Your credit score plays a huge role in the financial products you can access — from loans and credit cards to car finance and mortgages. But what many people don’t realise is that credit scoring itself is changing, and those changes could directly affect your borrowing power in 2026 and beyond.
Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and what you can do now to stay ahead.
What's Included?
Why Are Credit Scores Changing?
Credit reference agencies in the UK regularly update how they calculate credit scores to better reflect real-world financial behaviour.
Recent and upcoming changes are designed to:
- Give a more accurate picture of how people manage money
- Recognise positive behaviours that were previously ignored
- Help lenders make fairer lending decisions
This means your score may change — even if your financial habits haven’t.
What’s New in Credit Scoring?
1. Rent Payments Matter More Than Ever
Historically, rent payments didn’t always show on credit files. That’s changing.
Many scoring models now recognise on-time rent payments, meaning tenants can finally build credit in a similar way to homeowners. If you pay rent reliably, this could positively impact your score.
2. Broader Financial Behaviour Is Being Considered
Credit scores are increasingly influenced by:
- Mobile phone and utility payments
- Consistent repayment history (not just borrowing amounts)
- Long-term stability rather than short-term borrowing spikes
This is good news for people who manage everyday finances responsibly.
3. Scoring Bands Are Being Adjusted
Some agencies are updating their score ranges and weightings. This can cause:
- Your score to move even if nothing has changed
- Lenders to interpret scores slightly differently than before
The key takeaway? Scores should be viewed alongside your full credit file, not in isolation.
Who Stands to Benefit Most?
These changes may particularly help:
- Renters with consistent payment history
- First-time borrowers with thin credit files
- People who manage bills well but borrow cautiously
- Consumers recovering from historic financial issues
If you’ve improved your financial habits in recent years, the newer models are more likely to recognise that progress.
How Could This Affect Your Applications in 2026?
Lenders don’t all use the same scoring methods — and many look at multiple credit reference agencies.
As scoring evolves, you may notice:
- Different outcomes between lenders
- Better access to competitive rates
- More tailored lending decisions
That’s why understanding what lenders see is just as important as knowing your score.
What Can You Do Right Now?
To put yourself in the best position:
✔ Check your credit file regularly
✔ Make sure your personal details are correct
✔ Pay bills and rent on time, every time
✔ Keep credit usage manageable
✔ Avoid unnecessary applications in short periods
Most importantly, focus on long-term habits, not quick fixes.
The Bottom Line
Credit scoring isn’t static — and the changes coming into 2026 are designed to reward responsible financial behaviour more fairly.
By staying informed and keeping an eye on your credit file, you can take control of how lenders see you and improve your chances of accessing the products you need, on better terms.
At Check, we believe understanding your credit is the first step toward improving it.
