How to check your credit score for free
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In short. Check your credit report free with each agency's statutory report service — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You have a legal right to your statutory report at no cost; most providers also offer free score tracking.
Your credit score is a snapshot of how lenders may view you, but each agency calculates it differently. Checking regularly helps you spot errors, fraud, and areas to improve before applying for credit.
Last reviewed:
·Estimated time: 20 minThe steps
- 01
Understand the three UK credit reference agencies
TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax each hold a file on you. Lenders may check one, two, or all three. No single 'official' score exists — each agency uses its own scale.
- 02
Get your free statutory credit report
By law you can request a free statutory report from each agency. Each agency offers this through its own portal or authorised free access services. This shows your full file without a score on some services.
- 03
Sign up for free score tracking
Free agency portals and authorised third-party services show your score and update monthly. Use at least two sources to cover all three agencies.
- 04
Review every section of your report
Check personal details, electoral roll registration, account balances, payment history, defaults, CCJs, and financial associations (linked to someone else's credit). Look for accounts you do not recognise.
- 05
Dispute any errors immediately
Contact the credit reference agency and the lender that supplied the incorrect data. They must investigate within 28 days. Keep copies of everything you send.
Common pitfalls
- Checking your own score is a soft search and does not harm your credit — do not pay for unnecessary premium services
- A high score with one agency does not guarantee approval — lenders use their own criteria
- Financial associations with an ex-partner's bad credit can affect you — ask agencies to disassociate once accounts are closed
FAQ
- How often should I check my credit report?
- At least once a year, and before any major application like a mortgage. Monthly free score checks help you catch fraud early.
- Why are my scores different across agencies?
- Each agency holds slightly different data because not every lender reports to all three. Scoring models also differ.
- Does being on the electoral roll help?
- Yes. Lenders use the electoral roll to verify your address. Register at gov.uk/register-to-vote — it is one of the quickest ways to strengthen your file.