation

If direct debits aren’t suitable, use calendar reminders so you never miss due dates.

19) Review how you pay for insurance

Some payment structures can be treated as credit-like arrangements. If you’re choosing between paying monthly or upfront, consider both the cost and how it may appear on your credit file.

20–24: Optimise credit card and borrowing behaviour

20) Keep credit card balances low

A common factor lenders look at is how much of your available credit you’re using. Keeping balances well below your limit can help your credit profile look healthier.

21) Pay more than the minimum payment

Paying only the minimum can keep balances higher for longer. Paying more can reduce your utilisation and help you clear debt faster.

22) Avoid cash withdrawals on credit cards

Cash withdrawals are often expensive and can be viewed negatively. They may also increase the likelihood of higher balances.

23) Use credit responsibly (and only when you need it)

A sensible mix of credit types can show responsible management. However, don’t take out credit purely to “improve” your score, borrow only if it genuinely fits your circumstances.

24) Avoid high-cost short-term borrowing

Payday loans and similar products can be a red flag for lenders. If you’re considering emergency credit, explore safer alternatives first.

25–26: Build credit if your history is limited

25) Consider an authorised user arrangement carefully

If a trusted person has a strong payment history, being added as an authorised user may help your file reflect positive behaviour. Only consider this if the account is well managed and the arrangement is clear.

26) Use a structured credit-building option

If you’re starting out or rebuilding, a secured credit card or a credit-building loan can create a clear repayment record. Always check the total cost and terms before committing.

Buy now, pay later and similar products

Some “pay in instalments” products may appear on your credit file. Treat them as borrowing when planning your mortgage timeline, particularly if you’re close to applying.

How your credit history is checked (and why it matters)

In the UK, credit information is held by Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs). The three main CRAs are TransUnion, Experian and Equifax.

While the exact scoring models differ, lenders typically:

• Review credit report information held by one or more CRAs
• Consider repayment behaviour and any adverse markers
• Assess overall credit management, such as how much credit you use and how often you apply

A higher credit score is often associated with lower perceived risk, but it’s not the only factor. Lenders also consider the context behind your credit history.

How long does it take to improve your credit score?

There’s no single timeline because credit reference agencies update information on reporting cycles, and lenders weigh factors differently.

In general:

• Electoral roll registration and address corrections can help relatively quickly.
• Disputing errors may take time to resolve, but correcting mistakes can improve your file sooner than waiting for time-based removals.
• Payment history and utilisation can improve as updated balances and payment behaviour are reported.
• Defaults and CCJs typically require time to fall off your file, so the impact may reduce gradually.

The key is to make changes you can maintain, rather than short-term actions that you can’t keep up.

If your mortgage application was declined due to credit

If a mortgage application was declined, it’s useful to understand the reason. Credit-related declines often relate to one or more of the following:

• recent missed or late payments
• high utilisation
• adverse markers
• insufficient credit history
• multiple recent credit applications

A practical next step is to focus on the changes most likely to improve the specific issues identified, such as correcting errors, reducing balances, and ensuring payments are consistently on time.

For more on your options, read why bad credit may not mean waiting for a mortgage.

Frequently asked questions

For independent guidance on checking your credit report, you can use MoneyHelper’s guide to checking your credit report.