Maintaining a healthy credit score is essential for securing mortgages, loans and even mobile‑phone contracts.
Yet many Londoners don’t realise there are specialist companies that can help. Whether you want to add rent payments to your credit history, build a track record with a credit‑builder card or simply monitor your score for free, there’s a solution here for you. Oliver has rounded up nine trusted services working to boost your credit file.
1. Experian Boost – adding everyday payments to your credit file
History & heritage: Experian is one of the world’s largest credit‑reporting agencies. Through its Experian Boost service, launched in the UK in 2020, consumers can voluntarily add regular payments such as streaming subscriptions, council tax and savings to their Experian credit report.
What they do: After connecting your current account, Experian Boost scans for qualifying payments and updates your file. The service is free and can increase your score immediately. Experian also offers free access to your credit report and tailored tips via its app.
Why choose Experian: It’s run by a reputable credit reference agency and won’t lower your score if payments fluctuate. The service is easy to use and can provide an instant boost without a hard credit search.
Contact:
Address: The Sir John Peace Building, Experian Way, NG2 Business Park, Nottingham NG80 1ZZ
Phone: +44 (0) 115 941 0888 (head office); +44 (0) 344 481 8000 (consumer help)
2. ClearScore – free credit reports with personalised coaching
History & heritage: ClearScore launched in 2015 to give consumers free access to their Equifax credit report and score for life. It has since expanded to offer ClearScore Boost, a tool that can instantly improve your score by adding payments such as streaming subscriptions.
What they do: ClearScore shows your credit report, offers personalised tips through its Coaching platform and highlights credit cards or loans you’re likely to be approved for. ClearScore Boost analyses your banking transactions and, when turned on, shares regular payments with Equifax to enhance your file.
Why choose ClearScore: The service is completely free and user‑friendly. Weekly coaching emails help users understand the factors affecting their score, and the marketplace presents tailored product offers.
Contact:
Address: 47 Durham Street, London SE11 5JA
Email: help@clearscore.com
3. Loqbox – build credit while saving
History & heritage: Founded in 2017, Loqbox aims to tackle financial exclusion by helping people build credit without borrowing. The company is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
What they do: With Loqbox Save, you choose a monthly amount to “save” for a year. Loqbox lends you that amount and locks it away in a digital pot; you repay the loan each month, and your on‑time payments are reported to all three credit reference agencies. At the end of the term, you unlock your savings at no cost and have a healthier credit history.
Why choose Loqbox: It’s interest‑free and low risk; you’re essentially paying yourself. Loqbox also offers optional credit coach features and financial‑education content.
Contact:
Address: Henleaze Business Centre, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4PN
Email: support@loqbox.com
4. CreditLadder – turn rent payments into a credit history
History & heritage: CreditLadder launched in 2016 to address the unfairness that mortgage payments count towards credit scores but rent does not. The platform has helped over 100,000 tenants improve their credit position by reporting rent to Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
What they do: Tenants link their bank account to CreditLadder, which verifies monthly rent and reports it to credit agencies. Landlords and letting agents can also use the service to verify payments. It’s free for tenants, with optional premium plans offering faster reporting or access to other products.
Why choose CreditLadder: If you’re a renter looking to build credit without taking on debt, this service can make your biggest monthly expense count. The process is automated and requires no change to how you pay rent.
Contact:
Address: Hamilton House, 4A The Avenue, London E4 9LD
Hours: Monday‑Friday 9 am‑5 pm
5. Pave – subscription credit builder with budgeting tools
History & heritage: Pave, formerly known as Portify, started in 2017 to help gig‑economy workers manage their finances. It has evolved into a subscription‑based credit‑building service aimed at anyone wanting to improve their credit file.
What they do: After connecting your bank account, Pave monitors your finances, reports monthly subscription payments to credit reference agencies and alerts you to issues that could harm your score. It also offers personalised budgeting tips and overdraft‑prediction alerts.
Why choose Pave: The app combines credit building with money‑management tools. For a small monthly fee, you get regular reporting and insights tailored to your spending habits.
Contact:
Address: 31a Great Sutton Street, London EC1V 0NA
Email: team@paveapp.com
6. Bits – a digital credit‑builder card
History & heritage: Bits launched its virtual Mastercard in 2019 to give people an alternative way to build credit without traditional borrowing. The service is operated by Fea Card Limited and regulated by the FCA.
What they do: Instead of a normal credit card, Bits gives you a virtual card with a monthly spending limit that you pay off automatically by direct debit. Each month’s repayments are reported to the credit reference agencies. There are no deposits or hidden fees.
Why choose Bits: It’s ideal for those with limited credit history or thin files. Spending on Bits is controlled, and the app provides reminders and insights to help you stay on track.
Contact:
Address: Camden Gateway, 349 Royal College Street, London NW1 9QS
Email: hello@getbits.app
7. BuildMyCreditScore – debit card reporting for everyday spending
History & heritage: BuildMyCreditScore was created to help people boost their credit scores through their everyday purchases. The firm is based in central London and specialises in credit‑builder debit cards.
What they do: After signing up, you link your bank account and receive a prepaid Mastercard. You set a daily spending limit, and every transaction you make is reported to the major credit reference agencies. The company claims users can see significant score increases after a few months.
Why choose BuildMyCreditScore: It’s straightforward and doesn’t involve borrowing. By putting everyday expenses such as groceries and travel through the card, you build a consistent payment history.
Contact:
Address: 25 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1LW
Email: help@buildmycreditscore.com
8. Creditspring – interest‑free loans that build your credit
History & heritage: Creditspring was founded in 2016 with a mission to offer simple, transparent credit to people frustrated by overdraft fees and high‑cost short‑term loans. Instead of charging interest, it operates a membership model.
What they do: Members pay a monthly fee (typically £10–£16) and can access two interest‑free loans a year, repaid over 12 months. On‑time repayments are reported to credit agencies, helping improve your score.
Why choose CreditSpring: It’s useful for those needing occasional borrowing without the shock of interest or hidden charges. The fixed monthly membership fee makes budgeting easier, and live chat support is available.
Contact:
Address: First Floor, 119 Wardour Street, London W1F 0UW
Phone: (Mon‑Fri 9 am‑5 pm)
9. Wollit – credit‑builder membership with rent reporting
History & heritage: Wollit was established in 2017 to improve financial wellbeing for people with thin credit files. It offers a membership that combines credit‑building and budgeting tools.
What they do: For a monthly fee, Wollit reports your membership payments to all three credit agencies and can also add your rent payments if you wish. The app includes personalised tips, spending insights and reminders to reduce financial stress. Wollit stresses that membership is an unregulated credit product, and results vary.
Why choose Wollit: It’s flexible, lets you add multiple types of payment to your credit file and offers educational content. Members can cancel at any time without penalties.
Contact:
Address: 8 Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LS
Email: support@wollit.com
Improving your credit score doesn’t have to involve expensive borrowing or complex financial products. From free tools like Experian and ClearScore to innovative services such as Loqbox, CreditLadder and Pave, Londoners have a wealth of options.
Credit‑builder cards and membership schemes like Bits, BuildMyCreditScore, Creditspring and Wollit offer structured ways to demonstrate reliable payment behaviour. Whether you’re renting, saving or taking out small loans, these companies can help you build a stronger financial future.
