25 ways to improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage

Why your credit score matters for a mortgage

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders don’t just look at your income and deposit. They also review how you’ve managed credit in the past, because it helps them assess the risk of lending to you.

A stronger credit profile can make your application smoother and may help you access a wider range of mortgage options. It’s also important to remember that in the UK there isn’t one single “credit score” that every lender sees in exactly the same way. Your credit file is held by credit reference agencies, and the scoring models can differ.

Below are 25 practical ways to improve your credit profile and make it more mortgage-friendly.

1–5: Start with your credit file

1) Check your credit report regularly

Review your credit file at least once a year, and again in the weeks before you apply. This helps you spot issues early—such as accounts you don’t recognise, or changes you didn’t make.

2) Correct any mistakes

If you find errors (for example, an incorrect address, a wrong account status, or a misspelt name), take steps to have them corrected. Small inaccuracies can still cause problems.

3) Keep older accounts open (where it makes sense)

The length of your credit history can matter. Closing long-standing accounts may reduce the amount of history lenders can see. If an account isn’t costing you anything and you can manage it responsibly, keeping it open may be beneficial.

4) Make sure your details match your current address

Lenders like consistency. If you’ve moved recently, check that your address details are up to date and correctly recorded.

5) Use free credit monitoring tools

Many credit reference agencies and other services offer free access to your credit file and alerts for changes. Monitoring can help you react quickly if something unexpected appears.

6–10: Make your credit use look stable

6) Be careful with new credit applications

In the months leading up to a mortgage application, avoid applying for unnecessary credit. Multiple applications in a short period can look like you’re taking on more debt.

7) Prefer checks that don’t harm your file

Some “eligibility” checks may be recorded differently from a full credit application. If you’re comparing options, look for ways to check without triggering a hard search.

8) Reduce problem debt where you can

If you have outstanding balances, paying them down can improve how lenders view your overall situation. If you’re repaying multiple debts, consider tackling the highest interest first.

9) Aim for address stability

Where possible, keep your address consistent for longer periods. Frequent changes can add complexity to your credit history.

10) Maintain employment stability

Lenders typically want to see a stable picture. If you’re planning a mortgage, avoid major employment changes right before you apply if you can.

11–13: Strengthen your financial relationships

11) Check for outdated financial links

If you were previously financially linked to someone (for example, through a joint account that’s no longer relevant), ensure your credit file reflects the correct position.

12) Keep your own credit commitments clearly in your name

Shared accounts and certain arrangements can affect how your credit file is interpreted. Where possible, keep your own borrowing and repayments clearly defined.

13) Protect yourself from identity theft

Identity fraud can quickly damage your credit file. Use strong passwords, be cautious with unexpected messages, and act quickly if you notice accounts or searches you don’t recognise.

14–18: Use bills and payments to your advantage

14) Make sure at least one bill is in your name

Where it’s available, having household bills registered to you can help demonstrate that you manage responsibilities consistently.

15) Consider whether rent payments can be reported

Some services and platforms may report rent payments to credit reference agencies. If you rent, check whether your arrangement supports reporting.

16) Set up direct debits for key bills

Direct debits can reduce the risk of missed or late payments. Late payments can have a disproportionate impact compared with other credit issues.

17) Use reminders if you don’t want automation

If direct debits aren’t suitable, use calendar reminders so you never miss due dates.

18) Review how you pay for insurance

Some payment structures can be treated as credit-like arrangements. If you’re choosing between paying monthly or upfront, consider both the cost and how it may appear on your credit file.

19–23: Optimise credit card and borrowing behaviour

19) Keep credit card balances low

A common factor lenders look at is how much of your available credit you’re using. Keeping balances well below your limit can help your credit profile look healthier.

20) Pay more than the minimum payment

Paying only the minimum can keep balances higher for longer. Paying more can reduce your utilisation and help you clear debt faster.

21) Avoid cash withdrawals on credit cards

Cash withdrawals are often expensive and can be viewed negatively. They may also increase the likelihood of higher balances.

22) Use credit responsibly (and only when you need it)

A sensible mix of credit types can show responsible management. However, don’t take out credit purely to “improve” your score—borrow only if it genuinely fits your circumstances.

23) Avoid high-cost short-term borrowing

Payday loans and similar products can be a red flag for lenders. If you’re considering emergency credit, explore safer alternatives first.

24–25: Build credit if your history is limited

24) Consider an authorised user arrangement carefully

If a trusted person has a strong payment history, being added as an authorised user may help your file reflect positive behaviour. Only consider this if the account is well managed and the arrangement is clear.

25) Use a structured credit-building option

If you’re starting out or rebuilding, a secured credit card or a credit-building loan can create a clear repayment record. Always check the total cost and terms before committing.

A reminder: your mortgage decision is broader than your score

Your credit score is important, but it’s not the only factor lenders consider. They also assess affordability, income, employment stability, deposit size, and your overall financial circumstances.

Improving your credit profile can strengthen the picture you present, but it’s still worth ensuring your mortgage application is supported by clear evidence of income and a realistic plan for repayments.

Common credit-score improvements to prioritise before applying

If you’re working towards a mortgage application date, the most practical focus areas are usually:

• Fixing errors on your credit file
• Reducing high balances and improving utilisation
• Avoiding unnecessary new credit applications
• Ensuring bills and payments are consistently on time
• Maintaining stability in address and employment where possible

How long does it take to see results?

Some changes can show up relatively quickly—particularly when you correct mistakes or reduce balances. Other improvements, such as building a consistent payment history, take longer because lenders value sustained behaviour.

The key is to make changes you can maintain, rather than short-term actions that you can’t keep up with.