{"id":26925,"date":"2024-02-20T12:06:09","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T12:06:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/?p=26925"},"modified":"2025-12-23T10:10:53","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T10:10:53","slug":"bad-credit-score","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is A Bad Credit Score? | Lending Stream"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Your credit score is a number that reflects how well you manage your finances. <strong>It\u2019s important to keep your credit score in check for borrowing money, renting properties, or even for job applications.<\/strong> But what can you do about a bad credit score, how can you check it, and how can you fix it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To get answers to these questions and more, read on. We\u2019ll help you find out everything you need to know about a bad credit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f26f4f63434\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69f26f4f63434\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#what_is_a_bad_credit_score\" >What is a bad credit score?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#how_can_i_check_my_credit_score\" >How can I check my credit score?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#1_go_direct_to_the_credit_reporting_agencies_cras\" >1. Go direct to the Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs).<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#2_sign_up_to_a_credit_monitoring_service\" >2. Sign up to a credit monitoring service<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#what_causes_a_bad_credit_score\" >What causes a bad credit score?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#1_missed_or_late_payments\" >1. Missed or late payments<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#2_maxing_out_credit_cards\" >2. Maxing out credit cards<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#3_mistakes_on_your_credit_file\" >3. Mistakes on your credit file<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#4_not_enough_credit_history\" >4. Not enough credit history<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#what_is_considered_a_poor_credit_score\" >What is considered a poor credit score?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#can_i_get_a_credit_card_with_a_bad_credit_score\" >Can I get a credit card with a bad credit score?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#can_i_get_a_loan_with_bad_credit_score\" >Can I get a loan with bad credit score?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#how_can_i_fix_my_bad_credit_score\" >How can I fix my bad credit score?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#1_check_your_credit_report\" >1. Check your credit report.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#2_make_payments_on_time\" >2. Make payments on time.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#3_dont_make_lots_of_new_applications_close_together\" >3. Don\u2019t make lots of new applications close together.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#4_register_on_the_electoral_roll\" >4. Register on the electoral roll.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#5_remove_links_to_anyone_youre_no_longer_connected_to_financially\" >5. Remove links to anyone you\u2019re no longer connected to financially.<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#6_dont_use_up_all_your_available_credit\" >6. Don\u2019t use up all your available credit.<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/bad-credit-score\/#final_words\" >Final words<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-a-bad-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_is_a_bad_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>What is a bad credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A credit score is a number that indicates how well you manage repayments. A bad credit score is a number that reflects poor loan repayments or money management. <strong>It\u2019s based on factors such as:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your payment history<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The amount of debt you have<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The length of your credit history.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A credit score can help or hinder you when you\u2019re trying to borrow money. <\/strong>A bad credit score can make it difficult to get a loan because lenders use credit scores to decide whether to give you a loan. A lower credit score will indicate to lenders that there\u2019s a higher risk of the loan not being paid back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re able to get a loan, the interest rate will be higher. This can lead to higher monthly payments and more expensive loans overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Landlords might check it when you want to rent a property. And even some employers will check it when you apply for a job. So, if your credit score\u2019s bad, it can make your life harder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-i-check-my-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_can_i_check_my_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>How can I check my credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to check your credit score, there are a number of ways you can do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-go-direct-to-the-credit-reporting-agencies-cras\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_go_direct_to_the_credit_reporting_agencies_cras\"><\/span><strong>1. Go direct to the Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs).<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can get your credit score for free from the credit reference agencies. There are three of them in the UK, these are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/experian\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/experian\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Experian<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/equifax\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/equifax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Equifax<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/transunion\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/transunion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TransUnion<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Lenders will use the information recorded with these agencies to help them decide if they\u2019ll approve your loan. That\u2019s why it\u2019s worth checking it and making sure that what\u2019s on your credit file is accurate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-sign-up-to-a-credit-monitoring-service\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_sign_up_to_a_credit_monitoring_service\"><\/span><strong>2. Sign up to a credit monitoring service<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Credit monitoring services will give you your credit score for free if you sign up with them. By entering your information, they\u2019ll verify you with the CRAs and give you your credit score. There are a lot of credit monitoring services available, but here are two popular ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.clearscore.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Clearscore<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.creditkarma.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Credit Karma<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Registering with a credit monitoring service means you\u2019ll get sent alerts if anything changes. That way, you don\u2019t have to keep checking it as often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-causes-a-bad-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_causes_a_bad_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>What causes a bad credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are several factors that can lead to a bad credit score.<\/strong> We\u2019ve listed the most common causes below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-missed-or-late-payments\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_missed_or_late_payments\"><\/span><strong>1. Missed or late payments<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most common causes of a bad credit score. <strong>Every time you miss a loan repayment or are late paying it, it affects your credit score. <\/strong>The main reasons people miss their repayments when they\u2019re due are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>They lost their job.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They had an unexpected bill they had to pay.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>They suffered an illness, or an injury and they had no sick pay.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-maxing-out-credit-cards\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_maxing_out_credit_cards\"><\/span><strong>2. Maxing out credit cards<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re borrowing up to your credit limit, it suggests that you\u2019re not managing your debt. It looks like you\u2019re overstretched and might be struggling. <strong>Even if you\u2019re making your payments on time, this will still impact your credit score.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-mistakes-on-your-credit-file\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_mistakes_on_your_credit_file\"><\/span><strong>3. Mistakes on your credit file<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It might surprise you to know that mistakes on your credit file could hurt your credit score. <strong>A simple error with your address could mean your loan application is declined<\/strong>. That\u2019s why checking information on your credit report is important. Check that everything that\u2019s reported on there by your lenders is correct too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-not-enough-credit-history\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_not_enough_credit_history\"><\/span><strong>4. Not enough credit history<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a common problem among younger age groups. At 18 years old, you\u2019re not going to have had the chance to build up a credit history. There are people who have never borrowed money before, so their credit history is limited. <strong>With no credit history, there\u2019s no way of knowing if you\u2019re a reliable borrower, and this makes your credit score low<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-is-considered-a-poor-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_is_considered_a_poor_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>What is considered a poor credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s not one single number that represents a poor credit score. That\u2019s because each credit reference agency has their own credit scoring range. Depending on where you credit score falls within their ranges, that\u2019s how they decide how good your credit score is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To help you see where your credit score falls, we\u2019ve got the ranges for the CRAs below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Credit Score Range<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Very Poor\/Poor<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Fair<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Good\/Very Good<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">Excellent<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Experian<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0-640<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">641-860<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">861-1120<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">1121-1250<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>Equifax<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0-438<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">439-530<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">531-810<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">811-1,000<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\"><strong>TransUnion<\/strong><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">0-565<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">566-603<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">604-627<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-center\" data-align=\"center\">628-710<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>As you can see, generally a credit score below about 550 is classed as poor<\/strong>. If you\u2019ve got a bad credit score, it\u2019s worth doing what you can to try and improve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-i-get-a-credit-card-with-a-bad-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can_i_get_a_credit_card_with_a_bad_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>Can I get a credit card with a bad credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, you can get a credit card with a bad credit score. You\u2019re unlikely to be able to take out a card with the high street providers. But there are lenders who\u2019ll give you a credit card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best way to find out if you can get a credit card is by checking if you\u2019re eligible to apply with the lender<\/strong>. There are many eligibility checkers available online. This lets you find out which lenders are likely to approve your application before you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that with bad credit, you\u2019ll be offered higher interest rates. That\u2019s why you should always pay off your credit card balance when it\u2019s due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"can-i-get-a-loan-with-bad-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"can_i_get_a_loan_with_bad_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>Can I get a loan with bad credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yes, just like credit cards, there are lenders who consider offering&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/loans\/bad-credit-loans\/\"><strong>loans to people with a bad credit score<\/strong><\/a><strong>.<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/\"><strong>Lending Stream<\/strong><\/a> are a direct lender offering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/loans\/short-term-loans\/\"><strong>short term loans<\/strong><\/a>. When borrowing with a direct lender you know who you\u2019re dealing and can get straight answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also search for a bad credit loan through a broker. They\u2019ll check with a number of lenders to see who you\u2019re eligible to apply with. Be aware that some brokers may charge fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The interest rates you\u2019re offered when you\u2019ve got bad credit are likely to be higher than if you had a good credit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-can-i-fix-my-bad-credit-score\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"how_can_i_fix_my_bad_credit_score\"><\/span><strong>How can I fix my bad credit score?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The ways to fix your bad credit score is by taking the following steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-check-your-credit-report\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_check_your_credit_report\"><\/span><strong>1. Check your credit report.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;Check for errors, monitor your credit file and look out for anything that changes it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-make-payments-on-time\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_make_payments_on_time\"><\/span><strong>2. Make payments on time.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every late payment brings down your credit score. By setting up a direct debit you can make sure your payments go out on the day your salary goes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-don-t-make-lots-of-new-applications-close-together\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_dont_make_lots_of_new_applications_close_together\"><\/span><strong>3. Don\u2019t make lots of new applications close together.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It makes you look desperate for money, and it impacts your credit score.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-register-on-the-electoral-roll\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_register_on_the_electoral_roll\"><\/span><strong>4. Register on the electoral roll.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019ll give your credit score a boost if you\u2019re not already enrolled on there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-remove-links-to-anyone-you-re-no-longer-connected-to-financially\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_remove_links_to_anyone_youre_no_longer_connected_to_financially\"><\/span><strong>5. Remove links to anyone you\u2019re no longer connected to financially.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If they have a poor credit score, it\u2019ll affect you when you apply for credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-don-t-use-up-all-your-available-credit\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_dont_use_up_all_your_available_credit\"><\/span><strong>6. Don\u2019t use up all your available credit.<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep your borrowing to around 30% of your credit limit. Lenders like to see this as it signals to them that you can manage your money well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-words\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"final_words\"><\/span><strong>Final words<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might think a credit score isn\u2019t important, but it is. It can help or hinder you when you\u2019re trying to borrow money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you have a bad credit score now, don\u2019t worry. It\u2019s fixable so it doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019ll always have a bad credit score. It can change depending on how you manage your money from now on. By following our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/improve-your-credit-score\/\"><strong>tips on how to improve your credit score<\/strong><\/a>, you can begin to make it a better one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> We are not providing financial advice. These are just tips for informational purposes. Also, we are not affiliated to any of the external parties linked here, they are provided for reference only.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your credit score is a number that reflects how well you manage your finances. It\u2019s important to keep your credit score in check for borrowing money, renting properties, or even for job applications. But what can you do about a bad credit score, how can you check it, and how can you fix it? To [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":48,"featured_media":26956,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[267],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26925","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-loans"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26925"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/48"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26925"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28158,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26925\/revisions\/28158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26956"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lendingstream.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}