What Is Considered a Good Credit Score in the UK?
Published 10th of December 2012·Updated 31 March 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
A good credit score in the UK depends on which credit reference agency you are looking at. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion each use different scales with different thresholds. With Experian, a score of 881 to 960 is rated "good". With Equifax, 420 to 465 is "good". With TransUnion, 604 to 627 is "good". Excellent scores start above those ranges.
Short Summary
The UK has three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Each calculates your score differently using the data they hold, so your score varies between them.
A "good" score with any agency means you are likely to be approved for most mainstream credit products, including credit cards, personal loans and standard mortgages, though lenders also weigh up your income and affordability.
Your credit score is a consumer-facing indicator. Lenders do not see the same number; they run their own internal scoring using the raw data on your file. A "good" score improves your odds but does not guarantee approval.
The single most effective thing you can do for your score is to pay every credit agreement and bill on time, every month, without exception.
What are the credit score bands for each UK agency?
Experian (scale: 0-999)
| Score range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 961-999 | Excellent |
| 881-960 | Good |
| 721-880 | Fair |
| 561-720 | Poor |
| 0-560 | Very poor |
Equifax (scale: 0-700)
| Score range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 466-700 | Excellent |
| 420-465 | Good |
| 380-419 | Fair |
| 280-379 | Poor |
| 0-279 | Very poor |
TransUnion (scale: 0-710)
| Score range | Rating |
|---|---|
| 628-710 | Excellent |
| 604-627 | Good |
| 566-603 | Fair |
| 551-565 | Poor |
| 0-550 | Very poor |
What can you do with a good credit score?
A good credit score means you are a low-risk applicant in the eyes of most mainstream lenders. With a good score you can typically access:
- Standard mortgage products from high-street lenders including Barclays, HSBC, Halifax and Nationwide
- Personal loans at competitive interest rates
- Credit cards with 0 per cent promotional periods and rewards programmes
- Car finance at standard rates
An excellent score rather than merely a good one tends to unlock the very best rates and the most generous credit limits. The difference between good and excellent is often measured in pounds and pence on interest costs over the life of a loan or mortgage.
Why does your credit score vary between agencies?
Not all lenders report to all three agencies. Your mobile network might report to Experian but not to Equifax. Your credit card provider might report to all three. The result is that each agency holds slightly different information and calculates a slightly different score. The variation between agencies can be significant.
This is why it is worth checking all three scores rather than relying on just one. Each view reveals something slightly different about how your file appears to different lenders.
Is a good score enough to get a mortgage?
A good credit score improves your chances considerably, but lenders also carry out detailed affordability checks. Since the Mortgage Market Review in 2014, lenders must verify that you can afford your monthly payments now and if interest rates rise. A good credit score combined with a strong, stable income and a reasonable deposit gives you the best position. Some applicants with excellent scores are still declined because their income is insufficient for the loan amount they are seeking.
How can you improve your credit score?
The most impactful actions are:
- Pay every credit agreement on time, every month
- Keep your credit card balances below 25-30 per cent of your total credit limit
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address
- Avoid making multiple credit applications in a short space of time
- Check your credit file for errors and dispute anything inaccurate with the relevant agency
Frequently Asked Questions
Does everyone have the same credit score?
No. Your credit score is unique to you, based on your personal credit history. It changes over time as new information is added to your file and old information falls off (most negative entries remain on your file for six years).
Can I check my credit score for free?
Yes. Your Experian score is free via the Experian website. Your Equifax score is free via ClearScore. Your TransUnion score is free via Credit Karma. None of these require a paid subscription for the basic score and report.
How long does it take to reach a good credit score?
If you are starting from scratch with no credit history, building a good score typically takes six to twelve months of consistent credit use and on-time payments. If you have negative markers such as defaults or a CCJ, it can take two to three years of clean behaviour before your score reaches the good band with most agencies.
Does closing an old credit card hurt my score?
Closing a credit card reduces your total available credit, which can increase your credit utilisation ratio and lower your score. It also removes an account with a potentially long history. If the card has no annual fee, keeping it open but unused (or used occasionally and paid off in full) is usually better for your score than closing it.
Does a good score guarantee approval for credit?
No. Lenders consider your income, employment status, existing debts and affordability alongside your credit score. A good score is a strong positive signal but it is not the only factor in the decision.