We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Martin Lewis: Why you shouldn't worry too much about your credit score

Options
MSE_Petar
MSE_Petar Posts: 366 MSE Staff
Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
This is the discussion to link on the back of Martin's blog. Please read the blog first, as this discussion follows it.
Please click 'post reply' to discuss below.

Comments

  • I realised how little they meant when having cleared our mortgage it went down and the biggest negative factor was that we did not have an active mortgage. At my age (undefined, but not young) having a mortgage is not a positive thing IMO 
  • I also realised they were not as important as it could be, because the scores are anywhere between 6 weeks and 3 months out of date.  I cleared a loan, but it did not show for over 2 months.  As I was concerned, I sent off emails to ask why, I got back that it takes a minimum of 6 weeks to update. Not great when trying to keep on top of finacnes.
  • I also realised they were not as important as it could be, because the scores are anywhere between 6 weeks and 3 months out of date.  I cleared a loan, but it did not show for over 2 months.  As I was concerned, I sent off emails to ask why, I got back that it takes a minimum of 6 weeks to update. Not great when trying to keep on top of finacnes.

    Did you read the article? The score is a gimmick, no lender ever sees it, it is never a factor in any credit application. Your live report is updated very quickly, the free one takes longer. Just ensure your record is correct and ignore the score - if your loan is paid off, then it'll show that immediately to anyone doing a credit check, even if not immediately on your report.
  • phillw
    phillw Posts: 5,663 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Deleted_User said:
    Did you read the article?
    Yes.

    Big drops however should be taken seriously. It's a decent indication that your data has changed, suggesting you've committed a real credit sin such as missing a payment, going over your limit or defaulting.

  • ThisnotThat
    ThisnotThat Posts: 500 Forumite
    500 Posts Name Dropper
    phillw said:
    Deleted_User said:
    Did you read the article?
    Yes.

    Big drops however should be taken seriously. It's a decent indication that your data has changed, suggesting you've committed a real credit sin such as missing a payment, going over your limit or defaulting.

    Meanwhile bankrupts are getting 999 scores.

    It might be an indication you've done something wrong, equally it could be another CRA brain fart.

    Learn how to interpret your file and ignore the scores.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.7K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.7K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.8K Life & Family
  • 256.9K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.