What’s happening to your Experian credit score
Experian is updating how it works out your credit score. The range is being stretched from 0–999 to 0–1,250, and new score labels are being introduced.
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This means your score could look lower than before, even if nothing about your finances has changed. Around 44% of people will see a drop in their band, while 42% may move up.
But don’t panic, your borrowing ability hasn’t changed.
New score bands explained
Here’s how Experian’s new bands look compared with the old ones:
| Old band | New band |
|---|---|
| Excellent (961–999) | Excellent (1,121–1,250) |
| Good (881–960) | Very good (1,001–1,120) |
| Fair (721–880) | Good (861–1,000) |
| Poor (561–720) | Fair (641–860) |
| Very poor (0–560) | Low (0–640) |
The biggest change is that the words poor and very poor are gone. Experian said they wanted to remove wording that could feel discouraging.
Rent payments now count towards your score
For the first time, Experian’s system will also include regular rent payments, but only if you choose to opt in.
If you pay rent on time, it could give your score a healthy boost. However, missed or late payments will harm your record, just like missing a loan or credit card payment.
Other things that can now help improve your score include:
- Reducing how much of your overdraft you use
- Avoiding cash withdrawals on a credit card
- Paying phone contracts on time
- Making extra mortgage payments
These changes are designed to reflect “everyday financial behaviour”, rather than just big credit decisions.
Why your score might look lower
Because the scale has changed, a lower number doesn’t always mean you’ve done something wrong.
Your actual credit report — the data lenders really look at — hasn’t changed. That report includes things like your payment history, credit limits, and whether you’re on the electoral roll.
Lenders don’t see your Experian score; they use your credit history and their own checks (like your income and past dealings with them) to decide whether to lend.
What you can do to protect your score
Even with the new system, the best habits stay the same:
- Pay bills and rent on time
- Keep your credit card balance well below your limit
- Don’t apply for too much credit at once
- Check your credit file regularly for mistakes or fraud
Experian will also start showing how much each factor affects your score and what steps could raise it. For example, it may tell you how many points you could gain by paying off a loan or clearing your overdraft.
The key thing to remember
While this update might make your score look different, it doesn’t suddenly make you riskier in the eyes of lenders. What truly matters is your day-to-day money behaviour and what’s written on your credit file.
Skint Dad says:
Don’t get hung up on the number. Focus on paying what you owe, keeping things up to date, and your credit health will follow.
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