Credit Scores UK: Reports, Agencies, Score Ranges and Rebuilding CreditExperian vs Equifax vs TransUnion — UK Credit Reference Agencies Compared
Compare the three UK credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Find out which to check, how scores differ, and how to access free reports.
The UK has three main credit reference agencies, each with their own score and data. Here’s how they compare and why you should check all three.
For the wider picture on how agency differences fit into credit rebuilding and borrowing decisions, see our UK Credit Scores hub.
The Three UK Credit Reference Agencies
| Agency | Score Range | Free Access | Paid Access |
|---|
| Experian | 0-999 | Basic score | £14.99/month for full report |
| Equifax | 0-1000 | Via ClearScore | £14.95/month direct |
| TransUnion | 0-710 | Via Credit Karma | £14.99/month direct |
How to Check Each Agency Free
Experian (0-999 Scale)
| Method | What You Get | Cost |
|---|
| Experian.co.uk free account | Score only | Free |
| MSE Credit Club | Score + basic report | Free |
| Experian Premium | Full report + alerts | £14.99/month |
Access free: moneysavingexpert.com/creditclub or experian.co.uk
Equifax (0-1000 Scale)
| Method | What You Get | Cost |
|---|
| ClearScore.com | Full report + score | Free |
| Equifax direct | Full report | £14.95/month |
Access free: clearscore.com
TransUnion (0-710 Scale)
| Method | What You Get | Cost |
|---|
| Credit Karma UK | Full report + score | Free |
| TransUnion direct | Full report | £14.99/month |
Access free: creditkarma.co.uk
Credit Score Comparison
What’s a “Good” Score?
| Rating | Experian (0-999) | Equifax (0-1000) | TransUnion (0-710) |
|---|
| Excellent | 961-999 | 811-1000 | 628-710 |
| Good | 881-960 | 671-810 | 566-627 |
| Fair | 721-880 | 531-670 | 471-565 |
| Poor | 561-720 | 439-530 | 300-470 |
| Very Poor | 0-560 | 0-438 | 0-299 |
Same Person, Different Scores
Your scores will likely differ across agencies. Example:
| Agency | Score | Rating |
|---|
| Experian | 872 | Good |
| Equifax | 743 | Good |
| TransUnion | 598 | Good |
All three indicate “Good” credit despite very different numbers.
Why Scores Differ Between Agencies
1. Different Data
Not all creditors report to all agencies:
| Creditor Type | Typical Reporting |
|---|
| Big banks | All three agencies |
| Credit cards | Usually all three |
| Small lenders | May report to only one or two |
| Utility companies | Variable |
| BNPL providers | Increasingly all three |
| Payday lenders | Often all three |
2. Different Scoring Models
Each agency calculates scores differently:
| Factor | May Be Weighted Differently |
|---|
| Payment history | Varies |
| Credit utilisation | Varies |
| Account age | Varies |
| Credit mix | Varies |
| Recent applications | Varies |
3. Different Update Schedules
Data doesn’t update simultaneously across agencies.
Common Data (All Three)
- Electoral roll registration
- Court records (CCJs, bankruptcies)
- Search history (credit applications)
- Current accounts with overdrafts
- Credit cards
- Loans
- Mortgages
Potentially Different Data
| Information | May Vary |
|---|
| Small lender accounts | Some only report to one agency |
| Utility accounts | Not all report to all |
| BNPL | Coverage improving |
| Fintech accounts | Variable |
| Historical data | Timing of updates |
Which Agency Do Lenders Use?
The Reality
| Fact | Detail |
|---|
| No standard | Each lender chooses which to check |
| Often multiple | Many check 2-3 agencies |
| Cannot predict | Lenders rarely disclose which they use |
| Different products | Same lender may use different agencies for different products |
Known Preferences (General)
These are general patterns, not guarantees:
| Lender Type | Often Uses |
|---|
| High street banks | Multiple agencies |
| Credit card companies | Often Experian |
| Mortgages | Typically all three |
| Car finance | Variable |
| Mobile contracts | Variable |
Which Agency Matters Most?
Short Answer
All three matter. You can’t control which a lender will check.
Strategy
- Check all three — at least annually
- Fix errors on all three — dispute inaccuracies everywhere
- Improve factors, not scores — underlying finances matter
- Don’t obsess over numbers — lenders use their own models
Improving Your Score Across All Agencies
Universal Good Practices
| Action | Effect |
|---|
| Pay on time, every time | Biggest factor on all three |
| Keep credit utilisation under 30% | Improves all scores |
| Don’t apply too frequently | Reduces searches on all files |
| Stay on electoral roll | Verified on all agencies |
| Keep old accounts open | Credit history length helps |
| Mix of credit types | Mortgage, card, loan shows variety |
Agency-Specific Considerations
| Agency | Notable Feature |
|---|
| Experian | Most comprehensive reports, widely used |
| Equifax | Good coverage of utilities via Loqate |
| TransUnion | Growing fintech coverage |
How to Dispute Errors
Process (Same for All)
- Identify the error — download your report
- Gather evidence — payment receipts, correspondence
- File dispute online — through agency website
- Wait for investigation — usually 28 days
- Check outcome — agency will update file
- Escalate if needed — Financial Ombudsman
| Agency | Dispute Contact |
|---|
| Experian | experian.co.uk/disputes |
| Equifax | Via ClearScore or equifax.co.uk |
| TransUnion | Via Credit Karma or transunion.co.uk |
Key Rule
Dispute directly with the data source (the creditor) for fastest resolution. Agencies investigate, but the creditor must confirm corrections.
Opting Out of Soft Search Sharing
You can limit some data sharing:
| Service | What It Does |
|---|
| CIFAS Protective Registration | Limits data access (for fraud victims) |
| Opt out of marketing | Reduces soft searches |
| Request no pre-approved offers | Limits promotional checks |
Statutory Reports
You’re legally entitled to a free statutory report from each agency:
| Agency | How to Request | Format |
|---|
| Experian | Phone or post | Written report |
| Equifax | Phone or post | Written report |
| TransUnion | Phone or post | Written report |
Note: Online free services are easier and more detailed than statutory reports.
Our Recommendations
| Situation | Check |
|---|
| Routine monitoring | All three quarterly |
| Before mortgage application | All three, 6 months ahead |
| After identity theft | All three immediately |
| Dispute on one file | Check if error exists on others too |
| Annual review | All three at minimum |
Best Free Combination
- MSE Credit Club — Experian score + basic report
- ClearScore — Equifax full report
- Credit Karma — TransUnion full report
Cost: £0
Summary
| Key Point | Detail |
|---|
| Three agencies | Experian, Equifax, TransUnion |
| All accessible free | Use ClearScore, Credit Karma, MSE |
| Scores differ | Same person, different numbers |
| Check all three | Can’t predict which lenders use |
| Improve behaviours | Not agency-specific tricks |
| Dispute everywhere | Errors can appear on any agency |