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How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?

  • Writer: Smart With Money Team
    Smart With Money Team
  • Mar 13
  • 3 min read

Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your financial health, affecting your ability to get loans, mortgages, and even some job applications. But how often should you check your credit score to keep it in good shape? Monitoring your score regularly helps you stay on top of your financial situation and catch any potential issues early.


Person checking their credit score online on a laptop

Why Checking Your Credit Score is Important


Regularly reviewing your credit score can help you:


  • Track your financial progress – See how your financial habits impact your credit rating.


  • Identify errors early – Spot inaccuracies in your credit report that could be lowering your score.


  • Detect fraudulent activity – Unauthorised accounts or credit applications could indicate identity theft.


  • Improve loan and mortgage applications – A strong credit score can lead to better interest rates and approvals.


  • Plan for major financial decisions – If you’re planning to take out a loan or mortgage, monitoring your score can help you prepare.


How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?


The ideal frequency for checking your credit score depends on your financial situation. Here are some general guidelines:


1. Monthly (Best for Active Credit Management)


Checking your credit score once a month is beneficial if you’re actively managing credit or planning major financial moves, such as applying for a mortgage or car finance. Many free credit score services update monthly, making it easy to keep track of changes.


2. Every Three to Six Months (Best for General Monitoring)


For most people, checking their credit score every three to six months is sufficient. This allows you to:


  • Stay informed about gradual improvements or declines.


  • Catch errors or fraudulent activity before they cause long-term damage.


  • Adjust your financial behaviour accordingly.


3. Before Applying for Credit (Essential Check)


If you’re about to apply for a loan, mortgage, or credit card, checking your credit score beforehand is essential. This helps you:


  • Ensure your score is in the best possible shape before lenders assess it.


  • Take action on any errors or debts that may affect your approval.


  • Avoid unnecessary hard credit checks that could lower your score.


4. After Major Financial Changes


Certain financial events can impact your credit score significantly. You should check your score after:


  • Paying off a large debt or loan.


  • Taking out new credit, such as a mortgage or personal loan.


  • Missing payments or dealing with a financial hardship.


  • Moving house or changing bank accounts.


Does Checking Your Credit Score Affect It?


No, checking your credit score does not negatively impact your rating. This is known as a "soft search" and does not leave a mark on your credit report. However, when a lender or financial institution performs a "hard search" (such as during a loan application), it may temporarily lower your score.


Where Can You Check Your Credit Score for Free in the UK?


Several services allow you to check your credit score for free in the UK. These include:


  • Experian – Offers a free basic credit score with an option for a full report.


  • Equifax – Free access to your Equifax credit score and report.


  • TransUnion – Free credit score and insights from TransUnion.


  • MSE Credit Club – Provides free Experian credit score access through MoneySavingExpert.


Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Credit Score


Once you start monitoring your credit score regularly, you’ll want to ensure it stays in good shape. Here are some key habits to maintain:


  • Pay bills on time – Late or missed payments can harm your credit score.


  • Keep credit utilisation low – Using less than 30% of your available credit limit can improve your rating.


  • Avoid unnecessary credit applications – Too many applications in a short time can lower your score.


  • Check for errors – Regularly review your credit report and dispute any inaccuracies.


  • Keep old accounts open – The longer your credit history, the better it is for your score.


Final Thoughts


Checking your credit score regularly is a smart financial habit that helps you stay informed and prepared for important financial decisions. For most people, a check every three to six months is sufficient, but if you’re planning a major financial move or actively working on improving your credit, a monthly review is best. By staying proactive, you can catch errors early, prevent fraud, and maintain a strong financial profile.



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Additionally, all content provided on SmartWithMoney.co.uk is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please seek independent financial advice before making any financial decisions.

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