The Martin Lewis Podcast Are Credit Scores real or nonsense? How to make yourself more attractive to lenders
Dec 4, 2025
Discover the truth behind credit scores and why they might not be as real as you think. Learn how to make yourself more appealing to lenders by understanding key factors like income and affordability. Explore the latest changes in energy tariffs and what they mean for your bills. Hear stories of financial maturity from listeners and gain insights into building credit, correcting reports, and the importance of managing payments wisely. Get practical tips to enhance your financial standing and get ready to ask questions for future discussions!
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Credit Scores Aren't Universal
- There is no single UK credit score that lenders use to accept or reject you.
- Each lender runs its own scoring algorithm and weighs income, affordability and profitability differently.
Lenders Seek Profitability Over Pure Risk
- Lenders prioritise profitability, not purely risk, when deciding who to lend to.
- Some firms accept higher-risk customers because they profit from higher rates.
Don't Sweat Small Score Moves
- Don't panic over small dips in the indicative credit scores you see online.
- Treat large or persistent drops as signals to investigate and fix underlying issues.