A guide, not a lending decision
A credit score is a provider’s summary of information in your credit report. It can help you track changes, but it is not a universal rating that all lenders use.
Lenders assess your application using their own criteria. They may consider your income, existing commitments, the information on your application and their past experience with you. A high score does not guarantee acceptance.
Why your scores can be different
Experian, Equifax and TransUnion hold their own credit files. A lender may report to one, two or all three, so the information held can differ. Providers also use different scoring models and scales.
Compare a score with that provider’s own bands and your previous score from the same service. Do not convert a score into another agency’s scale.
Start with the information behind the number
- Check your personal details and addresses.
- Review the balances, limits and payment history on your accounts.
- Look for unfamiliar searches or accounts.
- Challenge information that is inaccurate, rather than paying someone to “repair” your score.
Current score scales and bands
Use the bands for the service you are viewing. These describe consumer scores, not the likelihood that a lender will accept you.
Experian · 0–1,250
- Low
- 0–640
- Fair
- 641–860
- Good
- 861–1,000
- Very good
- 1,001–1,120
- Excellent
- 1,121–1,250
TransUnion · 0–999
- Very low
- 0–487
- Low
- 488–562
- Fair
- 563–652
- Good
- 653–785
- Excellent
- 786–999
Experian began rolling out its new scale in autumn 2025. TransUnion announced its new scale on 26 August 2026; partner services may still show the older 0–710 score. Check the scale shown in your own service. Equifax and ClearScore bands are not reproduced here while their current provider documentation cannot be fully verified.