What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage in the UK? Full Guide to Approval

Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make — and your credit score plays a key role in whether you're approved and what interest rate you’re offered. But many UK homebuyers are left wondering: what credit score do I actually need for a mortgage?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down how credit scores work in the UK, what’s considered a good score for mortgage approval, how lenders assess your financial profile, and the steps you can take to boost your chances of securing a mortgage deal.

Is There a Minimum Credit Score to Get a Mortgage in the UK?

There’s no universal ‘magic number’ for mortgage approval. That’s because UK lenders don’t rely on a single credit score — they assess your full credit report alongside your income, outgoings, deposit size, and overall financial history.

Each lender uses its own criteria, but in general:

• Higher scores give you access to better deals and lower interest rates

• Lower scores may still be accepted, but usually come with higher interest rates or stricter terms

Credit reference agencies (CRAs) like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion all have different scoring systems:

• Experian: 0–999 (Good: 881+)

• Equifax: 0–1000 (Good: 531+)

• TransUnion: 0–710 (Good: 604+)

Mortgage lenders don’t usually share which CRA they use, so it’s a good idea to check your score across all three.

What Credit Score Is Considered ‘Good’ for a Mortgage?

While there’s no fixed rule, most lenders consider the following as a good starting point:

• Experian: 881 or above

• Equifax: 531 or above

• TransUnion: 604 or above

A higher credit score increases your chances of being accepted for a mortgage with favourable terms. But approval also depends on:

• Deposit amount (Loan-to-Value ratio)

• Employment status

• Income stability

• Existing debt and financial commitments

• Recent credit applications

Can You Get a Mortgage with a Bad Credit Score?

Yes — but it may be more difficult. Some lenders specialise in bad credit mortgages, but you’ll likely face:

• Higher interest rates

• Lower maximum borrowing amounts

• A requirement for a larger deposit (typically 15–30%)

Issues that affect your score include:

• Missed or late payments

• Defaults or County Court Judgements (CCJs)

• Bankruptcy or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)

• Using too much of your available credit

• Frequent credit applications in a short space of time

If you've had financial difficulties, some lenders may still consider you after a waiting period (e.g. 6–12 months since a default).

How Lenders Actually Assess Your Mortgage Application

Lenders don’t rely on just your credit score — they look at your entire financial profile, including:

1. Affordability

They’ll calculate your debt-to-income ratio — how much of your monthly income goes towards debts — and assess whether you can afford the monthly mortgage payments.

2. Stability

Lenders prefer applicants with steady employment and address history. Being on the electoral roll is also important.

3. Deposit Size

The more you put down, the lower the lender’s risk. A higher deposit can offset a lower credit score.

4. Existing Credit Agreements

Having credit cards or loans isn’t a dealbreaker — but how you manage them matters. Lenders prefer low credit utilisation (under 30%) and no recent missed payments.

Read our guide on: How Credit Card Debt Affects Your Mortgage Application in the UK

How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

If your score isn’t quite where you want it to be, use these strategies to boost it before applying:

1. Register on the Electoral Roll

This is one of the quickest ways to improve your score and prove address stability.

2. Make All Payments on Time

Even one missed payment can hurt your score for up to six years.

3. Check for Errors on Your Credit File

Use free tools from:

• https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/

• https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

Dispute any mistakes with the relevant credit reference agency.

4. Reduce Your Credit Utilisation

Try to use less than 30% of your total credit limit. For example, keep balances below £300 on a £1,000 limit.

5. Avoid Multiple Applications

Each application triggers a hard search. Too many in a short period can lower your score.

6. Use a Credit Builder Card

If you have little or no credit history, a credit builder card can help establish a track record — just be sure to pay in full each month.

Unique Insight: The Lender's Internal Scoring System

Lenders don’t just use your credit score — they often have internal scoring systems that consider their own risk appetite, lending history, and borrower profiles.

For example:

• A bank may favour existing customers with a track record of responsible borrowing

• Building societies might be more flexible with self-employed applicants

This is why two lenders may give very different decisions for the same applicant.

How Long Does It Take to Improve Your Credit Score?

Some changes (like joining the electoral roll) can improve your score within a month. Others — like clearing missed payments — take longer.

You should allow at least 3–6 months to improve your profile before applying for a mortgage.

Check Your Credit Score for Free in the UK

You can check your credit score and report without affecting it:

• Experian: https://www.experian.co.uk/

• Equifax (via ClearScore): https://www.clearscore.com/

• TransUnion (via Credit Karma): https://www.creditkarma.co.uk/

Related Reading

• Read our guide on: How to Improve Your Credit Score in the UK

• Read our guide on: Can You Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit in the UK?

• Read our guide on: First-Time Buyer Mortgage Checklist

• Read our guide on: What Is a Mortgage Agreement in Principle and Does It Affect Your Credit Score?

FAQs: Mortgage Credit Scores

What is the minimum credit score for a mortgage in the UK?

There’s no fixed minimum — it depends on the lender. A higher score improves your chances but isn’t the only factor.

Do mortgage lenders use Experian, Equifax or TransUnion?

Lenders can use any of the three. It’s best to check all your reports to spot any discrepancies.

Will checking my credit score hurt my chances?

No. Checking your own credit score is a ‘soft’ search and doesn’t affect your score.

Can I get a mortgage with defaults or CCJs?

Yes, some specialist lenders offer bad credit mortgages — but you may need a larger deposit and face higher interest rates.

How soon should I check my credit before applying?

Ideally, check and start improving your score at least 6 months before applying.

Final Thoughts

Your credit score plays a crucial role in mortgage approval — but it’s just one part of the equation. Understanding how lenders assess your finances, and taking proactive steps to improve your credit profile, can significantly increase your chances of securing a better mortgage deal.

Start early, stay consistent with repayments, and avoid common credit pitfalls. With the right preparation, even those with past financial issues can become mortgage-ready.

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