Check Your Credit Report Before a Mortgage: Common Errors That Could Hurt Your Approval
- Ben Stephenson
- Aug 4
- 5 min read

Applying for a mortgage is exciting, but don’t let easily fixable credit report mistakes ruin your chances of approval. Your credit report is one of the first things lenders check, and even a small error could raise red flags. Nearly one in three people who review their credit report discover a mistake, and for some, those errors can mean the difference between getting their dream home and losing it.
This guide explains why checking your credit report is so important, the most common errors to look for, and how to fix them before applying for a mortgage. We’ll also show how Manor Mortgages Direct – with nearly 30 years in business and a 4.9-star Google rating – can help you secure your mortgage even if your credit history isn’t perfect.
Why should I check my credit report before applying for a mortgage?
Your credit report can make or break your mortgage application. Lenders in the UK use it to assess your reliability as a borrower, looking at everything from your past payment history to your total outstanding debts.
Even a small error can lead to rejection or a much higher interest rate. For example, a single incorrectly recorded missed payment could make a lender decline your application outright.
Many buyers only discover these issues after an underwriter flags them, which can be a stressful and time-consuming problem to fix mid-process.
This is especially important if you are preparing for your first property purchase. As a first-time buyer, your application will often be more closely scrutinised, and a clean, accurate credit report can help you access better rates.
Checking your credit report before applying means you can spot and correct errors in advance. It’s a “soft” search, so it won’t harm your score, and it ensures the information lenders see reflects your true financial position.
How can credit report errors affect my mortgage application?
Credit report errors can influence your application in several ways:
Lower credit score – Incorrect negative data can reduce your score, limiting your lender choices.
Red flags for underwriters – A false default or recent missed payment can cause immediate concern.
Identity mismatches – Outdated personal details can prevent the lender from verifying you.
Inflated debt levels – Duplicate or incorrect debts can make you appear over-committed.
For more complex situations, such as if you are self-employed, accuracy is even more important. Our self-employed mortgage advice service regularly helps clients in this position, ensuring their credit profile is fully accurate before applying.
In short, a mortgage lender makes decisions based on the information in your file. If that information is wrong, you could be penalised for issues you don’t even have.
What are the most common credit report mistakes to watch out for?
When reviewing your credit reports, check for:
Incorrect personal details – Make sure your name, date of birth, and addresses (current and previous) are correct.
Accounts you don’t recognise – These could be admin errors or signs of identity theft.
Duplicate entries – The same account showing twice can double your apparent debt.
Closed accounts showing as open – This can wrongly reduce your affordability.
Errors in payment history – Late payments or defaults recorded in error.
Old financial links – Former partners or housemates still linked to your profile.
Catching these early allows you to fix them before they impact your mortgage chances.
How do I check my credit report for errors in the UK?
In the UK, there are three main credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Each may hold different data, so it’s important to check all three.
You can:
Request free statutory credit reports from each agency.
Use free services like ClearScore (Equifax) or Credit Karma (TransUnion).
Try a multi-agency service like Checkmyfile to see all reports in one place.
Review your file at least a few months before applying for a mortgage. Ideally, check your reports annually to monitor changes and catch any issues early.
How can I correct mistakes on my credit report?
If you find an error:
Contact the credit reference agency – Each has a free online dispute process.
Speak to the creditor – This can speed up the correction.
Provide supporting evidence – Bank statements, letters, or payment receipts.
Add a Notice of Correction – If unresolved, add an explanation for lenders.
Escalate if needed – Contact the Financial Ombudsman Service for unresolved disputes.
Check for updates – Confirm the change is visible on your report.
The process can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the error.
Can I still get a mortgage if there was a mistake on my credit report?
Yes – especially with the right broker. If the mistake is fixed before applying, it won’t affect your application. If it’s unresolved, some lenders may still consider you, particularly if you can prove it’s an error.
Our team at Manor Mortgages Direct has decades of experience helping clients navigate credit report issues before applying for a mortgage, ensuring the strongest possible case is presented.
Case Study: How an error nearly stopped a mortgage
Hannah and Tom, first-time buyers with a 10% deposit, were shocked when a lender found a default on Hannah’s file for a phone bill she didn’t recognise. Their application stalled.
We helped Hannah obtain all three credit reports and found the error appeared only on one. She disputed it, provided proof, and we approached a suitable lender willing to proceed while the dispute was resolved.
A few weeks later, the default was removed. Hannah and Tom secured their mortgage, and plan to remortgage in two years for a better rate once their credit history remains consistently clean.
Tips to keep your credit report healthy before a mortgage
Register on the electoral roll – This increases your score and proves address stability.
Pay all bills on time – Even one late payment can impact your file.
Avoid new credit applications – Multiple searches can lower your score.
Keep credit card balances low – High usage can reduce your score.
Close unused credit accounts – Stops them affecting affordability.
Get free help if needed – Organisations like MoneyHelper and Citizens Advice can guide you.
For more tailored help, our team offers full mortgage advice to guide you from start to finish.
FAQs
Does checking my credit report hurt my score?
No – it’s a soft search, invisible to lenders.
How often should I review my credit report?
At least annually, and a few months before any major application.
What if I find a mistake right before applying?
Dispute it immediately, add a Notice of Correction, and tell your broker.
Which credit reference agency do lenders check?
It varies. That’s why you should check all three.
How long does it take to fix an error?
Simple errors can take weeks, complex disputes may take months.
Can I get a mortgage with bad credit?
Yes – but your options will depend on your circumstances. Our bad credit mortgage advice service can help.
Written by Ben Stephenson, CeMAP-qualified Mortgage Broker, Manor Mortgages Direct