What Is a Fair Credit Score?

Last updated on January 8th, 2026 at 01:06 pm

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A fair credit score is a middle-range score that shows you’ve managed credit reasonably well but still have room to improve. It isn’t low enough to cut you off from mainstream borrowing, but it isn’t high enough to secure the very best rates either. Experian explains that its fair credit band typically sits between 721 and 880, placing you in the middle of its five-point scale.

A fair score still allows you to access loans, credit cards, car finance and sometimes mortgages, though the costs and approval odds may vary. MoneyHelper also offers guidance on how credit scoring works and why lenders use different ranges when assessing applications.

Below, we break down how fair credit compares to good or bad credit, how it affects borrowing costs, and what you can do to move your score into a stronger range.

What Is Considered a Fair Credit Score in The UK?

A fair credit score in the UK typically sits around the middle of each agency’s scoring range. Each credit reference agency uses its own scale:

• Experian: Fair = 721–880
• Equifax: Fair = 380–419
• TransUnion: Fair = 566–603

These ranges change occasionally, but the idea stays the same: a fair score means you’re not in the red, but you’re not yet in the strongest borrowing category either.

How Does a Fair Credit Score Compare To a Good Or Bad Credit Score?

A fair credit score sits between poor and good, meaning you’re more reliable than higher-risk borrowers but not yet low-risk. With a good score, lenders feel confident offering lower APRs and higher credit limits. With a poor score, lenders may decline you entirely or offer only high-cost products.

A fair score tells lenders you’ve handled credit reasonably well but may have a few missed payments, high utilisation, or a short credit history.

Does Having a Fair Credit Score Affect Your Borrowing Options?

Yes, a fair credit score affects your borrowing options because lenders use your score to judge how risky it is to lend to you. The lower the score, the more likely a lender thinks you might miss a payment. That risk shows up in the interest rate, the amount you can borrow, and whether you’re approved at all.

With a fair score, you’ll usually still be approved for mainstream products, but the rates may be higher than those offered to borrowers with strong credit.

How Does The Cost of a Loan Vary Between Credit Scores?

The cost of a loan varies significantly because lenders price loans based on risk, and your credit score is a major part of that.

Higher scores get access to lower APRs, while fair or poor scores often face higher rates.

Representative Example Table

Credit Score Band	Example APR	Borrowing £5,000 over 3 years	Total Repayable
Excellent	5.0% APR	£150 p/m	~£5,400
Good	8.0% APR	£157 p/m	~£5,652
Fair	18.0% APR	£181 p/m	~£6,516
Poor	29.9% APR	£210 p/m	~£7,560

These figures are illustrative, but they show the point clearly: even a small drop in score can increase the total cost of borrowing by hundreds or thousands of pounds.

Can You Still Get A Loan, Credit Card, Car Finance Or Mortgage With A Fair Credit Score?

Yes, you can absolutely still get loans, credit cards, car finance, and mortgages with a fair credit score. A fair score does not block access to mainstream credit. However, the choice of lender may be narrower, the APR may be higher, and credit limits may be lower.

Mortgage lenders may be more cautious, but many will still consider applicants with fair credit, especially if affordability checks are strong and your income is stable.

What Factors Cause Your Credit Score To Fall Into The “Fair” Range?

Your credit score may fall into the fair range for a variety of reasons, including:

• A few late or missed payments
• High credit card utilisation
• Recently opened accounts
• Several hard credit searches in a short time
• A thin or short credit history
• Old, settled debts still showing on your report

A fair score doesn’t necessarily mean serious financial problems, often, it’s simply the result of normal life events or limited credit history.

How Can I Improve My Score From Fair Credit To Good Credit?

You can improve a fair credit score by consistently showing lenders that you can manage borrowing responsibly. Paying everything on time, lowering credit card balances, and keeping your utilisation below 30% all help.

Building a longer credit history, avoiding unnecessary credit applications, and registering on the electoral roll are also strong signals to lenders.

Most people can move from fair to good within 6–12 months if they follow steady, positive habits.

What Should You Avoid If You Want To Improve Your Credit Score?

To improve your score, you should avoid missed payments, maxing out credit cards, taking on new borrowing unnecessarily, or applying for multiple loans in a short period. These behaviours push your score down because they signal instability or financial strain.

Avoiding overdraft dependence and keeping old accounts open (if they’re well-managed) can also help keep your score moving upward.

Where Can You Check Your Credit Score For Free?

You can check your credit score for free through all major UK agencies:

• Experian (via MSE Credit Club)
• Equifax (via ClearScore)
• TransUnion (via Credit Karma)

Checking your score doesn’t affect it, and monitoring it regularly can help you track improvements and spot errors early.

A fair credit score isn’t perfect, but it certainly isn’t bad. It still gives you access to borrowing, though usually at a higher cost. With small, consistent changes to how you manage credit, it’s entirely possible to move from fair to good and unlock better rates, stronger approvals, and cheaper borrowing overall.