What Credit Score Do I Need to Remortgage? UK Lender Requirements Explained
Published 9th of September 2012·Updated 15 April 2026
Reviewed by: Reviewed for accuracy April 2026
There is no single credit score threshold required to remortgage. Each lender sets its own criteria, and lenders assess far more than a number. Your mortgage payment history, income, loan-to-value ratio and the age of any adverse credit entries all matter. If you have kept up your current mortgage payments, your position is stronger than you might think.
Short Summary
Credit reference agencies Experian, Equifax and TransUnion each use their own scoring systems and scales. Experian scores run from 0 to 999, Equifax from 0 to 700, and TransUnion from 0 to 710. A "good" score on one scale does not translate directly to another.
Your existing mortgage is one of the most positive things on your credit file. Consistent, on-time payments over several years demonstrate that you manage your biggest financial commitment responsibly.
The timing of any adverse credit matters. Problems that occurred before your original mortgage was approved and have since been resolved are less likely to block a remortgage than recent defaults or missed payments.
If your current deal is about to expire, your existing lender may offer a product transfer without a new credit check. This can be valuable if your credit has deteriorated since you first took out the mortgage.
What do remortgage lenders actually look at?
Lenders use a combination of factors, not just your credit score. The main considerations are:
- Mortgage payment history: Have you made every payment on time? This is the single most important factor for remortgage applicants.
- Income and affordability: Can you comfortably afford the new repayment at the rate you are applying for?
- Loan-to-value (LTV): What percentage of the property's value are you borrowing? Lower LTV means less risk for the lender.
- Type and age of adverse credit: A missed credit card payment from four years ago is very different from a County Court Judgement (CCJ) registered six months ago.
- Current outstanding debts: High levels of unsecured debt relative to income can affect affordability calculations.
No single factor automatically disqualifies you. A lender who sees a spotless mortgage payment history over five years may overlook older, minor adverse entries.
How do Experian, Equifax and TransUnion score you?
Each of the three main credit reference agencies uses a different scale. The table below shows the broad bands used by each.
| Agency | Score range | "Good" score (approx) | "Excellent" score (approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Experian | 0 to 999 | 721 to 880 | 881 to 960 |
| Equifax | 0 to 700 | 420 to 465 | 466 to 700 |
| TransUnion | 0 to 710 | 566 to 603 | 628 to 710 |
Different lenders use different agencies, and many use all three. Checking your reports with all three (available free via ClearScore for Equifax, Credit Karma for TransUnion, and the Experian free tier) gives you the fullest picture.
When did the adverse credit happen?
Timing is a significant factor. Most adverse credit entries remain on your file for six years from the date they were registered. As entries age, their weight in lenders' decisions diminishes.
As a general guide:
- Missed payments from three or more years ago: minor obstacle; many mainstream lenders may still accept your application
- CCJ satisfied over two years ago: more specialist lenders will consider it
- CCJ unsatisfied or registered within the last 12 months: restricted to adverse credit specialists only
- Bankruptcy or IVA completed over three years ago: some specialist lenders; rates will be higher
- Active bankruptcy or IVA: remortgage is very unlikely until resolved
If your bad credit predates your original mortgage approval and you have maintained a clean record since, many lenders will take a pragmatic view.
What is a product transfer and when should I consider it?
A product transfer means switching to a new deal with your existing lender. Unlike a full remortgage, it typically does not require a new credit application or a fresh affordability assessment. Your lender already holds your information and your track record.
Product transfers are often the best option if your credit has declined since you first took out the mortgage. The rate may not be as competitive as what you could get from a new lender, but it avoids the risk of a declined application and the credit file impact that comes with it.
Ask your current lender what product transfer options are available before you start shopping elsewhere. You can then have a broker compare the offer against the wider market to confirm whether it is worth accepting.
How can I improve my credit position before remortgaging?
Several practical steps can improve your credit file before you apply.
Check all three credit reports for errors. Mistakes do occur, including accounts you do not recognise, incorrect addresses or payments marked as missed when they were made on time. Dispute any inaccuracies directly with the relevant agency.
Register on the electoral roll at your current address if you have not already done so. Being on the electoral roll is one of the simplest ways to improve your score.
Reduce your credit utilisation. If you have a credit card with a £5,000 limit and a £4,500 balance, your utilisation is 90 per cent. Paying this down to below 30 per cent of the limit improves your score.
If you have recently gone through financial difficulty, waiting six to twelve months and maintaining a clean record in the interim before applying can make a meaningful difference to the options available to you.
FAQ
Can I remortgage with a CCJ on my credit file?
Yes, though your options depend on when the CCJ was registered and whether it has been satisfied. A satisfied CCJ that is more than two years old can be considered by a range of specialist lenders. An unsatisfied or recent CCJ will limit you to a smaller group of adverse credit lenders who charge higher rates. A specialist mortgage broker can identify which lenders are most likely to consider your case.
Does checking my own credit score hurt my credit file?
No. Checking your own credit report is a soft search and has no impact on your score. Only hard searches, which occur when a lender performs a full credit check as part of an application, leave a footprint on your file. Use ClearScore, Credit Karma or Experian's free tier to check your reports without any negative impact.
How many times can I remortgage?
There is no legal limit on how many times you can remortgage. Most homeowners remortgage every two to five years to secure a new deal when their fixed rate expires. Each remortgage involves a new application and credit check, so it is sensible to check your credit position before starting the process each time.
Will remortgaging show on my credit file?
Yes. A completed remortgage will appear on your credit file as a new credit account (the new mortgage) and the old one will show as settled. The hard search from the application will also appear. In the short term, your score may dip slightly. Over time, consistent repayments on the new mortgage will improve your score.
Should I use a mortgage broker to remortgage?
A whole-of-market mortgage broker can search deals across dozens of lenders, including specialist adverse credit lenders that do not deal directly with the public. For anyone with a less-than-perfect credit file, a broker significantly reduces the risk of multiple failed applications and the resulting damage to your credit score. Many brokers charge no fee to the borrower; they receive a commission from the lender. Always confirm the fee structure before proceeding.