Experian's new credit score system goes live but could it affect your mortgage application?

by Aaron Strutt

Dec 04 2025

Experian, the analytics and credit reporting company, has introduced a "new and improved credit score" that better reflects how credit applications are assessed. It has been designed to "give people a clearer picture of their borrowing potential and more ways to improve their score."

The updated score the system produces includes new data, such as rental payments, and takes into account more of the positive financial behaviours people demonstrate in their everyday lives, which banks and lenders are now using.

Experian's score range has been expanded from 0–999 to 0–1250, allowing for a more granular breakdown of financial behaviour. This change helps users understand how banks and lenders interpret their credit reports and how actions can positively impact their scores. The new model "recognises behaviours that banks and lenders increasingly value - such as reducing overdraft use, avoiding credit card cash advances, and making regular payments on rent and phone contracts."

As part of the new offering, Experian says it will give people clearer insight into what affects their score and how much of an impact different financial habits have – this transparency will make it easier for people to take action and improve financial outcomes. These changes are likely to be  helpful for anyone looking to improve their score and are also particularly helpful for those with a limited history of using credit, helping support better financial inclusion.

Experian says the new score will not affect someone’s ability to obtain credit, but it will undoubtedly provide banks with more data to inform lending decisions. Eligibility for things like mortgages, loans, or credit cards remains the same. The updated score simply provides a more detailed view of people’s financial track record and the new information that banks and lenders have started using, offering new ways to strengthen it over time.

 When people make an application, a lender will usually look at three key things:

• Affordability – this includes the information on their application form, including income, employment status and expenditure

• Their credit report and score – how they’ve managed credit in the last six years 

• The lender’s own records – if they’ve been a customer with that lender before 

Edu Castro, Managing Director of Experian Consumer Services, UK & Ireland, said: “The way people manage their money has evolved, and our score has evolved too. Our new Experian Credit Score better reflects more of the everyday financial behaviours that matter - like paying rent or reducing overdraft use – offering a clearer understanding of the information on your credit report.”

Aaron Strutt, product director at Trinity Financial, says: "It is really hard to know exactly what data is shared between Experian and lenders because many of the banks and building societies want to know different things based on their credit scoring and risk assessments.

"Many people do not realise how significantly their credit can affect their ability to obtain a mortgage and a competitively priced rate as well as how automated the system is. Lenders want to know an applicant's credit score, track record of making or missing payments, and overall debt level. Plus a whole range of other financial information."

Many banks and building societies use multiple credit reference agencies to assess an applicant's finances before approving a mortgage. That is why we recommend borrowers use Checkmyfile for a more detailed credit report. You can use it for free, but there is a £14.99 monthly charge if you do not cancel.

Do you need an Agreement in Principle before you start property hunting?

It is important to check your credit is in order and obtain an Agreement in Principle (AiP) before viewing properties, to ensure affordability and that you will be considered for a mortgage. The golden rules include checking your credit report before you go property hunting."

Before you fall in love with a property, having a DiP gives you a realistic view of what you can afford and how much you can borrow. A DiP helps you set a clear price range and avoid disappointment later. 

Source: Experian press release.

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The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.

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