How long does it take to improve a credit score?

If you’ve checked your credit score and feel a little disheartened, don’t panic.  

Whether you’re rebuilding after a setback or are just starting to build your credit history, improving your credit score can sometimes feel like climbing a mountain – but anyone can take steps to get things moving in the right direction. 

It may take time, but your credit health journey is worth the effort. And there’ll be some wins to celebrate along the way.  

Let’s look at what a credit score is, why it matters, the things you can do to grow it, and how long it could take to see a positive change.  

What is a credit score? 

In simple terms, your credit score is a number that reflects how well you manage credit.  

It’s based on the information on your credit report, which includes things like your payment history, how much credit you’re using, and whether you’ve had any negative markers like defaults or missed payments in the past six years. 

In the UK, there’s no single, universal credit score. Instead, each credit reference agency (CRA) calculates its own version based on the data it holds. That’s why your score can vary depending on where you check it. They all have different score ranges too.  

So, what may be a good credit score with one agency, might not be as good with another.  

At Checkmyfile, we show you data from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion in one place – giving you the most detailed credit report out there and absolute clarity on where you stand. Get started today. 

How long does it take to improve a credit score? 

The honest answer? It depends. 

Some changes can have a positive impact in just a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer. It all comes down to what’s on your credit report and what steps you’re taking to improve your credit score. 

Let’s look at some common scenarios: 

1. You’ve registered on the Electoral Roll 

Being on the Electoral Roll helps lenders verify your details and address, which will improve your credit score. Once your local council updates the Electoral Register (usually monthly), the change should appear on your credit report shortly after. It could take longer if you register during the Annual Canvass. 

Timeframe: Around 1-3 months. 

2. Keeping your credit utilisation low 

Your credit utilisation is how much of your available credit you’re using. It’s important not to use too much – this could make lenders view you as dependent on credit and more of a risk to lend to.  

If you’re maxing out credit cards, paying off some debt to reduce your credit utilisation could improve your credit score. You’ll see an update once the lender updates the CRAs.  

Timeframe: 4-6 weeks. 

3. You’ve made all your payments on time 

Consistency is key. Making payments on time every month builds a positive payment history, which is one of the biggest influences on your credit score. 

While one or two months of on-time payments help, the real benefits come with time.  

Timeframe: Noticeable improvement after 3-6 months of consistent payments. 

4. You’ve corrected an error on your credit report 

Mistakes happen. If you’ve spotted an error – like a wrongly reported missed payment or an account that doesn’t belong to you – and raised a dispute, the correction can make a difference. 

Once resolved, the update should appear on your report within a couple of months. 

Timeframe: 1-2 months, depending on how quickly the lender responds. 

5. You’ve added a new credit account 

Opening a new credit account and managing it well can help diversify your credit mix and build your history. But be careful – applying for too much credit in a short time can have the opposite effect. 

Timeframe: 3-6 months to see a positive impact (if you use it responsibly). 

What slows things down? 

Some things take longer to recover from. For example: 

• Missed payments stay on your credit report for six years from the date of account closure, although their impact lessens over time. 

• Defaults and County Court Judgments (CCJs) also remain for six years and can significantly affect your score. 

• Bankruptcies and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) are serious markers that take time to rebuild from – but it’s possible with patience and good habits. 

If you have any of these on your credit report, remember that it’s not the end of the world. Everyone’s credit health journey is different – the important thing is to keep taking positive steps. You’ll feel the benefits in time.  

How often does your credit report update? 

Your credit report isn’t updated in real time. Lenders typically report to CRAs once a month, and each CRA updates your report when it receives new information. 

That means changes – like a payment being made or a balance being reduced – might not show up straight away.  

We recommend checking your report regularly to track your progress and spot any issues early.  

Final thoughts 

There’s no magic fix for your credit score – but with the right steps, you could get it to where you want it over time.  

And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Our customer care team is here to guide you every step of the way. See where you stand today.