What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage? A Calm UK Guide
Most people want a target number. The reality is calmer: mortgage lenders care more about what your credit report says and whether the mortgage will be affordable. Here’s how to interpret your score across UK agencies, what tends to block approvals, and what to do if you’re applying soon.
Quick Answer
What credit score do you need for a mortgage?
In the UK, there isn’t one magic credit score needed for a mortgage. Mortgage lenders usually look at your credit report (what’s on it, how recent it is, and how consistent it looks) plus affordability (income, outgoings, and existing commitments).
A higher score band (often “good” or “excellent”) can help you access more deals, but it’s completely possible to be approved with a lower score if your report is stable and the mortgage is affordable.
For a straightforward lender-style explanation, Experian summarises this well: credit and mortgages.
Why there’s no single number (and why that’s good news)
Most people want a target, like “Do I need 700?” The problem is that UK credit scoring is not a single national score.
- You don’t have one UK credit score. Experian, Equifax and TransUnion use different scoring models and ranges, so the number can vary across apps.
- Lenders may not use the score you see. Many lenders use credit reference agency data plus their own internal scorecards.
- Mortgage decisions include affordability. Even a strong score can’t compensate for a mortgage that doesn’t fit your income and outgoings.
If you haven’t already, our guide on average credit score UK explains why comparing numbers between agencies can be misleading.
If you’re new to credit reports, MoneyHelper (free, government-backed guidance) has a clear overview: credit scores and credit reports.
What mortgage lenders actually care about
Think of a mortgage application as two checks happening at the same time:
- Creditworthiness: does your report suggest you manage credit reliably?
- Affordability: can you comfortably afford the payments now and if rates rise?
Your score is just a summary. The report details are what tends to move real decisions.
The credit report items that most often make or break a mortgage
If you’re trying to work out whether you’ll pass a mortgage check, scan these parts of your report first:
1) Missed payments and defaults (recency matters)
One late payment from years ago is not the same as a missed payment last month. Lenders typically care most about what’s recent and repeated.
If you’re seeing a new drop right before applying, start with our checklist: Why has my credit score gone down?
2) Credit card utilisation (statement timing matters)
It’s common to pay in full and still look “stretched” on paper if your statement balance is high when it’s reported. The calm fix is not “stop using the card”, it’s reducing the balance before the statement date where you can.
3) Recent applications and hard searches
A few hard searches can be normal, but lots of applications in a short window can look like stress. If you’re mortgage shopping, slow down other applications (cards, finance, even some mobile contracts) until the mortgage is sorted.
4) Address and electoral register consistency
After a move, mismatched addresses across accounts can create friction. Keeping your address consistent and registering to vote (if eligible) helps lenders verify you quickly.
A practical way to interpret your score for a mortgage
Because score ranges differ, the simplest mortgage-friendly view is:
- Score band (fair / good / excellent) on the agency you’re using
- Adverse markers (missed payments, defaults, CCJs) and how recent they are
- Stability (consistent address, steady account management, no frantic applications)
If you’re in a “good” or “excellent” band across at least one agency, that’s usually a healthy sign. If you’re in “fair”, it doesn’t mean “no”, but it’s worth tightening the basics before you apply.
Common Scenarios
How the “needed score” changes by mortgage type
First-Time Buyer
Lenders often want clean recent payment history. A stable job and a clear budget can matter as much as the score.
Remortgage
If you’ve kept up with your current mortgage and your overall credit use is steady, you can still access good deals even if scores fluctuate.
Bad Credit Mortgage
It’s less about hitting a number and more about time since issues, proof of stability, and often a larger deposit.
30-Day Plan
A calm 30-day tidy-up before you apply
- Check all three agencies. Don’t chase the number; read the report lines.
- Fix identity details. Align your address across accounts and register to vote if eligible.
- Lower card balances before statement dates. Aim for “comfortable” utilisation.
- Pause new credit applications. Keep your file quiet.
- Keep payments boring. Direct debits for at least minimum payments help.
- Keep spending predictable. Avoid big “spikes” that force you onto credit.
If you have adverse history (defaults, CCJs, debt solutions), a broker can be worth it to match you with lenders whose criteria fit your timeline.
About 118M8: keep your mortgage plan steady
Mortgage prep is mostly about stability. 118M8 helps with the everyday part by turning prices into hours worked, so you can pause before you spend and avoid the “credit squeeze” month where everything goes on a card.
- Sense-check purchases in time, not just pounds
- Use “Sleep on it” for a 24-hour decision pause
- Track what you didn’t spend and keep momentum
Keep learning: Blog home · Credit Scores · Subscriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for a mortgage in the UK?
There isn’t one universal number. A “good” band helps, but lenders look at your credit report details and affordability. Focus on recent payment history, utilisation, and keeping applications to a minimum before you apply.
Will a missed payment stop me getting a mortgage?
It depends on how recent it was and whether there are multiple missed payments. Older, isolated issues are often easier to work with than recent or repeated ones. A broker can help you find lenders whose criteria match your situation.
Does checking my credit score affect a mortgage application?
Checking your own score is a soft search and doesn’t harm your score. A lender checking your file for a mortgage may record a hard search, which can have a small temporary impact.
Which credit score do mortgage lenders use in the UK?
It varies by lender. Some use Experian, some Equifax, some TransUnion, and many use internal scoring too. That’s why the best approach is to focus on the report details and keep them clean and consistent.
How can I improve my chances of a mortgage in 30 days?
In the month before you apply, aim for stability: check your reports, fix errors, reduce utilisation before statement dates, avoid new credit applications, and keep every payment on time. Small admin wins can matter more than chasing points.