# Credit score myths debunked (UK)

> Credit cards & loans · Last updated 4 July 2026

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## Quick answer

Checking your own score does not harm it. There is no universal UK credit score — each lender scores differently. Closing old accounts can shorten your history and hurt, not help.

Credit myths cause expensive mistakes — avoiding all borrowing, paying for unnecessary 'repair' services, or chasing a single magic number. UK credit files hold six years of data; scores are lender-specific models built on that data.

## Key facts

- Three main CRAs: Experian, Equifax, TransUnion — scores differ on each
- Registering to vote improves match rates on credit files
- Financial links (joint mortgage, joint account) tie your files together
- CCJs and defaults remain six years unless settled early under specific schemes

## Common myths

Myth: a high income guarantees approval — lenders care about payment history and affordability, not salary alone.

Myth: checking your score hurts it — personal checks are soft searches.

Myth: you have one credit score — each CRA and each lender uses different models.

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I pay for credit repair?

Legitimate errors can be disputed free with CRAs. No paid service can remove accurate negative markers early.

## Primary source

https://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights/credit

## Related

- [How credit scoring works](https://moneyguide.org.uk/credit/how-credit-scoring-works/)
- [Soft vs hard credit search](https://moneyguide.org.uk/credit/soft-vs-hard-credit-search/)
- [Credit builder cards](https://moneyguide.org.uk/banking/credit-builder-cards-explained/)

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Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Money Guide is not a financial adviser and does not currently earn commission on credit cards. This guide is educational information only — always check the issuer's own terms, eligibility checkers and fees before applying. 18+, subject to status. Credit is a commitment: only borrow what you can repay in full each month, because interest charges erase every reward on this page.