Checking Your Credit Score

Why Checking Your Credit Score Matters When Applying for a Mortgage

At Bowen Mortgages, one of the most important steps we recommend before starting your mortgage journey is to check your credit report. Your credit history is a key factor lenders use to decide whether to approve your mortgage — and on what terms.

Even small issues on your credit file can impact the type of mortgage you’re offered, the lender we recommend, or whether you qualify at all.

🛠️ We’ve Partnered with Checkmyfile – Get a 30-Day Free Trial

To help our clients get the clearest possible picture of their credit position, we’ve partnered with Checkmyfile, the UK’s most comprehensive credit report provider.

With Checkmyfile, you get:

A 30-day free trial to view your full credit report
Access to data from all three main credit reference agencies:
✅ Experian
✅ Equifax
✅ TransUnion
A single, easy-to-read report that combines the different scores used by lenders
The option to continue your subscription at £14.99/month after the trial — or cancel at any time before the 30 days are up

🔗 Click here to sign up for your free trial with Checkmyfile

🎯 Why This Helps Us Help You

We know which lenders use which credit reference agency. This insight allows us to:

Spot any potential red flags (even if only on one agency’s file)
Tailor your application to lenders that are more likely to say yes
Position your case for maximum success — even if you’ve had credit issues in the past

Even something small like an outdated address or missed payment can affect your application. By reviewing your report before we submit anything to a lender, we can address issues early and avoid unnecessary declines.

📥 What to Do Next

Click the link below to sign up for your 30-day free trial with Checkmyfile
Download your full report (PDF format is ideal)
Send it to your broker at Bowen Mortgages before your next meeting
We’ll review it with you and plan the best route forward for your mortgage application

🔗 Start Your Free Credit Report Trial Now with Checkmyfile

🤝 We’re Here to Support You Every Step of the Way

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, remortgaging, or using a scheme like Right to Buy or Shared Ownership, understanding your credit profile is essential.

At Bowen Mortgages, we combine expert mortgage advice with real-world credit knowledge to give your application the best possible chance.

📞 Have questions about your credit file or your mortgage options?
Contact us today — we’re happy to talk it through. Call 0151 203 4409

What information is on a credit file?

Understanding Your Credit Report and Why It Matters

Your credit file is a detailed record of your financial behaviour. It’s used by lenders, insurers, and other organisations to assess your creditworthiness — how reliable you are when it comes to borrowing money or paying bills on time.

If you’re applying for a mortgage, personal loan, or even a phone contract, your credit file plays a major role in the decision-making process. But what exactly is on it?

Let’s break it down:

🏠 1. Personal Information

This includes basic details that help confirm your identity:

Full name and any previous names
Date of birth
Current and previous addresses
Electoral roll (voter registration) status

Being registered on the electoral roll at your current address helps verify your identity and can positively influence your credit score.

💳 2. Credit Accounts

These are your active and closed accounts, such as:

Credit cards
Loans
Mortgages
Car finance
Store cards or buy-now-pay-later agreements

Each account will show:

When it was opened
The credit limit or loan amount
Current balance
Repayment history (including any missed or late payments)
Whether the account is open or closed

🔁 3. Repayment History

Your payment history is a key factor in how lenders assess you. The credit file shows:

On-time payments
Missed or late payments
Defaults or arrears
How recently these occurred

Lenders like to see a consistent pattern of on-time repayments.

🏦 4. Hard and Soft Searches

Every time your credit file is checked, it’s recorded as either a:

Soft search – For example, checking your own credit score or getting a quote (doesn’t affect your score)
Hard search – When a lender formally assesses you for credit (can affect your score temporarily)

Too many hard searches in a short time can be a red flag to lenders.

⚠️ 5. Public Records

These include more serious financial matters, such as:

County Court Judgments (CCJs)
Bankruptcies
Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs)
Debt Relief Orders (DROs)

These entries can significantly affect your ability to get credit and usually remain on your file for 6 years.

🕵️ 6. Financial Associations

If you’ve applied for credit jointly with someone else (e.g., a partner or family member), their name may appear on your file. This is known as a financial association, and their credit behaviour could impact your applications.

📈 7. Credit Score (From Each Agency)

Each of the UK’s main credit reference agencies — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — assigns you a credit score based on the data they hold. These scores may vary between agencies, depending on what data each one has.

Lenders don’t just rely on your score — they review your full report in detail when making lending decisions.

🔍 Want to Check Your Credit File?

At Bowen Mortgages, we recommend using Checkmyfile, which combines data from all three major credit agencies in one easy-to-read report.

You can:

Get 30 days free
Download your full report
Send it to us for a full review before applying for a mortgage

📥 Click here to start your free Checkmyfile trial

💬 Final Thoughts

Your credit file is your financial CV. Knowing what’s on it — and checking it regularly — helps you take control of your finances, avoid surprises, and improve your chances of getting approved for a mortgage or other lending.

Need help understanding your report or improving your credit profile?
Speak to a broker at Bowen Mortgages — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.