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If you are looking to get a mortgage any time in the near future, having a good credit score is a really important factor in making sure you get approved!

Here at Right Click Finance, mortgage broker's in Liverpool, Wirral, and Southport, we want to make sure you have the best possible chance, so here are 6 ways to improve your credit score!...

1. Prove where you live
   Register on the electoral at your current address – you can do this even if you’re in shared accommodation, renting or living at home with your parents. Try and avoid moving home too often, it makes you look unreliable or makes lenders think you can’t afford your rent.
2. Build your credit history
   Having little or no credit history can make it difficult for companies to assess you, and your credit score may be lower as a result. This is a common problem for young people and people who are new to the country. Luckily, there are some steps you may be able to take to build up your credit history, one of them strange as it seems is taking out a credit card. Remember not to use more than 50% of the available credit and always make repayments on time. Keep old accounts alive to show you’re consistent in your payment history.
3. Make payments on time and on a regular basis
   Paying your bills such as rates, rent, phone bills on time and in full each month is a good way to show you’re a reliable borrower, and capable of handling credit responsibly. Old, well-managed accounts will usually improve your score
4. Keep your credit utilisation low
   Your credit utilisation is the percentage you use of your credit limit. For example, if you have a limit of £2,000 and you’ve used £1,000 of that, your credit utilisation is 50%. Usually, a lower percentage will be seen positively by lenders and will increase your credit score as a result. If possible, try and keep your credit utilisation below 30%.
5. Check for errors and report any mistakes on your credit  report
   Even small mistakes, such as a mistyped address, can affect your score and could be enough for a lender to refuse you credit. It’s worth checking your credit report to make sure all the information on it is accurate and up to date. Go online at a company such as Experian to find out what information lenders will see on your credit reference.
   If you do spot a mistake, contact the supplier directly and ask them to change it. If there is negative information that is correct but occurred during special circumstances (such as a period in hospital or losing your job) you can ask the credit reference company to add a Notice of Correction to your credit report explaining this
6. Monitor your credit file for fraudulent activity
   If fraudsters gain access to your personal details, they could take out credit in your name without you being aware. If you see something on your credit report that is wrong, such as an application you don’t recognise, Experian’s specialist fraud support team can help.