What is a bad credit score?

Updated:Mar 31, 2026

5 min read

In the UK, there isn't a single number that makes a credit score 'bad'. Each of the three main credit reference agencies, Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, uses its own scale and rating categories. As a general guide, a bad credit score means below 641 with Experian, below 439 with Equifax, or below 566 with TransUnion. It makes it harder to access mainstream credit, but it doesn't mean all options are closed.

How are credit scores measured in the UK?

Three credit reference agencies hold credit information in the UK: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. Each collects data from lenders, public records and other sources, then generates a score on its own scale.

When you apply for credit, lenders don't use the score you see on your credit report. Instead, they pull the underlying data from your credit file and apply their own internal scoring model. The score shown by credit reference agencies is a useful guide to where you stand, but each lender sets its own criteria and makes its own decision.

You can check your credit score through each agency or through third-party services.

What counts as a bad credit score?

The table below shows the score ranges that each agency considers 'bad', whether labelled 'Poor', 'Very Poor', or 'Low'.

Agency	Max score	'Bad' score bands
Experian	1,250*	0–640 (Low)
Equifax	1,000	0–438 (Poor)
TransUnion	710	0–550 (Very Poor), 551–565 (Poor)

*Note, Experian updated its scale from 0–999 to 0–1,250 in late 2025.

For a full breakdown of what the higher bands look like, read our guide to what is a good credit score.

What does a bad credit score mean for me?

A low score doesn't automatically mean rejection, but it does affect your options.

The most common impacts are:

Harder to get approved: Mainstream lenders typically decline applications if there are significant negative markers on your credit file.
Higher interest rates: If you are approved, lenders are likely to charge more to offset the perceived risk.
Lower credit limits: You may be offered a smaller limit than someone with a stronger score.
Phone contracts: Some networks run a credit check before agreeing a monthly contract. A low score may mean you are declined and directed to a pay-as-you-go or SIM-only plan instead.
Rental applications: Landlords and letting agents often check credit as part of referencing. A poor credit history can delay or block approval, or result in a request for a guarantor or rent in advance.

What causes a bad credit score?

Credit reference agencies build your score from the data on your credit file. The most common reasons a score falls into the lower bands are:

Missed or late payments: Payment history is one of the biggest factors. This includes credit cards and loans.
County Court Judgments (CCJs): CCJs can stay on your credit file for six years, even after the debt is settled. A CCJ can be removed from the register if you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment.
High credit utilisation: Using a large proportion of your available credit can signal financial strain. Keeping your usage below 25% of your available limit is generally recommended.
Multiple credit applications in a short period: Each full application usually leaves a hard search on your file. Several in quick succession can push your score down.
Limited credit history: If you have rarely or never used credit, agencies have little data to assess your reliability. This can result in a low score even without any negative marks.
Not being on the electoral roll: Registering to vote helps agencies confirm your identity and current address.
Financial links to others: A joint account or mortgage creates a financial association between your credit file and the other person's. If they have a poor credit history, lenders can see the link and may take it into account when assessing your application. Once the financial relationship has ended, you can choose to write to the three credit reference agencies to remove the link with a notice of disassociation.

Can I get credit with a bad credit score?

Yes. Some lenders and products are specifically designed for people with lower credit scores. Credit cards for bad credit typically come with a lower initial limit and a higher interest rate than mainstream cards. Used carefully, paying on time and staying within your limit each month, they can help you build a positive track record over time.

Before applying for any product, it's worth checking whether the lender offers an eligibility checker that runs a soft search. These show you how likely you are to be accepted without leaving a mark on your credit file that other lenders can see.

How do I improve my credit score?

Most people can make meaningful progress with consistent habits, though it takes time. The most effective steps are:

Pay every bill on time, including utilities and phone contracts, not just credit accounts.
Keep your credit utilisation below 25% of your available limit.
Register to vote at your current address.
Avoid making multiple credit applications in a short period.
Check your credit report regularly for errors. If anything looks wrong, you can raise a dispute directly with the relevant agency.

For a full breakdown of each step and how long improvement typically takes, read our guide to how to increase your credit score.

FAQs

What is a bad credit score in the UK?

In the UK, a bad credit score falls into the lower rating bands set by one of the three main credit reference agencies. For Experian (0–1,250), that means a score below 641. For Equifax (0–1,000), a score below 439. For TransUnion (0–710), a score below 566. Each agency uses different labels, but they all indicate a higher level of risk in the eyes of lenders.

What is a bad credit score out of 1,000?

On the Equifax scale (0–1,000), a score below 439 is "Poor."

What is a bad credit score on ClearScore?

ClearScore uses Equifax data, which runs on a scale of 0 to 1,000. A score below 439 falls into Equifax's 'Poor' band.

What is a bad credit score for a mortgage?

There is no fixed threshold across all lenders. Having negative markers on your credit file, such as missed payments, defaults or CCJs, makes it harder to get approved for a standard residential mortgage, and you are likely to be offered a higher rate if you are accepted. Some specialist lenders consider applications from people with adverse credit histories, but the rates are typically significantly higher. A mortgage broker who specialises in adverse credit may be able to help you find suitable options.

What is a bad credit score for renting?

Landlords and letting agents set their own referencing criteria. A bad credit score can lead to a request for rent in advance or a guarantor, or in some cases a declined application. Not all landlords run formal credit checks, so it is worth asking about the process upfront.

Can I get a credit card with a bad credit score?

Yes. Some credit cards are specifically designed for people with bad or limited credit histories. They typically come with a lower limit and a higher APR than standard cards. Used responsibly, paying on time and staying within your limit, they can help rebuild your score over time.

How long does a bad credit score last?

Negative information like missed payments, defaults, CCJs, IVAs and bankruptcy typically stay on your credit file for six years from the date it was recorded.

However, your score can improve well before then. Credit scores are dynamic and updated regularly as new information is added to your file. Building positive habits, such as paying on time, keeping balances low and avoiding further missed payments, can meaningfully improve your score even while older negative entries are still present.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak to a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.

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