How to check your credit score: a step-by-step guide

Never checked your credit score? You’re not alone.  

Whether you’re gearing up for a credit application or are just curious to know where you stand, checking your credit score is quick and simple.  

Knowing your number, and understanding the information on your credit report, is the first step to improving your credit health and achieving your goals.  

Let’s unpack what that all means and how you can get started.  

Why check your credit score? 

Your credit score is a snapshot of your credit health. It’s calculated using the information on your credit report, which lenders use when reviewing credit applications – mortgages, mobile phone contracts, personal loans, credit cards, etc. 

Your score takes into account your credit history, including how you’ve managed payments, how much credit you’re using, and whether you’re registered to vote.  

It can regularly change, so it’s a good idea to monitor it and any updates to your credit report. That way, if it goes down, or it’s not where you’d like it to be, you can take steps to improve it.  

Why use Checkmyfile? 

At Checkmyfile, we give you the most detailed credit report you can get. You’ll see all your information from the UK’s three main credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – in one place.   

Each agency holds slightly different information, because lenders report to different agencies and not necessarily all three, and lenders don’t all check with the same one. So, if you only check your credit with one agency, you could miss something important. Your Checkmyfile report gives you the full picture of what a lender could see.  

Step-by-step: How to check your credit score with Checkmyfile 

Step 1: Head to the Checkmyfile sign up page 

Just enter your email address and a strong password. You can choose to opt in to receive regular credit health tips here too.  

Step 2: Create your account 

You’ll be asked to enter some basic details and your payment information. This helps us match you to your credit records.  

Step 3: Verify your identity

To protect your data, we’ll ask some security questions based on your credit history to make sure it’s definitely you. Occasionally, you may need to go through further security checks which involve providing a photo of your ID using the camera on your device. There’ll be on-screen prompts to guide you through this, and it shouldn’t take long.  

Step 4: View your credit report 

And that’s it – you now have access to your most detailed credit report.  

It’s packed with useful information, including your Checkmyfile credit score, but don’t worry – we’ve made your file digestible and easy to understand. If you spot something that doesn’t look right, our customer care team is on hand to help. 

What does your score mean? 

Your Checkmyfile score ranges from 0 to 999 and falls into six bands. You can find out what each band means here.  

Remember, your score isn’t fixed. It can go up or down depending on how you manage your credit. And we’re here to help you improve it. 

Tips for improving your score 

Credit score not where you’d like it to be? Don’t panic. No matter what your number is right now, there are things you can do to influence a positive change.  

Here are some simple steps that can make a big difference: 

• Pay on time – missed or late payments can hurt your score. Set reminders or consider setting up direct debits. 

• Stay credit active – having some credit and using it responsibly can help. But remember not to use unnecessary levels of credit. 

• Keep balances low – maxing out credit cards and using a lot of your available credit will lower your score, as lenders may view you as being dependent on credit and a higher risk. 

• Get on the Electoral Roll – even if you don’t plan to vote, it helps verify your details and shows stability.  

• Check for errors – and raise a dispute if something’s not right. 

Explore our Help Centre for in-depth articles and guides that cover all aspects of growing your credit score. 

Final thoughts 

Checking your credit score might feel like a big step – but it’s a smart and simple one. It’s about understanding your financial story, spotting opportunities, and making informed decisions. 

At Checkmyfile, we believe everyone deserves to feel confident about the future of their credit health. Whether your score is high, low, or somewhere in between, we’re here to support you in achieving your goals. Start your credit health journey.