Lenders look at your credit score when they decide whether to give you a loan, mortgage or credit card. Every time you apply for credit or a loan, that request is recorded. It’s a good idea to check your credit score to ensure it’s up to date and reflects your credit track record accurately.
NB: Experian CreditExpert offers a free 30 day trial and shows you what a lender sees. Make sure you close the account before the 30 days are up if you do not wish to pay to continue.
You’ll need:
- A computer with an internet connection
- Contact details and debit/credit card details.
Follow these steps to check your credit score online
Step 1: Go the CreditExpert website (www.creditexpert.co.uk) and click Get your FREE Experian Credit Report & Score.
Step 2: Fill in the yellow boxes with your personal details and contact details, and click the blue Continue button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3: A new page will open with more details to fill out – your current address, a username and password, and your debit/credit card details. Underneath these details there is a Terms and Conditions box. Click on the small white box to confirm that you accept the Terms and Conditions, and click the blue Continue button at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: A new page will open asking you to confirm your current address details. Click on the blue Confirm button if the details are correct, or Edit if you need to go back to the previous page and make any changes.
Step 5: On the next page, select the bank your current account and your credit card is with using the drop down menus next to each question and click on the blue Continue button.
Step 6: You will be taken to a ‘Thank you!’ page which will remind you of the details you have submitted. Click on Continue to your Member Centre.
Step 7: A new ‘Welcome’ page will open explaining that you will be sent a PIN (your own unique reference number) in the post within five working days, which you will need before you can access your credit score.
Step 8: Once you have received your PIN, go back to the CreditExpert website and click on the blue Member login button.
Step 9: A new page will open asking for your login details. Fill out your username and password, and then click on the blue Next button.
Step 10: On the next page, as an additional security measure, you will be asked for specific letters of a memorable word that you chose when registering. Enter them into the white boxes and click the blue Log in button.
Step 11: A new page will open asking for your PIN. Enter it into the yellow box and then click GO.
Step 12: A new page will open with an overview of your credit status. Click on View your full credit report to get a full breakdown of your credit status.
Further resources
Check out these free credit check websites that don't require a sign up after a thirty day free trial.
https://www.clearscore.com
https://www.totallymoney.com
If you have a bad credit score and are finding it difficult to sign up to a broadband deal, we've published a guide to getting on the internet if you have a low credit score.
Last updated 4 July 2022