Does Being On The Electoral Roll Help Your Credit Score?

If you're trying to boost your credit score, you've probably heard that joining the electoral roll is a smart move. But how much will your credit score go up when you join the electoral register, and why does it even matter?

At Marsh Finance, we get asked this a lot, especially by customers getting ready to apply for car finance. So, let’s break it down.

👉 Being on the electoral roll can boost your credit score

👉 Why does being on the electoral roll boost your credit score

👉 How much will my credit score go up when I register to vote?

👉 How long does it take for the electoral roll to show up on my credit report?

👉 How to register on the electoral roll in the UK

👉 What if I'm not eligible to vote in the UK?

👉 Will being on the electoral roll guarantee a higher credit score?

👉 Other simple ways to improve your credit score

👉 Small step, big impact

👉 FAQs

Quick Answer: Yes, Being On The Electoral Roll Can Boost Your Credit Score

Registering on the electoral roll (also known as the electoral register) can help improve your credit score, sometimes by a noticeable amount. It makes it easier for lenders to confirm your identity and address, which reduces risk and builds trust.

While it’s not a magic fix, it’s one of the simplest, quickest things you can do to strengthen your credit profile.

Why Does Being On The Electoral Roll Affect Your Credit Score?

Credit reference agencies (like Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) use information from the electoral roll to:

• Verify your identity and address
• Help lenders confirm that you're stable and traceable
• Reduce the risk of fraud

If you’re not on the electoral register, some lenders may see you as higher risk, which can lower your chances of approval, especially for things like car finance or credit cards.

💡 Want to learn more about what lenders look for? Check out our blog on what companies assess in a car finance application.

How Much Will My Credit Score Go Up When I Register To Vote?

There’s no fixed number, and you won’t see an instant jump overnight. But joining the electoral roll can typically boost your credit score by 20 to 50 points, sometimes even more if you're starting from a thin or patchy credit history.

It’s especially powerful if:

• You’ve never been registered before
• You’ve recently moved house
• Your report lacks other forms of ID verification

It’s a small step that lenders really value, and it works quietly in the background to improve your score over time.

How Long Does It Take For The Electoral Roll To Show On My Credit Report?

It usually takes four to eight weeks for your electoral register details to appear on your credit file after you’ve registered. The credit reference agencies update your report once local councils submit the updated data.

So, don’t worry if you don’t see a change straight away… it’s coming.

How To Register On The Electoral Roll In The UK

It only takes about 5 minutes to register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

You’ll need:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Current address
• National Insurance number

Make sure the address you use matches the one on your credit accounts. If you've recently moved, update your lenders too as mismatched addresses can cause issues.

What If I'm Not Eligible To Vote In The UK?

Even if you’re not a UK citizen, you might still be eligible to register, depending on your immigration status. If you’re not allowed to register at all, don’t panic; there are still other ways to build your credit score. Read our guide to understanding credit scores to get started.

Will Being On The Electoral Roll Guarantee A Higher Credit Score?

No. It’s not a guarantee, and it’s only one piece of the puzzle. But it helps. And when combined with other positive behaviours, like making payments on time and keeping your credit usage low, it can tip the scales in your favour.

If you’re thinking about applying for car finance, read our full guide on how your credit score affects your application.

Other Simple Ways To Improve Your Credit Score

Joining the electoral roll is a great first step, but there are other easy wins too:

• Pay bills on time - every time
• Keep your credit card balances low
• Avoid applying for lots of credit at once
• Check your credit report regularly for errors or fraud
• Keep old accounts open (if you’re not paying fees) to lengthen your credit history

If you're unsure where to begin, our credit score explainer blog is a great place to start.

Small Step, Big Impact

Adding yourself to the electoral roll won’t fix your credit overnight, but it’s one of the easiest ways to build trust with lenders and support your credit score behind the scenes.

It’s free, takes minutes to do, and can open the door to better finance offers down the line. If you're applying for car finance and want to give yourself the best possible chance, this is a smart place to start.

Ready to put your improved credit score to work?

Registering on the electoral roll is a great first step, and we’re here for the next one. At Marsh Finance, we help people across the UK get car finance, even if their credit isn’t perfect.

✅ Soft search won’t affect your credit score
✅ Quick, simple application
✅ Human support if you’re not sure where to start

Apply for car finance with Marsh Finance today and take your next step with confidence.

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