Never checked your credit score? You're in good company.

Whether you're preparing for a credit application or simply curious about where you stand, checking is quick and straightforward. And knowing your number — plus understanding what's behind it — is the first step towards improving your credit health.

Why check your credit score at all#

Your credit score is a snapshot of your credit health. It's calculated from the information on your credit report, which is what lenders review when you apply for a mortgage, a mobile phone contract, a personal loan, a credit card and so on.

It reflects your credit history: how you've managed payments, how much of your available credit you're using, and whether you're registered to vote.

It also changes regularly, which is the real argument for keeping an eye on it. If it drops, or simply isn't where you'd like it to be, you'll know in time to do something about it.

Why all three agencies matter#

The UK has three main credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion — and each keeps its own credit report on you and works out its own score.

Each agency holds slightly different information. Lenders report to different agencies, not necessarily all three, and they don't all check the same one either. So if you only ever look at one agency, you could easily miss something that matters. Checking all three shows you the full picture of what a lender might see.

Step 1: Choose where to check#

Each agency must give you a copy of your credit report free of charge, and our page on free statutory reports links to each one's own page. Plenty of free apps and websites also show you one agency's report and score.

Step 2: Give your details#

You'll be asked for some basic details — your name, date of birth and address history. This is what lets the agency match you to your credit records.

Step 3: Verify your identity#

To protect your data, the agency will check it's really you, usually with a few security questions based on your credit history. If it can't confirm you online, it may ask for a copy of an identity document, or for you to apply by post.

Step 4: Read your credit report#

There's a lot in there, but each entry shows which lender reported it. If you spot something that doesn't look right, that tells you who to contact.

What your score means#

Each agency scores on its own range: Experian from 0 to 1,250, Equifax from 0 to 1,000 and TransUnion from 0 to 999. Each divides its range into bands, from poor to excellent, and shows you which one you are in. You can read more about how to move up.

Your score isn't fixed. It moves up and down depending on how you manage your credit.

Five things that help your score#

Score not where you'd like it? Whatever your number is today, there are things you can do to shift it in the right direction.

  • Pay on time. Missed or late payments hurt your score. Set reminders, or use direct debits so it's one less thing to think about.
  • Stay credit active. Having some credit and using it responsibly helps — just don't take on more than you need.
  • Keep balances low. Maxing out cards and using a large share of your available credit drags your score down, because lenders may read it as dependence on credit and a higher risk.
  • Register to vote. The listing does two jobs beyond the ballot box: it confirms you live where you say you do, and a long spell at one address reads as stability.
  • Check for errors — and raise a dispute if something isn't right.

You'll find in-depth articles and guides covering every aspect of growing your score in our help centre.

The key things to remember#

  • Your score is calculated from your credit report and changes regularly.
  • Payments, credit usage and Electoral Roll registration all feed into it.
  • Checking only one agency risks missing information a lender might see.
  • Each agency checks who you are before it shows you your report.
  • Experian scores out of 1,250, Equifax out of 1,000 and TransUnion out of 999.
  • Nothing about your score is permanent.