Need to improve your credit score? Well, you’ve come to the right place. No matter if you’re trying to recover from past financial difficulties, or you need to build it from scratch, there are plenty of things you can do to boost your credit score. Here, we run through five of them.
1. Check for errors on your credit report
Spotted an error on your credit report? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to request a correction as soon as possible. Your credit score is based on your credit report. So, if there are errors, your score can be negatively affected. Look out for things like incorrect previous addresses, old credit accounts showing as active, and any signs of fraudulent activity.
Think you might be a victim of fraud? Notify your bank or credit provider straight away and report it to Action Fraud.
2. Register on the electoral roll
Registering on the electoral roll can be an easy way to boost your credit score. It helps credit reference agencies verify your address, so if you do decide to search for a loan or credit, lenders have a clearer picture of your credit history.
Live in the UK and want to register to vote? Apply to join the electoral roll here.
3. Keep on top of monthly repayments
If you are currently repaying any debt, making sure you pay the minimum monthly repayment on time, every month can help improve your credit score. This is because it indicates to other lenders that you are in control of your finances, making you appear a reliable person to lend to.
4. Regularly use a credit card for small payments
If you’ve got no credit history at all, regularly using a credit card for small amounts is a good way of building a credit profile from scratch. Be sure to pay off the credit you owe at the end of each month though, otherwise it can have a negative impact on your score.
5. Avoid multiple credit applications
Making lots of credit applications in a short space of time can be a red flag for lenders. This is because it can suggest anything from fraudulent activity on your account to applying for more credit than you can afford. If you do get rejected for a loan or credit, don’t apply again immediately as it can reduce your score.
For more information about what impacts your credit score and how it can affect you, read our guides:
