Your credit score is a quick way to understand how your borrowing and repayment history might look to lenders. It isn’t shared with them - it’s a guide to help you interpret how your credit report data could be viewed.
On ClearScore, your score is based on data from Equifax and runs from 0 to 1000. The higher your score, the stronger your overall credit history looks.
What your score shows
Your credit score isn’t about avoiding credit - it’s about showing that you can use and repay credit responsibly. Lenders look for evidence that you manage borrowing well and make payments consistently. Having no credit history can make it harder for lenders to assess reliability, because there’s no track record to review.
Using small amounts of credit and repaying them in full and on time helps prove you can be trusted with larger amounts. Think of it like this: if someone were about to lend you £20,000, they’d want to see evidence you could pay it back.
Your credit report provides that record - showing your borrowing, repayments, and reliability over time.
What lenders look for
When lenders run checks, they don’t see your ClearScore number. They review your credit report data and apply their own internal scoring system to decide whether to lend, how much, and at what rate.
Lenders often consider:
• A healthy mix of account types (credit cards, loans, phone contracts)
• On-time payments, which quickly build trust
• Low credit use (not maxing out your limits)
• Consistent details - same name, address, and electoral roll registration
• A steady record of responsible borrowing rather than avoiding credit altogether
Because each lender’s criteria are different, one lender may approve an application that another declines - even with the same report.
Who uses credit information
It’s not only banks and credit-card providers that check credit information. Other organisations may also run checks, including:
• Mortgage lenders and building societies
• Loan and finance companies • Mobile phone and broadband providers
• Utility suppliers (gas, electricity, water)
• Insurance providers (if you pay monthly)
The bottom line
Your ClearScore number (0–1000) is for your reference. It helps you understand how your financial behaviour might appear from a lender’s perspective.
Responsible, consistent borrowing and timely repayments are what really build trust and strengthen your credit profile over time.