Your guide to Credit Scores
We've pulled together some info with Sainsbury's Bank to make it all a bit easier to understand…
What's a credit score?
Your credit score is worked out using a number of factors based on your history of borrowing and paying money (for example, how you manage your credit card and bills).
Your score is used by lenders to help decide whether they can loan you money.
When you apply for any of our Argos credit options, we use your credit score to help us decide whether to offer you credit and how much your credit limit will be.
How do I improve my credit score?
The good news is, your credit score isn't a fixed number and can be improved. We've compiled these tips on how to improve your score using info from The Money Advice Service:Pay your bills on time
Reduce any existing debt
Register on the electoral roll
Check for mistakes on your file
Check for fraudulent activity
Remember...
Got an Argos Card?
To help you keep on top of your Argos Card account we've got an award-winning App you can use to view and manage your account on-the-go.
How do I check my credit score?
Find out your score via a Credit Reference Agency:
Credit Reference Agencies (CRAs)
- In the UK, credit scores are calculated by 3 main credit reference agencies (CRAs) - Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
- To calculate your credit score, CRAs are sent information about your credit and how you handle it by lenders.
- Other things that might affect your credit score include not being registered on the electoral roll and moving house frequently.
What's in a credit report?
Your report contains info including:
- Your name and date of birth
- Past and present addresses
- A list of credit and current accounts
- How timely your repayments are
- Any previous fraud data
- Electoral roll details
- How much debt you have
- Any court judgements or bankruptcies
- Details of people you're financially linked to
Money Matters
For further info, check out this Guide to Credit Scores which was originally published on Money Matters from Sainsbury's Bank:
This Money Matters post aims to be informative and engaging. Though it may include tips and information, it does not constitute advice and should not be used as a basis for any financial decisions. Sainsbury's Bank accepts no responsibility for the opinions and views of external contributors and the content of external websites included within this post. Some links may take you to another Sainsbury's Bank page. All information in this post was correct at date of publication.
Argos Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a credit broker (713206), and works exclusively with the lender, Home Retail Group Card Services Limited trading as Argos Card and Argos Financial Services, who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide credit (716148). Home Retail Group Card Services Limited is registered in England (04007072) at 33 Holborn, London, United Kingdom, EC1N 2HT.