How to Improve Your Credit Score

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little daunting—especially when it comes to your credit score. Lenders use your credit history to decide whether to approve your mortgage and at what interest rate. The better your credit score, the more likely you are to secure a competitive mortgage deal, potentially saving thousands over the life of your loan. At Turtle Mortgages, we help first-time buyers navigate this process with confidence, including understanding and improving their credit score.

What Is a Credit Score and Why Does It Matter?

A credit score is a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. In the UK, the main credit reference agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—calculate this score based on your borrowing and repayment history. Lenders check your credit score when you apply for a mortgage to see how likely you are to repay your loan.

A higher credit score can help you:

• Access better mortgage interest rates
• Increase your chances of approval
• Potentially reduce the deposit required

Even if your credit score isn’t perfect, there are ways to improve it before applying for your mortgage.

Check Your Credit Report

The first step is to get a copy of your credit report from all three major agencies—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Look for errors, outdated information, or accounts that aren’t yours, as mistakes on your report can negatively impact your score. At Turtle Mortgages, we recommend using CheckMyFile because it provides a comprehensive view of your credit across all three agencies in one place. This makes it easier to spot discrepancies, monitor changes over time, and take action to correct any issues before applying for a mortgage. Using CheckMyFile helps ensure your credit report is accurate and gives you the best chance of securing a competitive mortgage rate.

Pay Your Bills on Time

Consistently paying bills on time is one of the easiest ways to boost your credit score. Late or missed payments are recorded on your credit file and can significantly reduce your score. Set up direct debits or reminders to help you stay on track.

Keep Your Credit Utilisation Low

Your credit utilisation ratio compares how much of your available credit you’re using to your total credit limit. Ideally, this should be below 30%. For example, if your credit card limit is £5,000, try not to owe more than £1,500 at any time. Lower utilisation shows lenders that you’re responsible with credit.

Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts

Each time you apply for credit, it leaves a footprint on your report. Multiple applications in a short period can make lenders see you as a higher risk. Hold off on opening new accounts in the months leading up to your mortgage application.

Register on the Electoral Roll

Being on the electoral roll is a simple but powerful way to improve your credit score. Lenders use this to verify your identity and confirm your address. If you’re not already registered, sign up with your local council.

Build a Credit History

If you have little or no credit history, lenders have less information to assess your reliability. Consider using a credit builder credit card or a small loan and pay it off responsibly to establish a positive record.

Avoid Large Purchases Before Applying

Taking on big debts—like a new car loan or expensive furniture—right before applying for a mortgage can impact your debt-to-income ratio and reduce your creditworthiness. Try to delay significant purchases until after your mortgage application is approved.

How Turtle Mortgages Can Help

At Turtle Mortgages, we guide first-time buyers through every step of the mortgage process. That includes helping you understand your credit score and offering practical advice to improve it before applying. With our fee-free service, we’ll find the right mortgage for your circumstances, giving you the best chance of approval and competitive rates.