What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage? (And How to Improve It Fast)
If you’re preparing to buy a property, one of the first questions you may ask is: what credit score do you need for a mortgage? The truth is that lenders do not all use the same scoring systems — and they do not rely on credit scores alone. Instead, lenders look at the detail behind the score to understand your financial reliability.
This guide explains how lenders interpret credit scores, typical score ranges, what matters most on your file, and practical ways to improve your credit profile quickly. This article provides general information only and does not offer regulated mortgage advice.
Do Mortgage Lenders Use Credit Scores?
Yes, but not in the way many people think.
Credit agencies like Experian, Equifax and TransUnion give you a score, but lenders create their own internal score using the raw data from your reports.
This means:
- There is no single “magic number” required for mortgage approval.
- Two lenders can view the same applicant very differently.
- A strong score does not always guarantee approval.
- A low score does not automatically mean you will be declined.
Lenders weigh your credit history alongside affordability, income, deposit size and bank statement conduct.
What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?
While there is no universal threshold, typical expectations can be understood through the main UK credit agencies.
Experian Score Guide (Out of 999)
- Excellent: 961–999
- Good: 881–960
- Fair: 721–880
- Poor: 561–720
- Very Poor: 0–560
Most high-street lenders prefer applicants in the good to excellent ranges, but many still accept people with fair scores if the rest of the application is strong.
Equifax Score Guide (Out of 1,000)
- Excellent: 811–1,000
- Good: 671–810
- Fair: 531–670
- Poor: 439–530
- Very Poor: 0–438
Specialist lenders may consider applicants even in the poor range if issues are historic.
TransUnion Score Guide (Out of 710)
- Excellent: 628–710
- Good: 604–627
- Fair: 566–603
- Poor: 551–565
- Very Poor: 0–550
Lenders rarely rely on these numbers directly, but they give a useful indication of how your profile may appear.
What Lenders Look at More Than the Score Itself
When assessing what credit score you need for a mortgage, lenders focus on the details beneath the score.
1. Payment History
Most important factor. Lenders check:
- Missed or late payments
- Arrears
- Defaults
- CCJs
- Payoff consistency
Recent missed payments (within 6–12 months) matter the most.
2. Credit Utilisation
High utilisation (e.g., credit cards at 80–100% of their limits) can lower your score and raise lender concerns.
Lower utilisation shows responsible management.
3. Length of Credit History
New borrowers with “thin files” may have lower scores simply due to lack of history.
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Lenders may still accept these applicants if everything else is strong.
4. Number of Credit Applications
Many hard searches in a short period may make lenders cautious.
5. Type of Credit Used
Factors include:
- Payday loans (recent ones are a major concern)
- High-cost short-term credit
- Persistent overdraft use
6. Bank Statement Conduct
Often just as important as the credit report.
Lenders look at:
- Overdraft patterns
- Returned payments
- Regular income
- Stability of spending
Clean, predictable behaviour helps significantly.
Can You Get a Mortgage With a Low Credit Score?
Yes — many people secure mortgages with low or fair credit scores.
Your chances improve if:
- Issues are more than 2–3 years old
- You have a stable income
- Your deposit is strong (e.g., 10–25%)
- You have kept payments up to date recently
- You avoid overdrafts and returned payments
- You can explain any past issues
Specialist lenders use manual underwriting and may be more flexible than high-street banks.
How Deposit Size Affects Score Requirements
A larger deposit reduces lender risk and can offset a weaker credit profile.
Typical ranges:
- 5% deposit: strict scoring; good credit preferred
- 10% deposit: more flexibility
- 15% deposit: wider lender choice even with older adverse credit
- 25% deposit: specialist lenders may accept low scores or multiple historic issues
How Recent Should Your Credit Be Before Applying?
Most lenders focus on your most recent 6–12 months of financial behaviour.
Even if you have older issues, strong recent conduct can significantly improve approval chances.
How to Improve Your Credit Score Fast
(General Information Only)
Improving a credit score is often quicker than people think. The following steps can help before applying.
1. Reduce Credit Utilisation
Try to bring credit card balances below 30% of your limit.
This can increase your score within a couple of reporting cycles.
2. Avoid New Credit Applications
Hard searches can temporarily lower your score and signal risk.
Aim to avoid new credit for 3–6 months before applying.
3. Register on the Electoral Roll
Lenders use this to verify your identity.
This step alone can boost scoring significantly.
4. Correct Errors on Your Files
Check Experian, Equifax and TransUnion individually.
Dispute incorrect addresses, balances or missed payments.
5. Keep All Payments Up to Date
Missed payments have the biggest negative impact.
Even one late payment can affect your profile for six years.
6. Build a Small Emergency Buffer
Avoid:
- Unarranged overdrafts
- Returned direct debits
- Irregular cash-flow patterns
Bank statement conduct is critical.
7. Add Positive Credit
If you lack credit history, a small, well-managed credit card can help — as long as balances are paid in full each month.
Common Score Scenarios and What They Mean for Mortgages
Scenario 1: Excellent score with clean history
Strong chance of approval with high-street lenders.
Scenario 2: Fair score with high utilisation
Possible, especially with lower LTV; reducing balances helps quickly.
Scenario 3: Low score due to limited history
Still possible — lenders may rely more on income and bank statements.
Scenario 4: Low score due to historic defaults
Specialist lenders may be suitable; deposit size matters.
Scenario 5: Score drop after new credit
Often temporary. Allowing 1–3 reporting cycles can help.
Summary
So, what credit score do you need for a mortgage?
There is no single required number, but lenders expect:
- Reliable payment history
- Sensible credit utilisation
- Stable bank statements
- A realistic deposit
- No recent missed payments
- A well-managed financial profile
A strong score helps, but the detail behind the score matters more. Many borrowers secure mortgages even with fair or low credit scores — especially when income is stable, deposits are higher, and recent conduct is strong.
This article provides general information only. For advice tailored to your circumstances, regulated mortgage guidance is required.
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Important information: Mortgage Bridge provides information only and acts as a mortgage introducer. We do not provide mortgage advice or make lender recommendations. We can introduce you to an FCA-regulated mortgage adviser who can provide personalised mortgage advice.