How can I improve my credit score?

Your credit score plays a big part in any finance application, so it’s worth making sure yours is in good shape before you apply.

The good news is that if your credit score does need a bit of work to get into shipshape, most of the fixes are quick, free, and don’t require a PhD to understand.

Register on the electoral roll

This is the easiest win on the list.

Registering to vote at your current address links your name to where you live, which shows up on your credit report. Lenders can confirm your details faster as a result, and that means a smoother, quicker application.

Build your credit history

No credit history isn’t the same as good credit – to a lender, it just looks like an unknown quantity.

A bank account, a credit card you use and pay off regularly, and household bills managed well all help build a track record that lenders can trust.

Pay everything on time

Late or missed payments are one of the quickest ways to knock your score down, and the effects can linger.

Paying your credit card in full each month is ideal, but hitting the minimum by the due date is the baseline. Setting up automatic payments takes the thinking out of it, and makes your life ten times easier.

Keep your credit utilisation low

This is the percentage of your available credit you’re currently using – borrow £250 out of a £500 limit and you’re at 50%.

You want to aim to keep it under 25% where you can.

But don’t go opening a stack of new cards to get there; it can do more harm than good.

Most changes take around three months to filter through to your score, sto the sooner you start, the better your position will be when you’re ready to apply.

For the full picture – including how the different credit reference agencies score you, and what to do if your score isn’t quite there yet – take a look at our guide to checking and improving your credit score.