What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?
- ajitkainth
- Jul 23
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial steps you’ll take. And one of the first things lenders will look at? Your credit score. Whether you're buying your first home or remortgaging, your credit profile helps determine not just if you’ll be approved, but also how much you’ll pay in interest.
But what credit score do you actually need to get a mortgage in the UK? Let’s break it all down from what counts as a good score, to what options you have with a low one, and how to boost your chances of approval.
Why Your Credit Score Matters
Your credit score is like your financial report card. It's used by lenders to measure how reliably you’ve handled credit in the past like loans, credit cards, and utility bills.
In the UK, lenders typically check your credit report from one or more of the three major credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. A high score suggests you're a low-risk borrower, which can lead to better mortgage deals, lower interest rates, and faster approvals. A low score, however, might mean fewer lenders are willing to work with you or only at higher rates.
Reference: Experian UK confirms that “your credit score is one of the factors that lenders use when deciding whether to approve your application”
What Counts as a Good or Excellent Credit Score?
Each credit reference agency uses its own scale to rank your score. That means your number can look different depending on who you check it with:
Agency | Score Range | Excellent | Good | Fair | Poor | Very Poor |
Experian | 0 – 999 | 961 – 999 | 881 – 960 | 721 – 880 | 561 – 720 | 0 – 560 |
Equifax | 0 – 1000 | 811 – 1000 | 671 – 810 | 531 – 670 | 439 – 530 | 0 – 438 |
TransUnion | 0 – 710 | 628 – 710 | 604 – 627 | 566 – 603 | 551 – 565 | 0 – 550 |
While the score ranges vary, the general principle is the same: the higher your score, the more access you’ll have to favourable mortgage deals.
What Credit Score British Lenders Look For
Lenders don’t just rely on the number itself they perform a credit check that examines your full credit history. However, many high-street lenders prefer applicants with scores in the Good to Excellent range. Some lenders also use internal credit scoring models based on their own lending history and risk appetite.
That said, there's no universal minimum score that guarantees approval. Some lenders accept lower scores if you meet other criteria like:
A larger deposit (15%+)
Stable, long-term employment
Low levels of existing debt
Clean repayment history for at least 12 months
How Mortgage Lenders Assess Your Credit Score
When reviewing your application, mortgage lenders evaluate multiple financial and personal factors:
Your credit report: This shows missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or bankruptcies.
Credit utilisation: Using too much of your credit limit (e.g. maxed-out credit cards) can signal risk.
Payment behaviour: On-time payments across accounts are a major positive sign.
Credit mix: A healthy variety of credit (credit cards, personal loans, etc.) can improve your standing.
Affordability: Beyond credit, lenders look at your income, monthly expenses, debts, and dependents.
What Is a Good Credit Score to Get a Mortgage?
To give you a clearer idea of what your score could mean, here’s how Experian’s credit score bands typically align with mortgage opportunities:
Rating | Score (Experian) | What This Means for Mortgage Applications |
Excellent | 961 – 999 | You're highly likely to be offered the best mortgage deals with the lowest rates. |
Good | 881 – 960 | You’ll still get strong mortgage offers, though some premium products might be out of reach. |
Fair | 721 – 880 | You can qualify for mid-range deals, often with slightly higher interest rates. |
Poor | 561 – 720 | Approval is possible but expect limited options and higher interest rates. |
Very Poor | 0 – 560 | You may struggle to get approved or face very costly, specialist mortgage products. |
Low Credit Scores – What Your Options Are
A low credit score doesn’t necessarily mean a mortgage is off the table. You may need to look beyond mainstream lenders.
Here are a few alternatives:
Specialist bad-credit lenders: These lenders focus on applicants with adverse credit but offer higher interest rates.
Guarantor mortgages: A family member agrees to cover repayments if you default.
Joint mortgages: Applying with someone who has a stronger credit profile may help.
Larger deposit: A bigger deposit (20% or more) can reduce the lender’s risk and improve your odds.
Steps to Improve Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score can open up more affordable mortgage options. Here’s how to get started:
Check your credit report across all three CRAs for errors or outdated info.
Register on the electoral roll to verify your address.
Pay all bills and debts on time, including mobile phone contracts and utilities.
Keep your credit utilisation below 30% of your available limit.
Avoid multiple credit applications in a short timeframe.
Build a credit history with a small, manageable credit card if you’ve never had credit before.
Don’t close old accounts unnecessarily—longevity helps your profile.
When You Can Expect to See Improvements in Your Credit Rating
How long it takes to improve your score depends on the severity of the issues:
Minor fixes (e.g., updating address, paying off credit card): 1–3 months
Late payments: Stay visible for 6 years, but effects lessen after 12–18 months of on-time payments
Defaults and CCJs: Visible for 6 years, but consistent good behaviour can start improving your score in 12–24 months
The key is patience and consistency. Positive habits compound over time.
Common Mistakes That Harm Your Credit Score
Avoid these common missteps that can drag your score down:
Missing or late payments
Exceeding credit limits
Frequently applying for credit
Not being on the electoral roll
Letting accounts fall into default
Closing long-standing credit accounts too soon
Each one adds risk from a lender’s point of view and may cause delays or rejections when applying for a mortgage.
What If My Mortgage Credit Check Was Poor?
If your mortgage application was declined due to a credit issue, don’t panic. Here’s what to do:
Ask the lender why you were rejected—they may share helpful insight.
Request your full credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Work with a mortgage broker who can match you to lenders that suit your credit profile.
Pause future applications—every rejection leaves a mark.
Focus on credit repair—then reapply once your score improves.
How Do Lenders Make Their Decisions?
Mortgage lenders evaluate two main factors:
Creditworthiness – judged via your credit history and score.
Affordability – based on your income, debts, and ability to keep up with payments.
Most lenders use automated systems, but some applications (especially for self-employed or complex cases) are manually reviewed by underwriters.
Each lender has their own internal scoring methods and risk tolerance. That’s why one rejection doesn’t mean every lender will say no.
Ready to Improve Your Credit Score for a Mortgage Application?
If your credit score isn’t quite where it needs to be, don’t worry there are clear, achievable steps you can take to improve it. Whether you're a first-time buyer or preparing to remortgage, strengthening your credit profile can make a big difference in the mortgage deals available to you.
At Ape Finance, we understand that everyone’s financial journey is different. That’s why we offer expert guidance tailored to your unique circumstances. From reviewing your credit file to connecting you with lenders who look beyond just your credit score, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions.
We provide:
Professional mortgage advice
Access to both mainstream and specialist lenders
Credit-friendly mortgage solutions
Clear, honest support throughout the process
Take control of your mortgage journey today.
Visit www.apefinance.co.uk to speak with a dedicated adviser or request a free, no-obligation consultation.
