ClearScore Poor credit score range

What this range means

A lower range where mainstream approvals can be harder.

Lenders review your full credit report and affordability before approving credit. Treat this range as a useful signal rather than a guarantee.

• You may need specialist or credit-building products.
• If approved, rates are likely higher than average.
• Avoid repeated applications that can add more hard searches.

Start rebuilding

Practical steps that tend to move the needle:

• Pay every bill on time and set up Direct Debits where possible.
• Keep credit utilisation low by using a smaller portion of your limits.
• Check your credit report for errors and dispute inaccuracies.
• Avoid multiple new applications in a short period.
• Make sure you are registered to vote at your current address.

What influences your range

These factors carry the most weight:

• Payment history and any missed or late payments.
• How much of your available credit you are using.
• Recent credit applications and hard searches.
• Length and stability of your credit history.
• Whether your address and identity data are consistent.

Useful resources

• Check what your score means
• What is a credit score?
• What’s in a credit report?
• Credit utilisation explained
• How payment history affects scores
• Hard vs soft searches
• Affordability checks explained
• Credit cards and loans hub
• Mortgage repayment calculator
• Car finance calculator
• All credit score ranges

If you are applying soon

Small changes can help right before an application:

• Pause new applications for a few weeks if possible.
• Keep card balances below a quarter of your limits.
• Avoid missed payments in the 60–90 days before applying.
• Check affordability before you apply for larger products.

Mistakes to avoid

Common reasons ranges stall or drop:

• Applying for multiple products at once.
• Closing old, well-managed accounts without a reason.
• Letting small bills fall into arrears.
• Ignoring errors on your credit report.