How to improve your credit score

A credit score is a number that represents the ‘creditworthiness’ of a person based on an analysis of a person’s credit files, which indicates their capability to repay a loan. Any payments you have failed to commit to can immediately limit your borrowing options and your ability to secure credit in the future.

Although we offer bad credit mortgages, adverse credit mortgages and CCJ mortgages, we understand that improving your credit score may be something you are looking to achieve. We’ve listed a few basic checks to help improve and maintain a good credit rating:

• Ensure all your debts are registered to your full, correct name and your current address.
• Similarly, correct any mistakes on your credit file; this could include other people’s debts.
• End any credit agreements you no longer use.
• Build a good credit history of lending and paying it back. You could choose to take out a store card or credit card and build a history of paying back any amounts you owe. Avoid committing to a payment you don’t think you’ll be able to pay back in the future.
• Do everything you can to keep up all agreed repayments.
• If you have a bank overdraft, be very careful not to exceed your limit. If you continually exceed your overdraft limit and fail to repay funds into your account then you’ll land a black mark against your name.

Where to start if I have a poor credit rating?

Although it seems obvious, the first thing to do is to make sure all your payments to creditors are made on time. Pay off any outstanding defaults or ask for smaller repayments if you’re really struggling to pay off the money owed.

Next, obtain a copy of your credit history through Experian, Equifax or Callcredit. Ensure everything is up to date and that everything is registered to the correct address and register on the Electoral Roll.

Mosaic Mortgages can review your credit file and provide you with advice on how to improve your credit rating. If you have a failed high street credit score than refrain from applying to multiple lenders; this will only make you look desperate and seriously affect your credit rating.

We will always try to help in the majority of circumstances, yet should we feel that it’s not the right time to apply for a mortgage now, we will advise you what to do to make sure you can secure a mortgage in the future.

Contact us for more information on our independent mortgage advice, failed credit score advice or bad credit mortgages.