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No. CrisisCompass provides general information and tools. For personalised financial advice, we recommend contacting StepChange (0800 138 1111) or Citizens Advice (0800 144 8848).

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How to rebuild your credit score after debt problems

After debt problems, your credit score will be affected — but it won't be damaged forever. With the right steps, most people can significantly improve their score within 12–24 months.

Understanding your credit file

What's recorded

**Payment history** (late payments, defaults, CCJs)

**Outstanding debts** and credit limits

**Credit applications** (hard searches)

**Electoral roll** registration

**Linked financial associations** (joint accounts)

How long things stay

Late payments: **6 years** from the date of the late payment

Defaults: **6 years** from the date of default

CCJs: **6 years** (or removed if paid within 30 days)

IVAs: **6 years** from the start date

Bankruptcy: **6 years** from the date of discharge

DROs: **6 years** from the approval date

The good news: once these drop off, they're gone completely.

The rebuild timeline

Months 1–3: Foundation

**Check your credit report** — use ClearScore (Equifax), CreditKarma (TransUnion), or MSE Credit Club (Experian). All free.

**Correct any errors** — dispute anything that's wrong

**Register on the electoral roll** — this alone can boost your score

**Close unused overdrafts** and credit accounts you don't need

**Remove old financial links** — if you're no longer financially connected to someone, request de-linking

Months 3–6: Building positive data

**Get a credit builder card** — cards like Aqua, Capital One, or Vanquis accept people with poor credit. **Only spend what you can pay off in full each month.**

**Set up a direct debit** to pay the card balance automatically — never miss a payment

**Keep credit usage below 25%** of the limit

**Consider a credit builder account** — services like Loqbox or Credit Ladder report your rent payments

Months 6–12: Consistency

Continue using your credit builder card **responsibly**

Every on-time payment improves your score

Don't apply for multiple credit products — each hard search temporarily reduces your score

**Space applications 3+ months apart**

Months 12–24: Improvement

Your score should be noticeably improved

You may become eligible for better credit products

Continue the same habits

2–3 years: Significant recovery

Many people reach "good" credit scores

Mortgage applications may become possible (specialist lenders may help sooner)

The golden rules

1. **Never miss a payment** — set up direct debits for everything

2. **Stay below 25% credit utilisation** — if your limit is £500, keep the balance under £125

3. **Don't apply too often** — space applications out

4. **Keep old accounts open** — length of credit history helps

5. **Register on the electoral roll** — free and impactful

Myths about credit scores

"Checking my credit score damages it"

**False.** These are "soft searches" and don't affect your score.

"I need to carry a balance to build credit"

**False.** Pay your card off in full every month. This shows you can manage credit responsibly.

"There's one credit score"

**False.** There are three main credit reference agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Each holds different data and calculates scores differently. Check all three.

"My partner's score affects mine"

**Only if you have joint financial products** (joint account, joint mortgage). Just living together doesn't link you.

Your credit rebuild starts today

Even if you're still dealing with debt, you can start building positive data alongside your repayment plan. The key is consistency — every on-time payment is a step forward.

Check your credit report today at ClearScore, CreditKarma, or MSE Credit Club — all free, no impact on your score.