{"id":182,"date":"2024-04-07T09:47:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-07T09:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wordpress-1197097-5857112.cloudwaysapps.com\/?p=182"},"modified":"2026-06-16T17:50:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T17:50:57","slug":"how-to-maintain-a-good-credit-score","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/news\/insights\/how-to-maintain-a-good-credit-score\/","title":{"rendered":"8 tips to improve your credit score"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let\u2019s start with the basics. A credit score is a number that is generated by an algorithm that takes the information from your credit report, which is typically updated on a monthly basis. Finance providers and various other service providers use your credit score to determine if you are creditworthy and likely to make repayments on time.<\/p>\n\n\n<section class=\"table_of_contents\">\n    <h5>Table of contents<\/h5>\n    <ul>\n        <li><a href=\"#section1\">What we heard at MTF 2025<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#section2\">The data confirms it: Our community is underserved<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#section3\">StrideUp&#8217;s model resonated deeply<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#section4\">More than a moment &#8211; a movement<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#section5\">The data confirms it: Our community is underserved<\/a><\/li>\n        <li><a href=\"#section6\">So, what\u2019s next?<\/a><\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is a good credit score and how is it calculated?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Experian,<\/a> a good credit score is between 881 and 960 and an average score is between 721 and 880. However, there\u2019s no magic number that will guarantee a finance provider will approve a credit application. Also, the provider may have different views of what an ideal customer looks like to them, which will be reflected in how they calculate a credit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although each credit bureau <a href=\"https:\/\/www.experian.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Experian<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.equifax.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Equifax<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.transunion.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Transunion<\/a> has a different method for working out someone\u2019s credit score, they all use basic personal information, along with financial history to see how likely that person is to commit to their agreed payment terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to that, every credit application leaves a footprint behind. Meaning, every time a lender, employer, insurer, landlord or debt-collection company looks into an individual\u2019s credit history, they leave behind a footprint too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are two types of footprints: soft and hard. Generally for a Home Purchase Plan, or mortgage, DIP, finance providers take a soft footprint which is an enquiry and does not impact a customer credit score. At a full application a hard footprint is taken, if this happens often it may adversely impact your credit score as detailed below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center stretched\"><strong>A lot of hard footprints over a short period of time may sound like someone is desperate for credit or struggling to keep up with credit card payments and therefore considered damaging for a good credit score.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other end of the scale, it is good to know what qualifies a poor credit score, which is often linked to an individual\u2019s history of failing to pay bills on time. Credit history is used to calculate the likelihood of said individual failing to make payments again in the future. The more likely that they\u2019ll fail to make payments, the lower the credit score is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In order to keep a good credit score consumers should pay attention to the following red flags:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Failing to stick to the credit agreement:<\/strong> Making a late payment, missing a payment or paying less than is required by a credit agreement, all gets added to the credit history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choosing the wrong credit card:<\/strong> It\u2019s important to choose a credit card that has a credit limit, interest rates and fees that will help the individual to stay on top of repayments and well within their balance limit. These are both factors that credit reference agencies use to decide your credit rating.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Only paying the minimum each month:<\/strong> It might be tempting to only repay the minimum amount on the credit card each month, but paying more than the minimum can mean spending less on interest and potentially improving the credit score.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Identity theft:<\/strong> Imagine doing everything to keep a credit rating in great condition, only for someone to compromise your credit cards, run up huge bills and damage your rating.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why do you need a credit score?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your credit score is calculated from the information in your credit history. Finance providers will use your credit score to help make decisions on the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"blog_stat_vertical\">\n            <div class=\"item\">\n            <h3 style=\"color: #20272D\">Whether they will give you finance<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"desc\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item\">\n            <h3 style=\"color: #3EA975\">How much finance they can give you<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"desc\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"item\">\n            <h3 style=\"color: #70B8B8\">What rates they will charge you<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"desc\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most recent information in your credit history is deemed the most important as finance providers are interested in your current situation. However, your financial history, good and bad, from the past six years will be on record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out how much finance you can get from StrideUp, get a decision in principle by clicking the button below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8 ways to improve your credit score to get home financing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you apply for a home finance product, the finance provider will use your credit history to understand how you manage your finances. As well as checking your credit history, they\u2019ll also request to see your income, savings and monthly outgoings. The reason for these credit checks is to ensure you\u2019ll be able to make your monthly repayments, even if current circumstances change. A change in circumstances could be things like your monthly income decreasing, outgoings increasing or interest rates going up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Register on the electoral roll<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps one of the most straightforward tips to improve your credit score is registering on the electoral roll. Whether your current address is single-occupancy, shared accommodation or living at home with your parents, it should be registered. Go to the <a href=\"http:\/\/gov.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GOV.UK<\/a> website to register.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong>2. Keep on top of your bills<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paying your bills on time and in full each month is an excellent way to show finance providers that you can responsibly manage your money. From your utilities to car insurance and your phone bill, keeping on top of payments goes a long way. Generally, old, well-managed accounts will improve your credit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>3. Keep your credit utilisation low<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Credit utilisation is how much of the credit available that you use. For example, if you have a credit card with a limit of \u00a35,000 and you\u2019ve used \u00a33,000 of that, your credit utilisation is 60%. Typically, using less of the credit available to you will be favourable to finance providers and benefit your credit score. If you can, aim to keep your credit utilisation around 25% or lower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>4. Check for any errors on your file<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s worth checking your credit score file for any mistakes. Even a minor error in your address can affect your credit score. So, be sure to double-check the details and flag any incorrect information right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"custom_video custom_image wp-block-video w-full h-auto tabland:rounded-[32px] relative overflow-hidden\">\n    <div class=\"image w-full h-full max-h-[600px] tabland:rounded-[32px] overflow-hidden object-cover relative\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"w-full h-auto\" src=\"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/687f5aa501c4723c67dbf6a4_6464b365718fc5b096b8a679_pexels_cottonbro_4065876_08bcedf6c3.jpg\" alt=\"Learn about improving your credit score.\">\n    <\/div>\n    <figcaption>Learn about improving your credit score.<\/figcaption>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>5. Check if you\u2019re linked to another person<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your credit rating is linked to another person through a joint account, their credit score could impact yours, particularly if it\u2019s poor. So, if you\u2019re linked to a spouse, family member or friend, this is an important consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>6. Check for any fraudulent activity<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019ve flagged something incorrect or doesn\u2019t apply to you on your credit report, you should contact the credit reference agency to have your file updated. For example, if someone has applied for credit in your name without you knowing, you should flag this immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>7. See if you could get an instant credit score boost<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some credit score checkers such as Experian will allow you to connect your current account to your credit score account securely. By doing this, you can showcase how well you manage your money. For example, they may look at regular outgoings for things like Apple Music, Netflix and car tax. In addition, they\u2019ll be able to see when you\u2019re moving money into saving and investment accounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>8. Build your credit history<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A common hurdle young people and people who are new to the country face is a lack of credit history. Having little or no credit history makes it difficult for finance providers to assess your eligibility. In addition to the tips we\u2019ve listed above, you may choose to take out a credit card or a small form of a credit to build your credit history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, taking out a mobile phone contract is usually relatively easy, but it is a good way of demonstrating that you can make repayments on time each month. For credit cards, the best practice is to pay them off in full and on time every month, showcasing you are financially responsible. Remember, you should never take out credit you can\u2019t afford.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How long will it take to improve my credit score?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Negative marks on your credit history, such as county court judgements (CCJs), missed payments, loan defaults, and bankruptcy, will remain on your file for at least six years. After that, they\u2019ll be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving your credit score isn\u2019t something you can achieve overnight. Generally, credit history is something that is built up slowly over time. When you follow our tips, you can expect your credit score to increase slowly but surely. While improving your credit history is a long game, it\u2019s certainly worth doing. Although it\u2019s possible to get a &#8216;bad credit mortgage&#8217;, it\u2019s something you should try to avoid. Instead, embrace responsible money management and patience; it will pay off in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve made it our mission to offer a wealth of resources on our blog, from <a href=\"https:\/\/strideup.co\/blog\/buying-a-home-in-your-20s\">buying a home in your 20s<\/a> to everything you need to know about <a href=\"https:\/\/strideup.co\/blog\/alternatives-to-mortgages-what-are-my-options\">alternatives to mortgages<\/a>, be sure to check it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once your credit is in good shape, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/strideup.co\/application-process\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"480\">StrideUp&#8217;s application process<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"special_separator flex justify-center my-8 middletab:my-14\">\n    <svg width=\"62\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 62 12\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n        <path d=\"M15.5 7.45938C15.5 3.30547 12.0854 -0.0560486 7.89524 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-0.0560486 53.8952 0.000708303C49.9853 0.0537023 46.7309 3.14742 46.5121 7.03041C46.4125 8.7974 46.9324 10.4402 47.8748 11.7644C48.0643 12.0304 48.442 12.0793 48.693 11.8695L53.1994 8.10879L53.2029 8.10691C53.4191 7.92692 53.6979 7.81874 54.0018 7.81874C54.3057 7.81874 54.5917 7.92974 54.8093 8.11381L54.8127 8.11569L59.3084 11.8673C59.5597 12.0771 59.9377 12.0275 60.1272 11.7613C60.9918 10.5456 61.5 9.06143 61.5 7.45907V7.45938Z\" fill=\"#627C84\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"blog_cta rounded-[24px] tabland:rounded-[32px] my-8 tabland:my-14 py-8 tabland:py-12 px-6 tabland:px-5 text-center\" style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4;\">\n    <h2 class=\"font-ttnormspro slightly-tight-letters-title text-3xl font-extrabold mb-4\" style=\"color: #20272D;\">Stay in the loop.<\/h2>\n    <div class=\"desc font-lexend text-sm text-[#6A6A6C] mb-8 leading-normal font-feature-on tight-letters-paragraph\">Join our newsletter for exclusive updates and insights you won\u2019t want to miss.<\/div>\n            <a href=\"#subscription_form\" class=\"btn w-fit mx-auto\">\n            <div class=\"text\">\n                Subscribe            <\/div>\n        <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"disclaimer my-8 tabland:my-14\">\n    <div class=\"desc font-lexend text-xs text-[#6A6A6C] leading-tight font-feature-on slightly-tight-letters-paragraph\"><p>YOUR PROPERTY MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP THE PAYMENTS ON YOUR PURCHASE PLAN.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In our latest blog post, we\u2019re talking about all things credit scores.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":919,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[70,69,71],"post_author":[50],"class_list":["post-182","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-insights","tag-first-time-buyer","tag-good-credit-score","tag-how-to-keep-a-good-credit-score","post_author-team-strideup"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3919,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182\/revisions\/3919"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/919"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182"},{"taxonomy":"post_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/strideup.co\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post_author?post=182"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}