Experian’s Credit Score Shake-Up: Rent Payments Now Count – Here’s What It Means for You
Experian’s new UK credit score includes rent payments and everyday habits. Learn how credit scores work, why they matter, and how to improve yours.
What’s a credit score?
A credit score is a number that shows how trustworthy you look to a lender. It reflects your financial habits — how you borrow, repay, and manage credit over time.
Lenders, landlords and even utility providers use it to decide whether you’re likely to make payments on time.
In the UK, there are three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each one calculates your score slightly differently.
How is a credit score calculated?
Your score comes from the information in your credit report — a record of your borrowing and repayment history. It’s based on things like:
Payment history: whether you pay bills and credit on time
Credit use: how much of your available credit you’re using (called utilisation)
Length of credit history: older, stable accounts can help
Types of credit: a healthy mix (credit card, loan, mortgage) shows responsible use
Recent applications: too many new requests can look risky
These factors are combined into one number — a higher score suggests a lower risk to lenders.
Who has a credit score?
Most adults who’ve ever borrowed money or paid a bill in their name have one. If you’ve used a credit card, taken out a loan, or paid for a mobile contract or utilities, you’ll have a credit record.
If you’re new to credit — for example, a student, renter, or newcomer to the UK — you might have a “thin file”. That just means there’s less data available, which can make your score lower at first.
What’s new from Experian?
Experian has updated its UK scoring system — the range now goes up to 1,250 (previously 999) — and it includes more day-to-day financial data.
The biggest change? Rental payments now count.
If you pay rent regularly and on time, it can now help build your credit profile. Until now, renters didn’t benefit from one of their most consistent financial habits.
The new model also considers things like overdraft use, bill payments and repayment patterns — giving a fairer picture of how people really manage money.
Will your score change?
Don’t worry if your number moves. A wider range and new data sources mean your score might shift even if your behaviour hasn’t.
Renters who report payments could see a boost
Those who don’t may see smaller movements until their rent is included
Consistency is key — keep managing money well and your score will adjust over time.
Why your credit score matters
Your credit score affects your:
Access to loans, credit cards and mortgages
Rates — higher scores can mean better deals and lower interest
Opportunities — some landlords or phone providers check it too
Experian’s update aims to make scoring fairer by recognising responsible money management beyond borrowing.
How to improve and maintain your score
You can’t control the algorithm — but you can control your habits:
✅ Pay on time, every time (late payments hurt most)
✅ Register your rent via CreditLadder or The Rental Exchange if it’s not reported
✅ Keep credit-card balances below 30% of your limit
✅ Check your credit report for mistakes or signs of fraud
✅ Keep older accounts open to show long-term stability
Does checking my score affect it?
No — checking your own score or report doesn’t impact it.
When you look at it through Experian, Equifax or TransUnion, it’s a soft check — visible only to you. Only hard checks (formal credit applications like loans or mortgages) appear to lenders and might slightly lower your score temporarily.
The bigger picture
Experian’s changes are part of a wider shift towards fairer, more inclusive credit scoring — one that reflects real financial lives.
For renters, freelancers and anyone building independence, this is good news. It finally recognises everyday financial consistency, not just borrowing.
But inclusion only truly works if it’s automatic — renters shouldn’t have to opt in to prove reliability.
At Vestpod, we see this as a reminder that small, steady habits — paying bills on time, budgeting, managing credit — all compound into financial confidence.
Ready to take control of your financial confidence?
Explore more guides and tools at vestpod.com/start-here to learn how to build credit, invest, and make your money work for you.
