Your Credit Score and Borrowing Power: A Practical Guide

Course outline

A clear route from first principles to practical confidence

1. 01

   Module 1: What Is a Credit Score and Why Does It Matter?

   • What a credit score is and what it represents
   • Who uses your credit score and why
   • The difference between credit score and credit report
   • How a good score can save you money
   • Common myths about credit scores
2. 02

   Module 2: The UK Credit Reference Agencies

   • Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion: what they do
   • How agencies collect and share your information
   • Why scores can differ between agencies
   • How to access your credit report for free
   • Checking your report for errors
3. 03

   Module 3: What Affects Your Credit Score?

   • Payment history: the biggest factor
   • Credit utilisation: how much you owe matters
   • Length of credit history and account mix
   • Hard searches and soft searches explained
   • The electoral roll and other personal details
4. 04

   Module 4: Building a Credit History from Scratch

   • Why having no credit history can be a problem
   • Using a credit builder card responsibly
   • Becoming an authorised user on someone else's account
   • Utility bills and mobile phone contracts
   • Registering on the electoral roll
5. 05

   Module 5: Improving a Poor Credit Score

   • Paying bills on time and reducing debt
   • Dealing with defaults and late payments
   • How to handle County Court Judgments (CCJs)
   • Using a notice of correction on your report
   • Avoiding quick-fix credit repair scams
6. 06

   Module 6: Understanding Different Types of Borrowing

   • Credit cards: how they work and when to use them
   • Personal loans: fixed sums and repayment terms
   • Overdrafts: arranged versus unauthorised
   • Buy now, pay later schemes
   • Secured loans and home credit
7. 07

   Module 7: How Lenders Assess You

   • Affordability checks: income and outgoings
   • The role of your credit score in lending decisions
   • What lenders look for in a mortgage application
   • How a joint application works
   • Why you might be declined even with a good score
8. 08

   Module 8: Borrowing Responsibly and Avoiding Debt Traps

   • The cost of borrowing: APR and total repayment
   • Minimum payments on credit cards: the hidden cost
   • Payday loans and high-cost credit risks
   • How to compare loan offers effectively
   • When to say no to borrowing
9. 09

   Module 9: Managing Multiple Debts

   • Prioritising debts: which to pay first
   • Debt consolidation: pros and cons
   • Balance transfers on credit cards
   • Negotiating with lenders for better terms
   • Using a debt management plan
10. 10

    Module 10: Credit Scores and Major Life Events

    • Getting a mortgage: what lenders check
    • Renting a home and credit checks
    • Starting a business and business credit
    • Moving abroad and your UK credit history
    • Divorce or separation: separating finances
11. 11

    Module 11: Protecting Your Credit Identity

    • How identity theft can damage your credit
    • Spotting fraudulent activity on your report
    • Setting up fraud alerts and credit freezes
    • What to do if you become a victim
    • Safe online habits for financial accounts
12. 12

    Module 12: Your Credit Action Plan

    • Reviewing your credit report regularly
    • Setting up payment reminders and direct debits
    • Building a savings buffer to avoid borrowing
    • Tracking your progress over six months
    • Knowing when to seek free debt advice