Is 600 a good credit score in the UK?

If you’ve checked your credit score and it’s in the 600s, you’re probably wondering what that actually means. Is it good? Bad? Somewhere in between? And more importantly – what can you do about it? 

Let’s break it down. First things first, there’s no such thing as one, universal credit score… 

Different credit scores 

One of the most common credit health misconceptions is that there’s a single credit score that everyone uses. In reality, there are several credit reference agencies (CRAs) in the UK – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – and each uses its own scoring system. That means a score of 600 could mean very different things depending on where you see it. 

Confusing? We get it. That’s why, unlike other services that show you just one version of your credit report, we show your data from the UK’s three main credit reference agencies – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – in one place. It’s the most detailed credit report you can get. 

Is 600 a good credit score? 

Let’s go back to that number. At Checkmyfile, we have a maximum possible score of 999. A score of 600 is okay, but there’s potential to improve it.  

It’s what we’d call a work in progress – a solid foundation with room to grow. The amount you’re able to borrow might be quite low, and the interest rates you could be offered may be high. 

What lenders see (and what they don’t) 

Here’s something important to remember: lenders don’t see your credit score. They see your credit report – the detailed history of your borrowing and repayment behaviour – and then they use their own criteria to decide whether to approve your application. 

That means two people with the same score might get very different results when applying for credit, depending on what’s on their reports and what the lender is looking for. 

So, rather than focusing too much on the number, it’s better to focus on the story your report tells. 

How to improve a 600 credit score 

Here are a few tips: 

1. Check your report for errors 

Mistakes happen. Whether it’s a wrong address, a payment marked late when it wasn’t, or an account you don’t recognise, errors can drag your score down. Regularly monitor your credit report – and if you spot something that doesn’t look right, we can help. 

2. Register to vote 

Being on the Electoral Roll helps lenders confirm your details and address. It improves your score too. Even if you have no intention of voting in an election, it’s worth registering and keeping your details up to date. 

3. Keep your credit usage low 

Avoid using most of your available credit because lenders could interpret this as being over-dependent on it. This could make you look like a higher risk to lend to.  

4. Make payments on time 

Even one missed payment can have an impact. Setting up direct debits can help you stay on track. But don’t worry – the impact of missed payments reduces over time, and they’ll drop off your report completely after six years from the account closure date.  

5. Avoid too many applications 

Each time you apply for credit, a hard search of your credit report is recorded. Too many in a short time can make you look risky or in financial difficulty. Space them out if you can. 

6. Build your credit history 

Having examples of positive repayments demonstrates to lenders that you can manage credit, which means you’ll appear less of a risk. But remember: only take out credit you can afford – there are other ways to build your score. 

You’re more than your score 

At Checkmyfile, we don’t believe in ‘bad’ credit scores. Sure, some may be on the lower end of the scale and require a little TLC, but there are always steps you can take to get things moving in the right direction. Growing your score might take time, but it’s progress worth making. Everyone’s credit health journey is different.  

Whether you’re rebuilding after a rough patch, just starting out, or simply curious about where you stand, we’re here to help you make sense of your credit file and build the habits to keep things in check long term. 

Final thoughts 

A Checkmyfile credit score in the 600s is a decent starting point, but it’s not the full story. Because each credit reference agency scores differently, it’s important to look at the bigger picture – and that’s exactly what your Checkmyfile credit report does. 

By seeing your data from all three CRAs in one place, you can spot issues, track your progress, and make informed decisions about your credit health. 

So, if you’re ready to take the next step, see where you stand today. You’ve got this.