If you regularly check your credit score, you might soon notice that the number looks different. TransUnion, one of the UK’s main credit reference agencies, is introducing a new credit scoring system, increasing its maximum score from 710 to 999 and changing the way your score is calculated. The new system will start appearing through TransUnion’s credit monitoring partners from late September 2026, with the rollout continuing until June 2027.
So, what does the change mean for you, and should you be concerned if your score suddenly looks different?
What is a credit score?
Your credit score is a number designed to give you an indication of your creditworthiness, so essentially, how your financial behaviour may look to a potential lender. It’s calculated using information in your credit report, covering how you’ve managed loans and credit cards, any outstanding debts, your use of available credit and your payment history. Other information, such as whether you’re registered on the electoral roll or a homeowner, can also affect it.
However, your credit score isn’t a universal number. Different credit reference agencies use different scoring systems, and lenders don’t simply look at the consumer score you see when deciding whether to lend to you. They’ll assess information from your credit report alongside their own lending criteria.
What’s changing with TransUnion?
The biggest change is the scoring range. Instead of running from 0 to 710, your new TransUnion score will run from 0 to 999.
The five bands will also change:
| Rating | Old score | New score |
| Excellent | 628 – 710 | 786 – 999 |
| Good | 604 – 627 | 653 – 785 |
| Fair | 566 – 603 | 563 – 652 |
| Low (previously Poor) | 551 – 565 | 488 – 562 |
| Very Low (previously Very Poor) | 0 – 550 | 0 – 487 |
But this isn’t simply a case of stretching the existing score to 999.
TransUnion says its new model will look more closely at how you manage credit over time, rather than relying as heavily on a snapshot of your finances. This includes information such as how your account balances change and how you use your credit cards. It’s also designed to better reflect people who have little or no credit history.
You’ll also be able to receive more personalised information explaining what is influencing your score and what you may be able to do to improve it, depending on the service you use to access your TransUnion score.
Don’t panic if your score suddenly changes
Your new score may look dramatically different from your old one, but that doesn’t necessarily mean your financial circumstances have suddenly improved or deteriorated. The underlying information in your credit report isn’t changing because of the new scoring system. TransUnion is changing how that information is used to calculate and present your consumer score.
During the rollout, you could even see two different TransUnion scores depending on which bank, comparison site or credit monitoring service you’re using. That’s because different providers will switch to the new system at different times.
Why should you keep an eye on your credit score?
Your credit score isn’t the final word on whether you’ll get a mortgage, loan or credit card, but it’s a useful way to keep track of your overall credit health. More importantly, you should regularly check the credit report behind your score.
Doing this can help you spot incorrect information, accounts or searches you don’t recognise and potential signs of identity fraud. It can also give you an opportunity to correct problems before you make an important credit application.
Checking your own credit score or report doesn’t damage your score, so you don’t need to worry that keeping an eye on it will count against you.
What should you do now?
You don’t need to take any action simply because TransUnion is changing its scoring system. When your provider switches to the new score, look at your new rating as well as the number and check any explanations you’re given about what’s influencing it. And don’t become too focused on reaching 999. A high consumer credit score doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be accepted for credit, just as a lower score doesn’t automatically mean you’ll be rejected.
The important thing is to keep an eye on your credit report, make sure the information recorded about you is accurate and deal with anything you don’t recognise as soon as possible.
Stay on top of your money and consumer rights
From changes that could affect your finances to refunds, scams and the latest consumer rights news, Resolver helps you understand what matters and what you can do about it. Sign up to the free Resolver newsletter to get the latest consumer news, rights updates and practical money saving advice straight to your inbox.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Your credit score is only one factor lenders may consider when deciding whether to offer you credit, and individual lenders use their own eligibility and affordability criteria. Always consider your own circumstances before applying for credit.