Is 400 a good credit score?

Key takeaways

• A credit score of 400 is low across Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, although each agency uses different scoring bands

• You might still qualify for credit with a 400 score, but borrowing could be more difficult or expensive

• Checking your credit report, making payments on time and managing existing debts can help improve your score

Is 400 a good credit score?

No, 400 is considered a low credit score in the UK - it falls into the lowest scoring band used by Experian, Equifax and TransUnion, although each agency uses a different scale.

Here's how the three main credit reference agencies classify a score of 400:

MoneySuperMarket is updating its Credit Score service to use TransUnion's new 999-point scoring system in October 2026. The previous system scored users out of 710, so you may see a different score or rating after the update.

The new system also changes how your score is calculated, which means your number may change even if nothing in your credit report has changed. The update itself won't affect your borrowing eligibility, as lenders assess your credit history using their own criteria.

Experian has also introduced a new 1,250-point scale, although you may still see its older 999-point version. These scoring changes mean you can't directly compare your old and new scores.

What is a credit score?

A credit score is a number calculated by a credit reference agency using information from your credit report, such as your borrowing and repayment history. It helps indicate how you've managed credit, but lenders also use their own checks when deciding whether to offer you credit.

How does 400 compare with average UK credit scores?

There isn’t really an average credit score in the UK because each agency uses its own scoring system.

 However, MoneySuperMarket research found that its Credit Score users had an average score of 570 out of 710 in April 2024. This used TransUnion's previous scoring system, so the figure isn't directly comparable with scores on its new 999-point scale. 

A score of 400 was therefore below the average recorded among those users at the time. Scores also varied across different parts of the country, but regional averages won’t determine your individual creditworthiness.

Will I be eligible for a credit card or loan with a 400 credit score?

You can still qualify for a credit card or loan with a 400 credit score, although your options are likely to be more limited. Lenders assess your credit history alongside your income, existing debts and affordability before deciding whether to approve your application.

Some providers offer financial products designed for people with limited or poor credit histories, but these often come with higher interest rates or lower borrowing limits.

Before formally applying, you can use MoneySuperMarket'scredit card eligibility checker to see which cards you're more likely to qualify for. It uses a soft search, so checking won't affect your credit score.

Can I get a mortgage with a 400 credit score?

You may be able to get a mortgage with a 400 credit score, but a low rating can make approval more difficult. Some specialist lenders consider applications from people with adverse credit, but as with other credit products, you are likely to face higher interest rates or larger deposit requirements.

Lenders don’t generally have a ‘minimum credit score’ that guarantees mortgage approval - find out more in our guide toqualifying for a mortgage.

Why do I have a 400 credit score?

A credit score of 400 could be caused by a number of factors, such as:

• Missed payments: Late or missed repayments on credit accounts can lower your score and remain on your credit report for several years

• Limited credit history: If you've rarely borrowed money, lenders may have less information about how you manage repayments

• High credit utilisation: Using a large proportion of your available credit limit can negatively affect your rating

• Frequent credit applications: Multiple hard credit searches in a short period can lower your score

• Past financial difficulties: Defaults, bankruptcy and certain court judgments can affect your credit history

• Financial associations: Joint financial commitments may link your credit history with someone else's, which lenders can consider

• Credit report errors: Incorrect or unfamiliar information could be affecting your score

Each credit reference agency uses different calculations, so checking your credit report is the best place to start when looking for possible reasons.

How can I improve my 400 credit score?

You can improve a 400 credit score over time by keeping up with repayments, checking your credit report and managing existing borrowing responsibly. Some steps you can take include:

• Check your credit report: Look for mistakes, outdated information or accounts you don't recognise, and contact the relevant credit reference agency if something needs correcting

• Make payments on time: Keep up with credit cards, loans and other reported commitments. Payment reminders or Direct Debits can help, provided you have enough money available

• Keep credit utilisation low: Avoid using most of your available credit limit - for example, owing £250 on a card with a £1,000 limit means you're using 25%. Lenders don’t have a fixed utilisation percentage that guarantees a better score

• Register on the electoral roll: If you're eligible, make sure you're registered at your current address to help lenders verify your identity

• Avoid unnecessary credit applications: Space out formal applications involving hard searches and use eligibility checkers where available

• Manage existing debts: Work towards affordable repayments and reduce outstanding balances where possible

You can find more suggestions in our guide toimproving your credit score.

Can a credit-builder card help improve my score?

Yes, a credit-builder card could help you establish a stronger repayment history if you're eligible and use it responsibly. However, these cards often have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than standard cards, so missing payments or carrying an expensive balance could make your financial position worse.

You don't need to take out additional credit just to improve your score, but if you're considering one, compare ourcredit-builder cards and see if you can afford the repayments.

How long will it take for my 400 credit score to improve?

Improving a 400 credit score can take several months or longer, depending on why your score is low. Some changes, such as correcting inaccurate information, may appear after your credit report is updated, but building a longer history of on-time payments can take more time.

Serious credit issues, such as defaults and certain insolvency records, may remain on your report for six years. There isn’t a guaranteed timeframe or specific number of points your score will increase by, so it’s better to focus on maintaining good financial habits rather than reaching a particular score by a deadline.

Will my credit score fall if I regularly check it?

No, checking your own credit score won't lower it - credit report checks use a soft search, which doesn't affect your rating. You can check your score and credit report for free with MoneySuperMarket'sCredit Score service.

Checking your report regularly can also help you spot incorrect information or unfamiliar accounts that may need investigating.

Other useful guides

Want to understand more about credit scores and how to improve yours? Take a look at our guides:

• What is a bad credit score?

• How to improve your credit score

• What affects your credit score?

• Soft and hard credit checks explained

Nurture your credit score with our Credit Score service

You can check your credit score and report for free with MoneySuperMarket'sCredit Score service.

See where you stand, keep track of changes and get personalised tips that could help improve your credit rating. Checking your score won't affect it.