Experian’s new credit score explained

Experian has launched a new smarter credit score that reflects how people manage money today,  giving you a clearer picture of your financial health and more practical ways to improve it.

If your Experian Credit Score looks different recently, here’s everything you need to know about what’s changed, how the new scoring system works, and what it means for your borrowing potential.

Why Experian has updated its credit score

Experian’s updated Credit Score model provides a more accurate, inclusive, and detailed view of your financial behaviour.

The key change is the new 0 to 1,250 range (previously 0 to 999), which gives a finer-grained reflection of how lenders interpret your credit history.

It also considers a wider range of positive financial habits - not just traditional credit activity. The smarter score is designed to recognise how people really manage money in everyday life.

New behaviours that count towards your score

The updated Experian Credit Score includes more data sources and rewards responsible financial behaviour, such as:

• Making rent payments on time
• Paying phone and utility bills consistently
• Reducing overdraft use
• Avoiding credit card cash advances

These additions mean that renters and those with limited credit history can now build their credit profile in new, fairer ways.

Understanding the new Experian score bands

As part of the update, Experian has refreshed its score categories to make them clearer and more positive.

The previous “poor” and “very poor” bands have been removed, along with the use of red, to help people focus on progress and improvement rather than negative labels.

Under the new system, your Experian Credit Score will now fall into one of five categories:

• Excellent - indicates a strong credit history and a high likelihood of being offered the best rates and products.
• Very Good - shows you’re managing credit well and are likely to be viewed positively by lenders.
• Good - considered a healthy score, with access to most mainstream credit options.
• Fair - reflects a developing credit profile; keeping up positive habits can help you move up.
• Low - means your score is still building; improving payment consistency and reducing debt can make a real difference.

This new structure offers a simpler, more transparent view of credit health, making it easier to understand where you stand and how to improve over time.

Will the new score affect your ability to get credit?

No - your eligibility for loans, credit cards or mortgages won’t change as a result of the update.

When lenders assess a credit application, they typically look at:

• Affordability - your income, regular outgoings, and existing commitments.
• Your credit report and score - how you’ve managed credit over time.
• The lender’s own records - if you’ve been their customer before.

The smarter Experian Credit Score simply gives a clearer reflection of what lenders already consider, helping you understand how to strengthen your profile.

When will you see your new score?

The new Experian Credit Score began rolling out in November 2025 and will reach all UK users by the end of the year.

If you already use Experian, your score will automatically update - you’ll receive an email once your new, smarter score is live.

How to improve your Experian Credit Score

The updated model means there are now even more ways to show lenders you’re managing money well. To keep your score moving in the right direction:

• Pay bills on time - missed or late payments can quickly reduce your score.
• Stay within your credit limits - aim to use less than 30% of available credit.
• Keep your overdraft low - regular use can count against you.
• Register to vote - helps confirm your identity to lenders.
• Build consistent payment history - rent, utilities and phone bills all count.
  
  

Why the update matters

Experian’s smarter credit score makes the UK’s credit system more inclusive and transparent.

By recognising more types of positive behaviour and removing outdated negative labels, the new model helps people understand their financial position and take meaningful steps to improve it - opening up fairer borrowing opportunities for the future.

Thinking about your next financial goal?

Understanding your credit score is a great first step towards borrowing with confidence.

If you’re planning a personal project, Novuna Personal Finance offers a range of flexible personal loans to help you move forward.

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