IS 700 a good credit score?

Key takeaways

• A score of 700 can be fair, good, very good or excellent, depending on the credit reference agency

• A 700 credit score may help your borrowing prospects, although lenders also consider affordability and other factors

• Checking your credit report and managing borrowing responsibly can help you maintain or improve your score

Is 700 a good credit score?

A credit score of 700 can be fair, good, very good, or excellent, depending on which credit reference agency you use. Each agency has its own scoring system, so the same number doesn't always mean the same thing.

Here's how a score of 700 compares across the UK's three main credit reference agencies:

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 some credit services might still show its older 999-point version, where 700 was considered poor. These scoring systems use different calculations, so you can't directly compare your old and new scores.

Will I be eligible for a credit card or loan with a 700 credit score?

You might be eligible for credit cards and loans with a 700 credit score, but whether you’re approved depends on the lender and your individual circumstances. Lenders look at your credit history alongside factors such as your income, existing debts and affordability. 

A higher credit rating may help you access more products or favourable terms, but it doesn't guarantee acceptance or lower interest rates.

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

Can I get a mortgage with a 700 credit score?

You may be able to get a mortgage with a 700 credit score, but approval depends on more than your rating. Like other credit providers, mortgage lenders also consider your income, spending, existing debts and deposit when deciding whether you can afford repayments. 

Each lender has its own criteria, so there's no single credit score that guarantees approval. A stronger credit history may improve your borrowing options, although it doesn't guarantee access to the lowest mortgage rates - find out more aboutqualifying for a mortgage.

Why do I have a 700 credit score?

Your credit score is based on information in your credit report, and a number of different factors could contribute to a score of 700:

• Payment history: Making repayments on time can help your score, while missed payments are likely to lower it

• Credit utilisation: Using a smaller proportion of your available credit can help demonstrate responsible borrowing

• Credit history: Having well-managed accounts over several years can support your rating, while a limited history may make it harder to assess

• Credit applications: Several hard credit searches in a short period may negatively affect your score

• Public records: Information about bankruptcy, insolvency or certain court judgments can affect your credit rating

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

Each credit reference agency calculates scores differently, so you can't determine exactly why your score is 700 without checking your credit report.

How can I improve my 700 credit score?

You can improve your 700 credit score over time by managing borrowing responsibly and keeping your credit information accurate - some practical steps include:

• Make payments on time: Keep up with credit cards, loans and other reported credit commitments

• Check your credit report: Look for mistakes or outdated information that could affect your rating

• Keep credit utilisation low: Avoid regularly using a large proportion of your available credit limit

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

• Space out credit applications: Avoid making several applications involving hard credit searches close together

• Manage existing debts: Reducing what you owe can help your credit position and make future repayments more affordable

You don't need to take out extra credit simply to improve your score - take a look at our guide toimproving your credit score for more.

Can paying rent help my credit score?

Yes, paying rent on time could help build your credit history if your payments are reported to a credit reference agency. For example, Experian's new scoring system considers reported rental payments. 

You may be able to arrange this through your landlord or a rent-reporting service, although reporting isn't automatic and some services charge fees. Missed rent payments could also affect your rating if they're reported.

How long will it take for my 700 credit score to improve?

There isn’t a set amount of time that it will take to improve a 700 credit score. Some changes might appear after your credit report is updated, while building a consistent repayment history can take several months or longer.

How quickly your score changes depends on your credit history, the agency's scoring system and the actions you take. For example, correcting inaccurate information can affect your rating sooner than building a longer record of on-time repayments.

Will my credit score fall if I regularly check it?

No, checking your own credit score won't lower it - this uses a soft search, which doesn't affect your rating or your chances of being accepted for credit. You can check your score for free through MoneySuperMarket'sCredit Score service.

Checking your report regularly can also help you spot mistakes. The Financial Conduct Authority's 2024 Financial Lives survey found that 10% of people who checked their credit report or score in the previous 12 months reported finding an error or issue.

Other useful guides

Want to learn more about managing your credit score? Take a look at our guides:

• What is a good credit score?

• How to improve your credit score

• What affects your credit score?

• Soft and hard credit checks explained

Keep an eye on 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.