Experian UK has launched a major update to their credit scoring system, expanding from the previous 0-999 scale to a new 0-1250 range. Here's everything you need to know about how this change affects your credit score.
What's Changed?
As of January 2026, Experian UK has upgraded their credit scoring system to provide more granular insights into your creditworthiness. The new 0-1250 scale replaces the previous 0-999 system, giving lenders a more detailed view of your credit profile.
This is the most significant update to Experian's scoring system in years, and it affects millions of UK consumers who use Experian to monitor their credit health.
The New Score Bands Explained
Experian has introduced five new credit score bands under the 1250 system:
Excellent (1121-1250)
This is the highest band, representing excellent credit management. Consumers in this range typically have access to the best interest rates and are highly likely to be approved for credit.
Very Good (1001-1120)
A very good score indicates strong credit management with minimal negative marks. You'll likely qualify for competitive interest rates on most credit products.
Good (861-1000)
A good score shows you're managing credit responsibly. Most lenders will consider you a reasonable risk, though you may not access the absolute best rates.
Fair (641-860)
A fair score suggests there may be some negative marks on your credit file or limited credit history. You may face higher interest rates or need to shop around for credit approval.
Low (0-640)
A low score indicates significant credit challenges. You may struggle to access mainstream credit products and will likely face higher interest rates or require specialist lenders.
How Does This Compare to the Old System?
Under the previous 0-999 system, the bands were:
- Excellent: 961-999
- Good: 881-960
- Fair: 721-880
- Poor: 561-720
- Very Poor: 0-560
The new system provides more differentiation at the top end of the scale, with the introduction of the "Very Good" band. This helps lenders distinguish between consumers with strong versus exceptional credit profiles.
Will My Score Go Up Automatically?
Your actual creditworthiness hasn't changed, but your numerical score will be recalibrated to the new scale. Most consumers will see their score increase numerically simply due to the expanded range.
For example, if you had a score of 850 (Fair band) under the old system, you might now see a score around 1050-1100 (Very Good band) under the new system—representing the same relative creditworthiness but on a larger scale.
Important: What matters most isn't the numerical score itself, but which band you're in. Focus on maintaining or improving your band rather than obsessing over the specific number.
What This Means for You
If You Monitor Your Score Regularly
You'll notice your score jump in January 2026 when the new system rolls out. Don't panic—this is expected and doesn't reflect a change in your credit behaviour. Your band is what truly matters for credit applications.
If You're Applying for Credit
Lenders using Experian data will need to adjust their criteria to account for the new 1250 scale. In the short term, there may be some confusion, but lenders typically adapt quickly to such changes.
If You're Building Credit
The same principles for building credit still apply:
- Pay all bills on time
- Keep credit utilisation below 25%
- Avoid multiple credit applications in a short period
- Register on the electoral roll
- Check your credit report regularly for errors
- Build positive payment history with tools like Wollit
How Wollit Supports the New System
We've already updated our calculators and tools to reflect Experian's new 1250 score system. When you use our Mortgage Calculator or Car Finance Calculator, you'll see results based on the new bands.
Wollit continues to report your subscription payments to all three UK credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion), helping you build positive payment history that improves your standing across all scoring systems.
What About Equifax and TransUnion?
Currently, this change only affects Experian. Equifax continues to use a 0-1000 scale, and TransUnion uses a 0-710 scale. If you monitor your score with multiple agencies (which we recommend), you'll see different numbers—and that's completely normal.
Each agency has its own:
- Scoring range
- Band thresholds
- Data sources
- Calculation methodology
Focus on trends rather than comparing scores across agencies. If your score is improving with all three agencies, that's what matters most.
Key Takeaways
- Experian UK has upgraded from a 0-999 to a 0-1250 scale as of January 2026
- Your numerical score will increase, but your relative creditworthiness remains the same
- The new "Very Good" band (1001-1120) provides more differentiation at the top end
- Your band matters more than your specific score when applying for credit
- The principles of good credit management remain unchanged
- Wollit's calculators and tools have been updated to reflect the new system
Stay Informed
Credit scoring is constantly evolving, and staying informed helps you make better financial decisions. Whether you're applying for a mortgage, car finance, or simply trying to improve your credit health, understanding these changes is crucial.
If you have questions about how the new Experian 1250 score affects you, or if you're looking for ways to improve your credit standing, our team at Wollit is here to help.
