If you’re moving house, updating your bank, bills, and ID might feel like a lot to manage. But one common concern is whether a change of address affects your credit rating. The good news? Simply moving home won’t harm your credit score, but failing to update your address could.
At Change My Name, we help people change their name with a recognised deed poll, and we’re often asked about how both name and address changes impact credit. Here’s what you need to know.
Will Changing My Address Affect My Credit Score?
No, your credit score won’t drop just because you change your address. Credit reference agencies don’t see a new address as a negative factor. In fact, updating your address across all your accounts is essential to keeping your credit report accurate.
However, if your old and new addresses aren’t linked properly in your credit file, it can make it harder for lenders to verify your identity, and that could lead to application delays or rejections.
Why Keeping Your Address Updated Matters
Here’s how your address affects your credit file and what you can do to maintain a healthy score:
- Identity verification: Lenders use your address history to confirm your identity. Inconsistent or outdated information may flag up as suspicious.
- Application tracking: Your credit report shows your financial history across addresses. If you don’t update it, older debts or active accounts might not be matched correctly.
- Electoral roll registration: Being registered to vote at your current address boosts your credit score and helps lenders verify your identity.
Tips for Moving Without Damaging Your Credit Rating
To avoid problems when changing address:
- Inform your lenders and financial institutions of your new address as soon as possible.
- Update your address with all three major UK credit reference agencies: Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.
- Register to vote at your new address through your local council.
- Don’t apply for too much credit during the move, especially if your details are still being updated across different databases.
- Check your credit report after you move to ensure your address history is linked correctly.
What About Changing My Name and Address?
If you’ve recently changed both your name and address (for example, after marriage, divorce, or transitioning), it’s important to update both sets of details on your financial records.
At Change My Name, we offer recognised deed polls so you can update your name with banks, credit providers, HM Passport Office, DVLA, and more.
- Adult Deed Poll – £19.95
- Child Deed Poll – £19.95
- Name Change Kit – £49.95 (includes multiple copies and letter templates)
Once your name and address are both up to date, your credit score should remain stable, as long as payments are made on time and credit use stays responsible.
So, does a change of address affect credit rating? Not directly. But it can cause problems if your credit file becomes inaccurate or if lenders struggle to trace your financial history. Keeping your address (and name) consistent across all accounts is the best way to avoid disruption.
If you’re changing your name as well as your address, let Change My Name help you make it official — quickly, officially, and affordably.
FAQs:
No, simply changing your address does not directly impact your credit score. However, if lenders can’t match your personal details accurately — such as your name and address — it could lead to issues with credit applications.
Lenders use your address history to verify your identity and check your credit file. If your records aren’t consistent across different agencies or accounts, it may delay or affect decisions on loans or credit.
Yes. Make sure your new address is updated with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Also update it with banks, utility providers, and any organisation that reports to these agencies.
Yes. If your current address doesn’t match what’s held by lenders or credit agencies, it could result in delays, rejections, or the need for extra identity checks.
Absolutely. Registering on the electoral roll at your new address makes it easier for lenders to verify your identity, which can positively influence your credit rating.
