Credit Report Guide
Top 10 credit file issues that can affectremortgage outcomes (UK)
Remortgaging isn't just about your property value and income. Most lenders will also check your **credit report** (often via one or more credit reference agencies) to assess risk. In the UK, your credit report is built from information supplied by banks, councils, courts and other organisations, and it's one factor lenders use when deciding whether to offer credit and on what terms.
Below are the **10 credit file issues** that most commonly lead to: higher rates, fewer lender options, smaller loan offers, extra underwriting questions, or a declined remortgage.
Credit Insights
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At-a-glance table
| Credit file issue | Typical remortgage impact | What to do first |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Missed payments / arrears | Higher rates, extra scrutiny, possible decline | Get up to date; avoid new missed payments |
| 2) Defaults / “arrangement to pay” markers | Major negative signal; fewer mainstream lenders | Check dates; bring accounts “satisfied” where possible |
| 3) CCJs | Often a hard stop for many lenders | Verify accuracy; settle/resolve if possible |
| 4) IVA / bankruptcy / DMP flags | Strong adverse history; specialist lending more likely | Speak to a broker; check how it's recorded |
| 5) High credit utilisation | Can reduce affordability and risk score | Pay down revolving balances |
| 6) Too many hard searches | Looks like recent credit dependence | Stop applying; use eligibility checks first |
| 7) Not on electoral roll | ID/address verification weaker | Register at your current address |
| 8) Wrong details / address history errors | Matching problems; delays/declines | Dispute errors with CRA + lender |
| 9) Financial associations (ex/joint) | Other person's issues may be considered | Remove associations you no longer share |
| 10) Fraud markers (Cifas) | Can trigger manual review/declines | Do a DSAR; resolve with provider where relevant |
1) Missed payments and arrears (especially in the last 12–24 months)
What it is: Late or missed payments on credit cards, loans, mobiles, utilities — and especially any mortgage arrears.
Why it affects a remortgage: It's a direct “behaviour” signal: lenders use it to predict repayment risk. Missed payments can also lead to more serious markers like defaults.
- Get accounts back on track and keep them clean.
- Set up direct debits for minimum payments so nothing is missed by accident.
2) Defaults and “arrangement to pay” (AR) markers
What it is:
- A default usually appears after persistent missed payments and is strongly negative.
- An arrangement to pay marker shows you agreed to pay something different to the contracted amount; it's typically treated as adverse by many lenders.
Defaults can remain visible for six years from when recorded. AR markers can also remain on your report for around six years.
- Check the default date (this matters for when it drops off).
- If settled, make sure it shows as satisfied.
- If it's wrong or unfairly recorded, dispute it.
3) County Court Judgments (CCJs)
What it is: A court judgment for an unpaid debt.
Why it affects a remortgage: Many high-street lenders treat CCJs as a serious risk flag. A CCJ typically stays on your credit file for six years from the judgment date.
- Confirm it's yours and accurate.
- If you believe it's incorrect, take action quickly (dispute + legal steps where appropriate).
4) IVA, bankruptcy, and debt management plan (DMP) indicators
What it is: Formal or informal debt solutions that may be reflected on your credit history.
Why it affects a remortgage: These are strong indicators of past affordability stress. StepChange notes that DMP-related details (e.g., missed/partial payments, defaults, court action) are recorded for six years from when the relevant event happened. TransUnion notes some insolvency-related information can remain longer in certain circumstances (e.g., IVAs can be up to 15 years if criteria aren't met).
- Get a specialist broker view early if you have any insolvency history.
- Make sure the reporting is accurate and up to date.
5) High credit utilisation (using too much of your available credit)
What it is: You’re close to limits on credit cards/overdrafts.
Why it affects a remortgage: It can drag down lender risk models and may reduce affordability once existing credit commitments are considered. Experian suggests keeping balances around 25% or less of your limit where possible to help your score.
- Pay down revolving balances (cards/overdrafts) before applying.
- Avoid big balance spikes in the months leading up to your remortgage.
6) Too many recent hard searches (credit applications)
What it is: Multiple formal applications for credit in a short time (cards, loans, finance, sometimes mobiles).
Why it affects a remortgage: Lots of hard searches can suggest financial stress or reliance on credit. Hard searches happen on a formal mortgage application, and lots close together can be a red flag. TransUnion notes searches can remain visible on your report for two years.
- Stop applying for new credit before remortgaging.
- Use “eligibility” tools (often soft searches) where possible; a formal mortgage application is typically a hard search.
7) Not being on the electoral roll (or being registered at the wrong address)
What it is: You’re not registered to vote at your current address.
Why it affects a remortgage: Lenders use it to help confirm identity and address stability. MoneyHelper notes that registering to vote at your current address can improve your file and may take up to ∼8 weeks to feed through. Experian also explains electoral details help lenders confirm who you are and where you live.
- Register at your current address (and re-register when you move).
8) Incorrect details, missing address history, or data errors
What it is: Wrong address, misspelled name, duplicated accounts, incorrect balances, payments showing late when they weren’t, or old addresses not linked properly.
Why it affects a remortgage: Even small errors (like an address typo) can affect applications and slow underwriting.
- Dispute errors with the relevant credit reference agency; the ICO advises raising inaccuracies with the CRA (and sometimes the original organisation that supplied the data).
- If you add a Notice of Correction, lenders should read it, but it can slow applications because it may require manual review.
9) Financial associations (ex-partners, joint accounts/credit links)
What it is: Your credit file shows you’re financially linked to someone through joint credit (past or present).
Why it affects a remortgage: Lenders may consider the other person’s credit history when assessing risk for some applications. Experian notes financial associates can impact your ability to get credit.
- If you no longer share joint financial products, request removal of the association with the CRAs (Equifax explains you can remove an association when you no longer have a joint agreement).
10) Fraud indicators (Cifas markers and related flags)
What it is: Fraud prevention data held by Cifas can affect how lenders process applications.
Why it affects a remortgage: Fraud markers can trigger extra verification, delays, and in some cases declines.
Cifas states markers can be held for up to six years on its database, and credit reports typically only show Cifas “victim markers” (not all marker types).
- If you suspect something's wrong, make a Data Subject Access Request (DSAR) to understand what's held and why.
- Gather evidence early; expect manual checks.
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