10 Easy Ways to Improve Your Credit Score Fast in the UK

Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining whether you qualify for loans, credit cards, or mortgages – and at what interest rate. A low score can cost you thousands in added interest over time, but the good news is that improving it doesn’t have to be hard. This guide offers 10 proven steps to increase your credit score, save money, and open up better financial opportunities. Here’s everything you need to know.

Your credit score is a number that represents your credit history – it gives you an idea of how lenders see your past relationship with credit. The higher your score, the surer lenders feel that you’ll repay what they lend you.

Credit reference agencies use your credit history to work out your credit score. The UK has three credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax and TransUnion) that score you.

They build your credit reports using information about you, your UK bank accounts and payment history. Each uses roughly the same formula, meaning they are all looking for the same signals that you are worthy of credit.

It’s a common misconception that your credit score starts at zero – this isn’t true. Your credit score doesn't start at zero. It starts developing when you begin using credit. If you’ve never used credit, you may be considered ‘credit invisible.’ Scores typically begin somewhere in the middle range and improve with responsible credit usage.

Here are a few things you can immediately do to up credit health and, in turn, prove your reliability to these agencies:

1. Use a credit card often and for small amounts

You can grow your score by using a credit card regularly and responsibly. Spending small amounts and paying off your bill each month shows lenders they can trust you to repay what you borrow.

2. Only use between 10% and 70% of your credit limit

Avoid using too much of your available credit for a better credit score. By only using a percentage of your credit limit—preferably 30%—you show lenders that you can manage your credit sensibly.

Check how much of your credit you’ve used by logging in to your ClearScore account.

3. Fix mistakes in your report

Your credit score is based on the information in your credit report. If this information isn't accurate (e.g. an account appears as ‘open' when it is 'closed'), your credit score won't be either. This could mean your score is lower than it should be. By checking your credit report regularly, you can spot and fix any mistakes, helping to raise your credit score quickly.

ClearScore gets your credit report from Equifax, the credit reference agency. So, if you find any mistakes on your credit report, you'll need to talk to Equifax directly. Read more about this in our credit reports & scores FAQs.

4. Register for the electoral roll

Getting on the electoral roll or electoral register lets credit reference agencies check your identity, making you look more reliable to lenders. Banks use the registry to verify who you are, including your name and other basic information. Not being registered can negatively impact your score and the likelihood of successful credit applications.

Register for the electoral roll or, if you’re not sure if you’re registered, you can check with your local authority.

5. Avoid making multiple credit applications in a short space of time

Every time you make a credit application, a 'hard search' is carried out on your account, which affects your credit score. If you make too many credit applications in a short period of time, lenders may think you're desperate for credit.

So, if you're rejected for credit, try waiting a while before you apply again. While you wait, check your credit report to ensure everything is right.

6. Use an eligibility checker

Avoid getting rejected for credit by using an eligibility check or a 'soft search' before you apply. This means lenders can see some information about your credit history, but the check won't affect your credit score. Only you can see if a soft search has been carried out on your account.

We’ll tell you on your ‘Offers’ page if you’re pre-approved for a credit card or loan. This gives you confidence that you’ll get a ‘yes’ when you apply for credit.

7. Get your name on some bills if it isn’t already

Utility bills – such as your mobile phone contract or gas bill – count as a form of credit. If you pay them on time, they're a great way to show lenders you can pay your bills back reliably.

You may pay your share of the bills every month, but if a flatmate is directly paying the bills, your contribution will not be reflected in a credit check.

If you don't have an account, you might consider putting one or two utility bills in your name.

8. Pay your bills on time

You can boost your credit score by paying your bills on time. Stay on top of your bills by setting up Direct Debits. This shows lenders that you can stay on top of your credit, and your credit score will be all the better for it.

The more bills you regularly pay in full in your name, the better. Credit agencies will see this when they run their report.

9. Look out for fraud

Identity fraud affects millions of people every year. If you fall victim, your credit score could be damaged by becoming responsible for someone else's credit actions.

Checking your credit report regularly will help you spot financial fraud quickly. If anyone’s trying to open credit in your name, you'll be able to see the early signs in the searches section of your report. This section lists all the 'hard' credit searches in your name. If there are any hard searches you don't recognise, it could be fraud (though it's always worth double-checking with the named lender). Find out more on how to check your credit report accurately here.

If you suspect fraudulent behaviour on your account, you should report any activity to Action Fraud.

ClearScore Protect helps to protect you from identity fraud by scanning the dark web for passwords associated with your email address – it’s free, forever. Learn more about how Protect helps keep your online identity safe..

###10. Make sure you have a good overall view of your finances Your credit score is calculated by a credit reference agency (CRA). There are three CRAs in the UK – Experian, Equifax and TransUnion (formerly Callcredit).

Each CRA may hold slightly different information about you, which means that you’ll have three different credit scores. It’s worth checking in with all three companies to get a good overall view of your finances.

When you move to the UK, your credit scores abroad don’t follow you. You’ll start from scratch; if you play it smart, there’s nowhere to go but up.

Similarly, if you’re just breaking into the adult world of finance and have never had your name associated with an account, or you’re simply trying to rebuild from a bad credit position, get ready to make a good impression.

Here are some things you can do to improve your credit score quickly in the UK:

• Secure a credit card and establish yourself.
• Use it responsibly. Make purchases with it but don’t go over your credit limit.
• Pay it off on time and in full.
• Don't spend to your limit.

If you have no credit history or poor credit history, your first card may have a low credit limit and higher interest rates. Some lenders specialise in offering credit cards for bad credit. You can read our guide to choosing the right credit card for bad credit here.

If you follow these steps, your credit score will not only exist, but it’ll be on the rise before you know it. As your score improves, options for better credit cards and financial perks (like mortgages and rental options) may open up, too.

• Use a credit card often and for small amounts
• Keep your credit utilisation low
• Fix mistakes in your report
• Get on the electoral roll
• Avoid making multiple credit applications over a short period of time
• Use an eligibility checker
• Get your name on some bills if it isn’t already
• Pay your bills on time
• Look out for fraud
• Make sure you have a good overall view of your finances