Lenders will look at your credit history when deciding whether to take you on as a customer if you’re looking to get a credit card or take out a personal loan. Your credit score is a number that represents how creditworthy you are, and it tells you whether you need to work on building a good credit history. But what is the average credit score in the UK?
The average credit score in the UK is 644 according to Equifax. The average credit score varies depending on age group and location within the UK. It is also important to note that scores will be different depending on the credit reference agency used.
The averages and figures used in this article are based on Equifax data.
Credit scores are divided into different bands to help people in the UK better understand their position and rating when it comes to their credit history and how likely they are to be accepted by a lender. There is no such thing as a universal credit score in the UK as there are different credit scoring agencies.
Equifax uses a 5-band system ranging from poor to excellent, with a highest possible score of 1000. A good credit score needs to be at least 531.
Experian uses a 5-band system ranging from very poor to excellent, with a highest possible score of 999. A good credit score needs to be at least 881.
TransUnion uses a 5-band system ranging from very poor to excellent, with a highest possible score of 710. A good credit score needs to be at least 604.
The average credit score increases with age, according to 2023 data from Equifax. People under the age of 25 tend to have a poor credit rating, while those between the ages of 25 and 44 have a good credit score on average.
Those aged between 45 and 64 have a very good credit rating. Those aged 65 and over are the only people that have an excellent credit score on average.
| Age group | % Split | Average score |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | 5.30% | 447 |
| 25-34 | 26.90% | 539 |
| 35-44 | 30.60% | 637 |
| 45-54 | 20.70% | 718 |
| 55-64 | 11.10% | 781 |
| 65+ | 5.20% | 839 |
1 in 5 people in the UK (19.8%) have a poor credit score. 1 in 20 Brits (5%) have also admitted hiding credit score problems from their partner in a current or past relationship.
Our research in 2023 found that 1 in 10 Brits (10%) would be classed as credit invisible, meaning they have no credit history on record. This equates to around 5.6 million UK adults.
According to Emily Herring, credit and loans expert at finder.com, being classed as “credit invisible” has several downsides: “Credit applications may take longer because lenders will have to complete a manual and detailed risk assessment. The rates you’re offered may also be higher since lenders have no evidence that you’ve been able to manage credit well in the past.”
If you are a young person or you have a limited credit history, you can establish a good credit report by using a credit card.
The average credit score is lowest in Northern Ireland and highest in the South East, with scores of 603 and 680 respectively. There is a significant difference between the regions:
| Region | % Split | Average score |
|---|---|---|
| East Midlands | 8.00% | 644 |
| East of England | 12.40% | 668 |
| London | 11.10% | 607 |
| Northern Ireland | 2.00% | 603 |
| North East | 3.60% | 613 |
| North West | 10.50% | 617 |
| Scotland | 6.70% | 649 |
| South East | 18.40% | 680 |
| South West | 6.60% | 671 |
| West Midlands | 8.30% | 627 |
| Wales | 4.80% | 640 |
| Yorkshire and The Humber | 7.40% | 629 |
This is the breakdown of credit score bands according to data from Equifax:
| Score band | % Split | Average score |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 27.20% | 918 |
| Very good | 21.50% | 739 |
| Good | 20.50% | 603 |
| Fair | 11.00% | 487 |
| Poor | 19.80% | 293 |
Emily Herring, credit and loans expert at finder.com explains the importance of having a good credit score.
Matt Mckenna
UK Head of Communications
T: +44 20 8191 8806
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