How Checkmyfile Can Help You Improve Your Credit for a Mortgage

If you’re preparing to apply for a mortgage, your credit profile plays a crucial role in whether lenders approve your application and what interest rate you’re offered.

Checking your full credit information before applying gives you a clear picture of how lenders see you — and one of the most effective ways to do that is by using Checkmyfile.

At Mortgage Bridge, we regularly recommend that clients review their Checkmyfile credit report for a mortgage before we start their application. It helps identify any issues early, correct errors, and strengthen your financial position.

Here’s how Checkmyfile works and how it can help you improve your chances of mortgage approval.

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What Is Checkmyfile?

Checkmyfile is a multi-agency credit report service that combines information from the UK’s four main credit reference agencies:

• Experian
• Equifax
• TransUnion
• Crediva

Instead of checking each agency separately, Checkmyfile brings all your data together in one clear report.

This matters because not all lenders use the same credit agency — so your report might look different depending on which one they check.

💡 Tip: Using Checkmyfile means you can see your complete picture — exactly what mortgage lenders might view when assessing your application.

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Why Checking Your Credit Report Matters Before Applying

Your credit report gives lenders insight into how you manage money and repay borrowing. Reviewing it in advance helps you:

• Identify errors or outdated information that could harm your score.
• Spot missed or duplicated accounts that may appear as extra credit.
• See how much credit you’re using and where you can make improvements.
• Understand how lenders view your affordability and reliability.

By fixing small issues before applying, you could move from being seen as a “marginal” applicant to a much stronger candidate for approval.

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What Lenders See on Your Checkmyfile Report

When you apply for a mortgage, lenders review details such as:

• Your personal information (name, address history, date of birth)
• Credit accounts (loans, cards, mortgages, overdrafts)
• Payment history (on-time, late, or missed payments)
• Defaults or County Court Judgments (CCJs)
• Previous credit searches
• Financial associations (joint accounts or partners)

These factors are used to calculate your risk level and determine whether to approve your application — and at what rate.

💡 Even if your credit score isn’t perfect, many lenders consider the full story — especially if your financial situation has improved recently.

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How to Use Checkmyfile to Improve Your Credit

Once you’ve accessed your report, here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Check for Errors or Inaccuracies

Mistakes such as wrong addresses or outdated account statuses can harm your score. If you find an error, contact the relevant agency or lender directly to correct it.

2. Review Your Payment History

Missed payments or defaults within the last 6–12 months can affect eligibility. Focus on consistent on-time payments to demonstrate reliability.

3. Keep Credit Utilisation Low

Try to use less than 50% of your available credit. High utilisation suggests over-reliance on borrowing.

4. Close Unused or Dormant Accounts

Having too many open credit lines can make lenders cautious. Keep active, relevant accounts and close old ones carefully.

5. Avoid Multiple Applications

Each new credit check leaves a footprint. Too many applications in a short period can lower your score.

6. Disassociate Financial Links You No Longer Share

If you’ve had joint accounts with someone (such as a former partner), they may still appear linked on your file. You can request financial disassociation if that relationship has ended.

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How to Access and Download Your Checkmyfile Report

You can create an account and access your report online within minutes.

Here’s how to download your Checkmyfile credit report for a mortgage:

On Desktop:

1. Log in to your Checkmyfile account.
2. Scroll to the bottom of the homepage and click “Print/Save My File.”
3. In the print options window, select “Save as PDF.”
4. Choose a secure location on your device and save.

On iPhone or iPad:

1. Click “Print/Save My File.”
2. Tap the share icon in your browser.
3. Select “Options” → “PDF” → “Done.”
4. Tap “Save to Files” and choose where to store it.

On Android:

1. Tap “Print/Save My File.”
2. Select “Save as PDF.”
3. Choose where to save and confirm.

💡 Always keep your report secure — it contains sensitive personal and financial data.

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What Is a Good Credit Score for a Mortgage?

There’s no single “pass” score because each lender has its own criteria. However, generally speaking:

Credit Rating	What It Means for Mortgages
Excellent	Most lenders will offer top rates.
Good	Strong chance of approval with competitive rates.
Fair	May need a higher deposit or specialist lender.
Poor	Limited options, but not impossible. Specialist advice helps.

💡 Checkmyfile helps you understand where you sit within each agency’s scoring system, giving you clarity on what lenders may see.

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Example: Improving Credit Before Applying

A client came to us after being declined by a high street bank. Their Checkmyfile report revealed two outdated credit card defaults still marked as open.

After contacting the provider to update their status, their credit score improved within weeks. With a corrected file, we matched them to a specialist lender — and their mortgage was approved.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to apply for a mortgage, understanding your Checkmyfile credit report is one of the smartest first steps you can take.

It gives you a full view of how lenders see you, helps you correct issues early, and shows where you can strengthen your financial profile.

This article provides general information only. For personalised guidance, regulated mortgage advice is required.