How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score in the UK?
5th Sep 2025
Your credit score plays a crucial role in determining your financial opportunities, from getting a mortgage to applying for a loan or even renting a flat. Many people, however, are unsure how frequently they should check their credit score. Let’s break down the best practices for monitoring your credit score in the UK and why it matters.
Why Is It Important to Check Your Credit Score?
Regularly checking your credit score helps you:
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Spot errors or inaccuracies on your credit report
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Detect potential fraud or identity theft early
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Understand how lenders view your creditworthiness
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Track improvements over time, especially if you are building or repairing your credit
Monitoring your score doesn’t negatively affect it, so there’s no harm in staying informed.
How Often Should You Check Your Credit Score?
The frequency depends on your financial goals and current situation:
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Monthly: Ideal if you are actively improving your credit or preparing for a major application like a mortgage or car finance.
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Every 3–4 months: Suitable for those with stable finances who want to stay on top of any changes.
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At least annually: A minimum recommendation for everyone to ensure there are no mistakes or fraudulent activities affecting your profile.
With many free services available in the UK, there’s no reason not to check your score regularly.
Does Checking Your Credit Score Affect It?
No, checking your own credit score is considered a soft check, meaning it does not impact your credit rating. Lenders, however, perform hard checks when you apply for credit, and these can temporarily lower your score.
What Tools Can You Use to Check Your Credit Score?
Several UK-based services provide free or paid credit score checks, including Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. You can also use platforms like CreditCheckOnline.co.uk for quick and reliable updates. Many of these services also offer tips to help improve your score over time.
What Should You Do if You Spot Errors?
If you find any incorrect information on your credit report—such as an unknown account, incorrect address, or outdated debt—contact the credit reference agency immediately. Correcting errors promptly helps protect your financial reputation and ensures fair lending decisions.
Conclusion
So, how often should you check your credit score in the UK? Ideally, at least once every three months, or monthly if you’re planning significant financial steps. Regular monitoring helps you stay in control of your finances, prevent fraud, and make better-informed decisions when applying for credit.
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You can view it for 1 month, after which it will be £14.95 per month unless cancelled.