What Credit Score Will I Need for a Mortgage?
Getting a mortgage is one of the biggest financial steps most people take, and if you’ve been checking your credit score lately, you’ve probably wondered: what score do I actually need to get approved?
The truth is, there isn’t a single “magic number” that guarantees a mortgage offer — but understanding how credit scores work (and what lenders really look for) can make all the difference.
At Mortgage Bridge, we help people with all kinds of credit backgrounds — from spotless records to those rebuilding after past issues — find a mortgage that fits. Here’s how your credit score affects your options, what lenders look for, and how to boost your chances.
What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage?
There’s no fixed pass or fail. Each lender has its own scoring system, but as a general guide:
- Excellent credit (score 800+) – Access to the best rates and widest choice of lenders.
- Good credit (700–799) – Strong approval odds and competitive rates.
- Fair credit (600–699) – Still very possible, but rates might be higher.
- Poor credit (below 600) – You’ll likely need a specialist lender, but a mortgage can still be achievable.
Lenders don’t just look at the number itself — they look at your full credit profile. That includes how you’ve managed credit recently, whether you’ve had any missed payments, defaults, or County Court Judgments (CCJs), and how much credit you’re currently using.
If you’ve had issues in the past, don’t panic. We regularly help clients secure mortgages even with low or damaged credit scores.
How Do Lenders Use My Credit Score When I Apply?
Lenders use your credit score to help answer one key question: Can you be trusted to make repayments on time?
They’ll run a credit check with at least one of the main agencies — Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. What they find will affect whether they approve your application, what deposit they’ll ask for, and the interest rate they offer.
Different lenders interpret the same score in different ways. For example, one lender might consider a 650 score “fair”, while another might see it as “borderline good”. That’s why being declined by one bank doesn’t necessarily mean another won’t say yes.
We work with specialist lenders who understand that life happens — and that a few late payments or past challenges shouldn’t define your future.
What’s the Minimum Credit Score for a Mortgage?
There’s no official minimum, but here’s a rough idea:
- High-street lenders: Usually prefer scores above 700.
- Specialist lenders: Often accept applications from 550+, depending on other factors like deposit size and income stability.
- Adverse credit lenders: Some may consider applicants even with scores below 500, especially if the issues are historic.
Your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle. A strong income, a solid deposit, and clean recent history can often outweigh older credit problems.
If your score isn’t perfect, don’t write yourself off — we can show you which lenders are open to your profile.
What If My Credit Score Is Low?
A low score doesn’t automatically mean “no mortgage”.
You may need to offer a larger deposit (often 15–25%) or work with a specialist lender who’s used to helping clients with adverse credit. These lenders take a more personal approach, looking at your current stability rather than just the past numbers.
Here’s what helps:
- Keeping up with all current payments
- Avoiding new credit applications before you apply
- Having a clear, consistent income
- Providing a solid explanation if you’ve had issues like defaults or CCJs
We’ve helped clients secure mortgages even after bankruptcies, debt management plans, and missed payments — so it’s absolutely worth exploring your options.
Can I Get a Mortgage If I’ve Had Defaults or CCJs?
Yes, you can — especially if they’re more than a year old or have been settled.
Lenders will ask:
- When did the issues occur?
- How much money was involved?
- Have things improved since?
If your defaults were small or linked to specific life events (like job loss or illness), some lenders are willing to overlook them — particularly if your recent track record is strong.
We’ll guide you to lenders who take a fair view and help you prepare your application so those past issues don’t hold you back.
How Can I Check My Credit Score Before Applying?
It’s smart to check all three major agencies, as lenders don’t all use the same one.
You can do this for free using:
- Experian – via MSE Credit Club or Experian’s own site
- Equifax – via ClearScore
- TransUnion – via Credit Karma
Look for any mistakes or outdated information. Even a small error, like an old address or wrongly recorded missed payment, can hurt your score — but these can be corrected before you apply.
What Steps Can I Take to Improve My Credit Score Fast?
If your score isn’t where you’d like it to be, don’t worry — there are several simple ways to boost it within a few months:
- Register on the electoral roll at your current address.
- Pay all bills on time – even one missed payment can drag scores down.
- Keep credit utilisation below 50% of your available limit.
- Avoid multiple credit applications in a short time.
- Use a credit-builder card and pay it off in full each month.
- Keep old, well-managed accounts open to show long-term reliability.
We often help clients improve their credit and then reapply for a better rate once their score has increased.
How Does My Deposit Affect My Mortgage Options?
Your deposit size can make a big difference if your credit score is lower.
Here’s what that usually looks like:
- Excellent credit: 5–10% deposit may be enough.
- Fair or poor credit: Aim for 15–25% to access more lenders.
A bigger deposit helps reduce the lender’s risk — and can even unlock better rates, offsetting the impact of a weaker score.
If saving for a larger deposit feels tough, there may be family-assisted or shared ownership options available — we can help you explore those too.
Will All My Credit History Show Up?
Yes, lenders can see six years of history, including:
- Missed or late payments
- Defaults and CCJs
- Debt management plans or bankruptcies
- Settled and closed accounts
They’ll also see positive history, so every payment you make on time helps. If you’ve been rebuilding for a while, make sure that progress is clear — it counts for a lot.
Can I Get a Mortgage If I Have No Credit History?
If you’ve never had credit before, lenders might find it harder to assess you — not because you’ve done anything wrong, but because there’s no track record to go on.
Simple steps like taking out a low-limit credit card or small mobile contract and managing it responsibly can help build a visible credit profile.
If you’re new to credit or just starting out, we can connect you with lenders that take a more flexible approach.
What Credit Score Do I Need for a Buy-to-Let Mortgage?
Buy-to-let lenders are generally more focused on the rental income than your personal credit score, but you’ll still need a reasonable record.
Most expect at least a fair credit rating (around 650+), a 25% deposit, and proof that rent will comfortably cover the mortgage payments.
If you’ve got prior credit issues, there are still specialist buy-to-let options available — we deal with them regularly.
What Happens If I’m Declined Because of My Credit Score?
If you’ve already been turned down by a bank, it doesn’t mean your journey ends there.
High-street lenders often have strict automated criteria, but we work with specialist providers who manually review cases. That human touch can make all the difference — especially when your situation doesn’t fit the “perfect” profile.
We’ll help you understand why your application was declined and build a stronger one next time.
Final Thoughts: Your Credit Score Isn’t the Full Story
Your credit score is important, but it’s only part of the picture.
Lenders also look at your income, deposit, affordability, and overall financial story. Even if your credit isn’t spotless, a well-presented application can still be approved — especially with the right broker guiding you.
At Mortgage Bridge, we help people every day who thought their score would hold them back — and we love proving that it doesn’t have to.
If you’re unsure where you stand or want to see what’s possible for you, let’s explore your options together. We’ll show you what lenders will consider, help you get mortgage-ready, and find the right path toward your new home.