How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage
Thinking about buying your first home? Before you start browsing properties, one of the smartest moves you can make is to check and improve your credit score.
Why? Because your credit score plays a huge role in determining:
- Whether your mortgage application is approved
- What interest rates you qualify for
- How much deposit you may need to put down
Even a small improvement in your score could save you thousands of pounds over the life of your mortgage.
At Finsso, we specialise in helping first-time buyers across Manchester and the UK become mortgage-ready. Here’s your complete guide to improving your credit score — starting today.
1️. What Is a Credit Score?
A credit score is a number that reflects how well you manage borrowed money. UK credit scores are calculated by agencies like:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion (via Credit Karma)
Each agency uses its own scoring range, but here’s a general breakdown:
Score Range | Rating |
800+ | Excellent |
700–799 | Good |
600–699 | Fair |
Below 600 | Poor |
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders use this score — along with your income and financial history — to decide:
- Whether to approve your mortgage
- How much they’re willing to lend
- What interest rate to offer
2️. Why Your Credit Score Matters When Buying a Home
Having a strong credit score means:
✅ Better mortgage approval chances
✅ Lower interest rates
✅ Lower deposit requirements
But a low score can result in:
❌ Mortgage application rejection
❌ Higher interest rates
❌ Larger deposit demands
Taking a few months to tidy up your credit file could make a major difference in your home-buying journey.
3️. Check Your Credit Report Early
Start at least 6 months before applying for a mortgage.
Get your free credit report from:
Look out for errors like:
- Incorrect addresses
- Unknown accounts
- Missed payments that didn’t happen
🛠️ Fix these issues quickly by disputing them with the credit agency.
4️. Register on the Electoral Roll
This is an easy way to boost your credit score.
Why? Because lenders use the electoral roll to verify your identity and address.
✅ Register online here: gov.uk/register-to-vote
5️. Pay Bills and Credit Accounts on Time
Late or missed payments can seriously damage your credit score. Make sure to pay on time:
- Credit cards
- Utility bills
- Loan EMIs
- Mobile contracts
💡 Tip: Set up direct debits to avoid missing payments.
6️. Lower Your Debt
Your credit utilisation ratio matters — how much of your credit you’re using.
Do this:
- Keep balances below 30% of your credit limit
- Avoid maxing out cards
- Don’t take out new loans just before your application
7️. Avoid Applying for Too Much Credit
Every credit application adds a hard search to your report. Too many hard searches can signal financial desperation to lenders.
🚫 Don’t apply for new credit cards, loans, or car finance in the 6 months before your mortgage application.
8️. Keep Old, Good-Standing Accounts Open
A long credit history in good standing helps your score.
✅ Keep older credit cards active — even with minimal use
❌ Don’t close accounts unless absolutely necessary
9️. Avoid Payday Loans
Even if repaid on time, payday loans are seen as a red flag by mortgage lenders.
If you’ve used one recently, wait a while before applying for a mortgage.
10. Use a Credit Builder Card If You Have No Credit History
New to credit? A credit builder card can help you establish a history.
How it works:
- Spend small amounts monthly
- Pay it off in full and on time
- Gradually build a positive credit score
🔁 Bonus: Work with a Mortgage Advisor
A local mortgage advisor (like Finsso!) can help you:
- Understand your credit report
- Find lenders with more flexible criteria
- Improve your approval chances
Even if your score isn’t perfect, the right advice can unlock better deals.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Improving your credit score takes time, but the payoff is real:
✅ Better mortgage terms
✅ Lower monthly payments
✅ More financial freedom
Start early, follow the steps above, and be proactive about your finances.
📞 Ready to Start Your Mortgage Journey?
At Finsso, we help first-time buyers across Manchester and the UK become mortgage-ready — from improving your credit score to securing your best mortgage deal.
💬 Contact us for a free, no-obligation conversation. Let’s talk credit, mortgages, and your future.
👉 Call us today.
Your home ownership journey starts with a strong foundation — and that means strong credit.
General Disclaimer:
Please note: This guide provides general information about securing a mortgage in the UK and does not constitute personalised financial advice. Always consult a qualified mortgage advisor for guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.