Is Your Experian Credit Score Accurate?

Your score changed - your credit file did not

Experian has moved from a 0-999 score to a 0-1250 scale across the UK. For many people, that shift has meant a visible drop in the headline number even though the underlying data stayed exactly the same. The update is designed to add more detail, reflecting everyday behaviours that UK lenders increasingly care about, such as rent payments, overdraft usage, mobile contracts, and even mortgage overpayments. If you have felt unsettled by a new number on screen, you are not alone - and it does not mean you suddenly became riskier overnight.

Here is the crucial point. Lenders in Britain do not use your Experian score to decide. They assess the information in your credit file, sometimes from more than one agency, and run their own models. That means a change in the Experian scale will not alter a lender’s decision by itself. What the new 0-1250 system does do is surface clearer signals and show the weight of different factors, so you can target the parts of your profile that matter most.

Expect refreshed band names too. Labels like Very Poor have shifted to Low, and Poor has become Fair. More constructive language helps you focus on actions rather than labels. Payment history still drives the outcome, and registering on the electoral roll remains a powerful UK-specific boost. Using less of your limits, avoiding credit card cash withdrawals, and managing an arranged overdraft sensibly are all positive indicators under the new approach.

If you rent, there is new upside. Adding verified rent data can help populate a thinner file, particularly for younger borrowers and long-term renters without a mortgage. Combined with free, frequent monitoring from Experian, you can spot mistakes early and correct them without harming your score.

Accuracy is not about a single number - it is about whether your credit file is complete, correct, and up to date.

Bottom line: treat the 0-1250 figure as a dashboard light. Then look under the bonnet at your full report.

Who benefits from this guide

If you live in the UK and have seen your Experian score change, this guide is for you. It is especially useful if you plan to apply for a mortgage, car finance, a credit card, or a personal loan within the next 12 months. Renters, graduates starting to build credit, and anyone who uses an overdraft will find practical steps that map to the latest scoring model. Even if your score looks healthy, checking each agency’s report can reveal errors or missing data that may affect the rates you are offered. Kandoo customers exploring finance options can also use these tips to present a stronger profile before applying.

Practical routes to a stronger profile

1. Register on the electoral roll at your current address.

2. Pay every commitment on time - cards, loans, utilities, phones.

3. Reduce overdraft reliance and stay within an arranged limit.

4. Keep credit utilisation below roughly 30 percent where possible.

5. Avoid credit card cash withdrawals and gambling transactions.

6. Add verified rent payments to your credit history.

7. Check all three agencies and correct any inaccuracies.

8. Space out credit applications to limit hard searches.

What it could cost - and what you could gain

Next step: set calendar reminders to review each agency quarterly.

Who is typically eligible - and what lenders expect

In the UK, any adult with a financial footprint can build a credit history. Lenders want stability and reliability, so consistency across addresses, accounts, and repayment patterns matters. Being on the electoral roll at your current address is a meaningful signal of stability, and it is quick to update through your local council. Payment history is paramount. Even a single late payment can dent your profile, while a clean record across credit cards, loans, and mobile contracts is a strong positive. Using less of your available limits helps too, since maxed-out cards or frequent overdraft use can look like financial strain.

Experian’s refreshed model also recognises behaviours that were previously overlooked, such as on-time rent and mortgage overpayments. That is good news if you rent or have made regular excess repayments. To verify your standing, check your reports with Equifax and TransUnion as well, since there is no universal UK score and each agency can hold slightly different information. If you are exploring finance options, Kandoo can connect you with a panel of UK lenders, but the strength of your application will still hinge on the accuracy and completeness of your credit file.

Simple steps to check and improve

1. Get your free Experian account and view the 0-1250 score.

2. Download your full credit report - not just the dashboard.

3. Verify addresses, accounts, and electoral roll details.

4. Add rent reporting if you pay monthly to a landlord.

5. Reduce overdraft usage and pay above minimums.

6. Dispute any errors with the relevant credit agency.

7. Repeat checks with Equifax and TransUnion.

8. Wait between applications to limit hard searches.

Upsides and trade-offs at a glance

Read this before you apply

Treat your Experian score as a guide, not a verdict. Lenders assess the full picture using their own criteria, and that can include income, committed outgoings, and recent credit behaviour beyond a single number. Since there is no universal UK score, check your reports with all three agencies and resolve any discrepancies before you apply. Take extra care with overdrafts - high reliance can signal stress even if you never miss a payment. If you rent, consider adding verified rent data early because new information may take a cycle or two to appear. Finally, time your applications. Grouping several hard searches in a short period can tip a borderline case into a decline, while a measured approach usually secures better outcomes.

Alternatives and smart complements

1. Build savings buffers to reduce overdraft dependence.

2. Use eligibility checkers with soft searches before applying.

3. Consider a low-limit credit card to establish history.

4. Ask existing providers for limit reviews after good conduct.

5. Explore rent reporting via approved Open Banking tools.

Common questions, clear answers

Q: Did the move to 0-1250 lower my creditworthiness? A: No. The scale changed, not your underlying file. Lenders still use their own assessments of your full report when deciding.

Q: What is a good Experian score now? A: Excellent sits between 961 and 1250, Good is 881 to 960, Fair is 641 to 880, and Low is 0 to 640. Many lenders view 811 and above as generally strong.

Q: How often can I check my Experian score? A: As often as you like. It is free and does not affect your score. Regular monitoring helps you spot errors quickly.

Q: Why are my scores different across agencies? A: There is no single UK score. Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion use different data and scales, so variations are normal. Always check more than one.

Q: Do rent payments really help? A: Yes, verified rent data can strengthen thinner files and show reliability. Ensure the feed is accurate and consistent with your bank records.

Q: Do lenders see my Experian score? A: Typically no. They review your credit file data and run their own models. Your score is an indicator for you, not a decision tool for them.

How Kandoo can help

Kandoo is a UK-based retail finance broker, connecting you with a range of lenders so you can compare options with confidence. We encourage you to check and tidy your credit files first, then use our panel to find finance that matches your circumstances. If you need guidance, our team can help you understand what lenders tend to prioritise and how to present a stronger application.

Important information

This guide provides general information, not personal financial advice. Credit decisions depend on your individual circumstances and each lender’s criteria. Always verify details with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion, and consider seeking independent advice before applying for new credit.