How to Improve Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

Jun 13, 2025
5 min read

Boost your chances of securing the right deal!

If you’re planning to buy a home, your credit score plays a crucial role in securing a good mortgage deal. Lenders use it to assess how reliable you are with repayments, which directly impacts the interest rates and mortgage options available to you.

At Endurance Mortgages, we help buyers understand how their credit history affects their mortgage application and how they can improve their score to increase their chances of approval. Here’s what you need to know to get your credit profile in top shape before applying.

1. Check Your Credit Report Early

Before applying for a mortgage, it’s important to check your credit report to see what lenders will see. Mistakes on your report can affect your score, so reviewing it early gives you time to correct any errors.

Where to check your credit report in the UK:

Experian (used by many UK lenders)
Equifax
TransUnion

What to look for:

✔ Any errors in personal details or accounts
✔ Unexpected missed payments
✔ Old accounts that should be closed
✔ Fraudulent activity that needs reporting

If you find mistakes, contact the credit reference agency to dispute and correct them as soon as possible.

2. Register on the Electoral Roll

Being registered to vote at your current address is a simple but effective way to boost your credit score. Lenders use the electoral roll to confirm your identity and address, so not being on it could make you appear less reliable.

How to register:

Visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote
Update your details if you’ve moved house recently

This small step can improve your creditworthiness and help speed up your mortgage application.

3. Pay Bills on Time

Lenders look at your repayment history to judge how reliable you are with money. Even one missed payment on a utility bill, credit card, or loan can negatively affect your score for up to six years.

Ways to avoid missed payments:

✔ Set up direct debits for bills and credit repayments
✔ Create payment reminders for due dates
✔ Always pay at least the minimum amount on credit accounts

A consistent history of on-time payments shows lenders that you can manage your finances responsibly.

4. Reduce Credit Card Balances

If you have high balances on your credit cards, it can impact your mortgage application. Lenders check your credit utilisation ratio, which is the amount of credit you’re using compared to your total limit.

Tips to improve your credit utilisation:

Keep balances below 30% of your total credit limit.
If possible, pay off existing debts before applying.
Avoid taking on new credit commitments before your mortgage application.

Lowering your debt makes you a more attractive borrower and increases your chance of approval.

5. Avoid Taking Out New Credit Before Applying

Each time you apply for a loan, credit card, or finance agreement, the lender performs a hard credit check, which stays on your record for up to 12 months. Too many applications in a short period can lower your credit score and make lenders think you are relying too much on borrowing.

To protect your credit score:

✔ Avoid applying for new loans or credit cards in the six months before applying for a mortgage.
✔ If you need to check eligibility for credit, use a soft search tool that won’t affect your score.

Keeping your financial activity stable before applying reduces risk in the eyes of lenders.

6. Keep Old Credit Accounts Open

It might seem logical to close old credit accounts you no longer use, but keeping them open can actually help your score. Older accounts increase the length of your credit history, which lenders see as a sign of stability.

What to do:

Keep your oldest credit card accounts open (as long as they’re not costing you fees).
Use them occasionally for small purchases and pay them off in full.

A longer credit history can improve your score and show lenders you have experience managing credit responsibly.

7. Consider a Credit Builder Card If Needed

If you have limited credit history or a low score, a credit builder card can help. These are designed to improve your credit rating over time by showing a record of regular repayments.

How to use a credit builder card effectively:

✔ Spend only small amounts and pay off the full balance each month.
✔ Never max out the card or miss payments.
✔ Keep it open for at least 6-12 months to see improvements.

This can help first-time buyers demonstrate responsible borrowing before applying for a mortgage.

8. Keep an Eye on Financial Links to Others

If you’ve ever taken out a joint loan, mortgage, or bank account with someone else, their financial behaviour could affect your credit score. This is known as a financial association.

What to check:

If you’ve split up with a partner or no longer share finances with someone, request a financial disassociation from the credit reference agencies.
Make sure any joint accounts are being managed well to avoid negative impacts on your credit file.

Lenders look at financial links when assessing risk, so it’s important to ensure yours are not harming your score.

9. Show Stability in Your Finances

Lenders prefer applicants with stable financial habits. If you move house or change jobs frequently, it can sometimes raise questions about stability.

Ways to improve financial stability:

✔ Keep the same current account open rather than switching banks frequently.
✔ Maintain a steady income and avoid job changes just before applying for a mortgage.
✔ Ensure all addresses on bank accounts and bills match to avoid inconsistencies in your application.

A steady financial history helps build lender confidence in your ability to repay a mortgage.

Final Thoughts

A strong credit score opens the door to better mortgage deals with lower interest rates. By taking the right steps early, you can boost your chances of approval and secure a more affordable mortgage.

To improve your credit score before applying for a mortgage:

✔ Check your credit report for errors and correct them.
✔ Register on the electoral roll to confirm your identity.
✔ Pay all bills on time to build a good repayment history.
✔ Reduce credit card balances to keep utilisation low.
✔ Avoid applying for new credit close to your mortgage application.

At Endurance Mortgages, we help buyers understand their mortgage options and improve their chances of approval. Contact us today for expert guidance on securing the right mortgage deal for your situation.

Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage or any other debts secured on it. A fee may be charged for mortgage advice. The exact amount will depend on your circumstances.

Endurance Mortgages Ltd is an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales no. 15060351. Registered Address: Worting House, Church Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG23 8PX.