PEOPLE in the North-East have the lowest credit scores than anywhere else in the country, with one city coming at the very bottom.

North-East residents have an average credit score of 559, representing the lowest credit ratings in the country, data from MoneySuperMarket reveals. 

Sunderland has the lowest average credit score of any postcode in the UK, with a score of 552 out of a possible 710 points, followed by Doncaster (554) and Wolverhampton and Blackpool (555).

Your credit score is a rating based on your financial history. When you apply for credit, like a loan, mortgage or credit card, your credit score is one of the things a lender considers when deciding whether to offer you credit and at what rates.

Analysing data from over 900,000 users from MoneySuperMarket’s Credit Monitor over a 30-day period in October 2020, the research found that the average credit score in the UK is 569.

Those with a Kingston-upon-Thames postcode have the highest average credit score at 586, 17 points higher than the national average.

However, individual ratings vary across the country, with many factors contributing to your score going up or down.

Sasha Evans, money spokesperson at MoneySuperMarket, said: “Credit scores aren’t directly impacted by the location in which people live, but there do tend to be trends in certain areas which are likely to be impacted by a variety of socio-economic factors.

"In the North-East, none of the postcode areas have an average credit score rating that is higher than the national average, and Sunderland has the lowest average nationwide.

“For those living in the North-East who want to improve their credit score, there are several steps you can take that will have a direct impact.

"The most straight-forward is to ensure that you are registered to vote on the electoral roll, with this confirming your name and address for lender verification processes and showing lenders you are reliable and less likely to default.

“Free-to-use monitoring services are also available, such as MoneySuperMarket’s Credit Monitor, which helps you keep an eye on your own credit rating and offers personalised tips on how you can increase your score.”

According to the research, being registered on the electoral roll is a simple way to boost credit score. The average credit score of a person listed on the electoral roll is 573 – 34 points more than those not listed. 

How average credit scores compared across the North-East:

County Durham (DH) - 561, 8 points below national average

Darlington (DL) - 562, 7 points below national average

Teesside (TS) - 558, 11 points below national average

Newcastle (NE) - 562, 7 points below national average

Sunderland (SR) - 552, 17 below national average 

Anyone wishing to check their credit score should click here.