What credit score do you need for a mortgage?

# What credit score do you need for a mortgage?

There is no fixed credit score you must have to get a mortgage. Lenders set their own rules and look at more than one number when they assess an application. That means your chances depend on a combination of your credit files, income and how lenders calculate affordability.

How lenders use credit scores

Most lenders want evidence you can manage money and repay debt. They usually look at files held by the three main credit reference agencies in the UK: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Many lenders check more than one agency so they can see a fuller picture.

Lenders also run their own internal scoring and affordability models. Those models weigh your credit history alongside income, outgoings, job stability and the size of your deposit. A higher score helps, but it does not guarantee approval by itself.

What counts as a good score (agency examples)

How scores affect your mortgage offer

Higher credit scores make lenders see you as lower risk, which increases the likelihood of acceptance and can secure more competitive interest rates. Lower or limited credit history can raise concerns for lenders and reduce the number of deals available. Lenders also consider other signs of affordability such as your deposit size and spending patterns.

What you can do to improve your chances

• Join the electoral register. Lenders use it to verify identity and it helps your credit file.
• Check your credit files for errors. Make sure names and addresses are correct and dispute any incorrect entries.
• Keep credit utilisation low. Avoid using most of your available credit on cards or overdrafts.
• Make every payment on time. Payment history is a major factor in scoring.
• Save a larger deposit. A bigger deposit can reduce the rate you're offered and widen lender choice.
• Avoid big purchases or new credit applications before applying for a mortgage. Lenders look for stable financial behaviour.
• Prepare paperwork. Having proof of income, savings and regular payments ready speeds the process and helps affordability checks.

Next steps and tools

Compare mortgage rates and deals across lenders, and consider using a mortgage calculator to estimate how different rates and deposits affect monthly payments. If you have a borderline file, a mortgage broker can identify lenders more likely to work with your circumstances.

When a credit check looks poor

If the credit check shows problems, find out which agency returned which entries, correct any mistakes, and focus on the concrete steps above to rebuild your profile. Improvement takes time, so plan ahead rather than rushing applications that may be declined.