Your credit score is the starting point for every loan offer. A stronger score usually means a lower rate — on a £10,000 loan, the difference between two score bands can be hundreds of pounds. The good news: small habits move the needle within a single quarter.
1. Register to vote at your address
Lenders check the electoral roll to confirm who you are and where you live. Registration takes five minutes online and is one of the fastest wins for a thin file.
2. Keep card balances under 30%
Using a small slice of your available limit signals control. If your limit is £2,000, aim to keep the statement balance below £600 — even if you clear it in full.
3. Never miss a payment date
Set direct debits for at least the minimum on every account, including phone contracts. One missed payment can linger on your file for six years.
4. Space out applications
Each full application leaves a hard search. Use soft-search eligibility checkers — like ours — and wait three months between applications where you can.
5. Check your file for errors
Old addresses, closed accounts showing as open, or someone else's missed payment all drag scores down. Dispute mistakes with the reference agency; corrections usually land within 28 days.
