💳 Credit Score
Why Is My Credit Score Low?
A low credit score has specific causes — and understanding yours is the first step to improving it. Check your credit report to identify which of the following apply.
Likely causes
- Late or missed payments recorded on your file
- Defaults or CCJs from unpaid debts
- High credit utilisation across cards
- Too many credit applications in a short period
- No credit history at all
- Incorrect or outdated information on your file
- Not being on the electoral roll
Step-by-step fix
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1
Get your credit report and read it carefully
Look for any missed payments, defaults, CCJs, or accounts you do not recognise.
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2
Identify the specific negative marks
Your report will show the date, creditor, and status of any negative items. This tells you exactly what is dragging your score down.
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3
Check for errors
Mistakes on credit files are more common than you might think. If you find one, raise a formal dispute with the relevant credit agency.
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4
Do not apply for more credit yet
Multiple credit applications create hard searches on your file and temporarily lower your score further.
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5
Make a plan based on the specific cause
Different issues have different timelines. A late payment from 5 years ago has minimal impact; a recent default is significant.