Improving Your Credit Score
At Updraft, we believe in credit that lifts you – credit that helps you move forward, not hold you back. If you’re looking to start improving your credit score, this guide will help you understand where to begin and how to make steady progress toward financial confidence.
This article is for general educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. Everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we always recommend seeking help from a qualified independent adviser or free services such as MoneyHelper or Citizens Advice before making any decisions about credit or borrowing.
What Is a Credit Score and Credit Report?
Think of your credit score as a snapshot of your financial behaviour. It helps lenders understand how you’ve managed borrowing in the past. A higher score can make it easier to be approved for credit cards, loans, or mortgages.
Your score is based on information in your credit report – a record of your financial history held by the UK’s three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each lender has its own criteria, so results may differ slightly. The good news? Your score isn’t fixed. You can take practical steps to improve it.
Your Action Plan: How to Raise Your Credit Score
Improving your credit score doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency matters. Follow these better credit tips to help build long-term progress.
1. Know Where You Stand
The first step to credit building in the UK is understanding your full credit report. You can check yours for free in the Updraft app to see your credit score, credit history, and any factors that may be affecting it.
Look out for errors in your address, payment history, or accounts. If something doesn’t look right, raise a dispute with the relevant credit reference agency. Registering to vote (the electoral roll) at your current address also helps lenders verify your identity – a simple step that can give your score a small boost.
2. Build a Positive Credit History
Your credit history shows lenders how you manage your borrowing. Building a strong record is one of the best credit building tips in the UK.
Make payments on time – Every payment matters, whether it’s a credit card, mobile bill, or loan. Consistency shows responsibility.
Avoid missed or defaulted payments – Late payments can leave marks that last up to six years. If you’re struggling, reach out for help early.
Manage different types of credit – Having a mix of responsibly managed accounts (like a credit card and an overdraft) can strengthen your profile.
Keep long-term accounts – Older, well-managed accounts show stability and reliability.
Be aware of financial links – Joint accounts connect your credit to someone else’s behaviour. Choose shared credit carefully.
“Your credit score doesn’t define who you are, but it can open doors to your future. We started Updraft to put control back in people’s hands – helping turn credit from something stressful into a tool for building confidence and freedom.”
Aseem Munshi
Updraft Founder & CEO
3. Manage Your Credit Limits Wisely
Your credit limit is the maximum you can borrow on an account, but how much of it you use also matters.
Stay within your limits – Exceeding them can harm your score.
Keep your utilisation low – Aim to use less than 30% of your available credit. For example, if you have a £2,000 limit, keep your balance under £600.
Pay down balances – Reducing existing balances helps show you’re managing borrowing responsibly.
You can keep an eye on your utilisation and account balances through your credit report in the Updraft app, making it easier to spot progress as you build better credit habits.
4. Be Smart with Credit Applications
Each credit application leaves a mark on your report. Making too many in a short period can suggest financial pressure and temporarily lower your score.
Apply only when needed and leave time between applications. Tools like your free Updraft credit report (in our app) can help you see how previous searches and applications appear to lenders, so you can plan your next step confidently.
Credit Limit Considerations: How Your Limits Shape Your Score
Your credit limits and how you use them directly affect your score. This is known as your credit utilisation ratio – the share of your available credit you’re using. Keeping it low tells lenders you’re managing credit sensibly.
Checking your credit utilisation and account history regularly can help you adjust how you borrow. Over time, these small changes can make a big difference to your credit building journey in the UK.
How Updraft Can Support You
Managing credit can feel complex, but Updraft helps simplify it. In the app, you can view your free credit report, track your score, and get insights into what’s affecting it.
If you’re juggling multiple credit cards, an Updraft Pay Off Loan can help combine them into one manageable monthly payment (subject to status and affordability). It’s a clear, supportive way to stay organised and move closer to better credit.
Checking your eligibility takes just a few minutes and won’t affect your credit score.
You’ve Got This
Improving your credit score is a steady process built on small, consistent actions. Every on-time payment and smart credit decision adds up. You’re already on the right path – and with Updraft, you’ve got the tools and support to keep lifting your finances, one confident step at a time.
Final Thought
Want to take control of your money? If you’re looking to consolidate credit card debt and cut down on high interest, download the Updraft app today.
Loans from 14% APR. 24.6% APR Representative.
24.6% APR Representative based on a £10,000 loan over 60 months at 19.9% fixed interest p.a. Monthly repayment: £277.60. Total repayable: £16,656 (inc. £500 fee). Subject to status and affordability. Consolidating debt may increase the term and total amount repaid.
All figures are representative, the rate you are offered will depend on an assessment of credit worthiness and affordability. Terms and conditions apply.
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