Post-Brexit Guide

Does France Have Credit Scores Like the UK? What Actually Happens When You Move Abroad

Moving to France from the UK, you’re probably thinking about the food, the weather – maybe even the tax situation. But there’s also credit that you have to think about. In the UK, it’s all about credit scores. Credit bureaus and endless three-digit numbers shape your chances of getting a mortgage or a loan. 

So, it’s totally normal to wonder: does France have credit scores in the same way, and will your credit history from the UK actually mean anything once you set foot in Paris or Nice? Let’s break it down: 

Quick Overview

First off, the concept of a “credit score” as we know it in Britain – those numbers from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – doesn’t quite translate to France. It’s not that they don’t care about your financial history; they just look at it differently.

How Do French Lenders Assess Borrowers Without Credit Scores?

You might be surprised to learn that France doesn’t have a universal, three-digit credit scoring system that follows you everywhere you go. French financial institutions, whether you’re applying for a personal loan or even just a mobile phone contract, do take your financial behaviour into account, but not in the same way as in the UK or the U.S. 

Instead, their approach to creditworthiness focuses more on your:

• Recent financial activity
• Stability
• Ability to repay

So, instead of plugging your details into a database to spit out a number, banks will ask you for things like your last three months of bank statements or your tax returns. In many cases, they’ll want a peek at your employment contract. 

This process is, admittedly, a bit more manual and sometimes feels old-fashioned, but it’s just how they do it. Your “credit rating” in France becomes more of a personal profile, constructed from actual documents, rather than some algorithmic calculation.

Who Oversees Credit Risk in France?

Unlike the UK, where private credit bureaus keep score, in France, the Banque de France holds a lot of the cards when it comes to credit risk. 

The Banque de France

They manage national registers, but these aren’t credit scoring bureaus in the Fair Isaac Corporation sense. Instead, they keep track of people who’ve:

• Defaulted on loans
• Had cheques bounce
• Filed for bankruptcy

These negative remarks are stored in the Fichier Central des Chèques (FCC) or the Fichier des Incidents de remboursement des Crédits aux Particuliers (FICP). 

So, if you’ve had issues in France – maybe unpaid debt or bounced direct debits – your name might end up in these files. That’s really the closest France gets to the idea of “bad credit.” 

If you’ve kept your financial nose clean, though, there’s no equivalent to a Bureau Krediet Registratie (BKR) or the UK’s credit bureaus constantly tracking every bill payment. We often see this difference catch expats off guard, especially if you’re used to building a good credit score just by paying your mobile bill on time.

How Does France’s Approach Compare to Other Countries?

It’s not just the UK and France that differ. Across different countries in Europe and beyond, the approach to credit risk and borrowers’ creditworthiness varies a lot. Many countries rely on credit bureaus to centralise credit applications and defaults, whereas others, like France, take a more fragmented or state-led approach. 

For example:

• The Dutch have the BKR
• Germany has Schufa
• The U.S. famously uses the Fair Isaac Corporation’s FICO score
• In the UK, we have those familiar credit reference agencies

If you’re curious about European attitudes to credit, the European Banking Authority provides some handy insights into how credit risk and borrower information are handled differently from country to country. You can check out their recent reports here.

What Do Lenders Really Want to See in France?

If you’re making a move, here’s where the reality hits: your good credit in the UK doesn’t transfer automatically. Lenders in France typically aren’t really interested in your UK Experian score or a glowing credit file from Equifax. 

They want proof that you’ve got:

• A stable income
• A manageable level of debt
• Enough money in your account to handle repayments

They’re trying to work out your current financial situation rather than your entire credit history. For things like a mortgage or large credit applications, French banks will dig deep – they might ask you for details of any properties you own or even your family situation. 

It’s a much more personal, document-heavy method, which means you should always keep your paperwork organised – especially when you first arrive.

Can You Build Good Credit in France?

It’s not all doom and gloom if you’re worried about starting from scratch! Even though France doesn’t use a credit scoring system in the same way as the UK, you can still build trust with lenders and financial institutions. 

Solid Tips

What can you do to improve your credit score in France?

• Make sure your accounts are in good order
• Keep your debt levels low
• Don’t miss repayments on any French loans or bills

Over time, your bank will see you as a “good” client, and that reputation will help you with future credit applications. Just don’t expect an official credit score to magically appear.

And if you ever do end up with negative remarks in the Banque de France’s records – say, you bounce a cheque or default on a loan – those will stick around for several years and make it difficult to get credit, so it’s worth avoiding at all costs.

What If You’re a UK Expat With No French Credit History?

This is the tricky bit for many expats. You arrive, full of plans, only to discover that your UK credit rating isn’t recognised at all. You’re starting from zero, which can feel unfair, especially if you always kept things in order back home. 

The good news is, many French banks and lenders understand this problem, so it’s worth explaining your situation and being upfront about your financial background.

Some international banks, especially those with branches in both countries, can be more flexible. They might consider your UK financial history as part of the picture. Still, the process will usually involve a lot of paperwork and personal meetings – France loves an appointment at the bank.

If you’re worried about practical steps, the Banque de France has information in English that can help you navigate the local system. It’s worth checking out their resources on opening an account and applying for credit as a newcomer.

How Upscore Can Help

If you want to make life easier as you move abroad and prove your creditworthiness wherever you land, consider signing up for Upscore’s Finance Passport! It lets you present your international credit data to lenders, which is handy if you want to avoid awkward moments in the bank manager’s office. 

Sign Up for Upscore’s Finance Passport Today!

How is Credit Score Determined in the UK? + Tips to Improve It

If you’re planning to move abroad or simply want to tidy up your finances here at home, knowing how your credit score is determined – and more importantly, how to improve it – is definitely a smart move! 

Your credit score is just a number, but it’s a reflection of your financial behaviour, which makes it a pretty key part of your financial health. It affects everything from mobile phone contracts to mortgages, and if you’re relocating, your history here may influence how lenders view you overseas.

What Is Your Credit File, and How Does it Shape Your Credit Score?

Your credit file is basically a full record of:

• Your past borrowing
• Your use of credit
• How you’ve handled bills and loans

The main credit reference agencies in the UK – Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion – collect data to build up this file. People often talk about their “credit score”, but the fact is, you actually have separate scores with each of the agencies because each one has its own system. 

So, when you submit a credit application – for a credit card, for example -the lender may check your credit file via one or more of the agencies. The lender then uses their own criteria (plus the data in your file) to decide if you’re a good bet. So your credit score reflects how trustworthy you appear to a lender.

Which Factors Influence How Your Credit Score is Calculated?

There are a few things at play when your credit score is being calculated, so let’s explore some of these here:

Payment History (Pay Bills on Time)

This is absolutely critical. Missed payments or CCJs send big red flags to lenders.

Credit Accounts and Credit Utilisation

This includes:

• The number of credit accounts you hold (cards, loans, etc.)
• How long you’ve had them
• Especially how much of your available credit you’re using

For example, if you’ve got a credit card with a limit of £2,000 and you’re regularly using £1,800, that’s high use and it can hurt your score.

Credit History Length and Mix

The longer and more stable your borrowing history, the better, since it shows you’ve managed credit over time. Opening loads of new accounts can make you look riskier.

Public Records and Address Stability

If you’ve moved around a lot or have public records like bankruptcy or CCJs, your score will likely take a hit.

Errors in Your Credit Report

Mistakes happen! One survey found that 29% of UK adults who checked their credit report had errors on it. 

Having all of these on your side helps you secure a good credit score; neglecting these things can land you with a low credit score, which can restrict your options.

What Are the Average Credit Scores and Why Do They Vary?

Since each agency uses a different scale, you’ll find different “average” numbers depending on who you ask.

• The average 2024 figure for Experian was 797 (out of 999).
• Equifax’s average is around 644 (out of 1,000). 
• TransUnion reports an average of about 610 (out of 710) in recent data.

Age and location make a difference too: younger adults often have lower scores, simply because their credit history is shorter. Data shows, for example, that people aged 18‑25 may average around 447 in certain scoring models, but that rises to 839 for those aged 65+. 

And there’s actually a bit of variation regionally, too: some parts of the UK have average scores in the 700s, others in the 800s.

What this tells you is two things: first, don’t panic if your agency’s number looks different from someone else’s; and second, focus less on the absolute number, more on the trend and the behaviour behind it.

Why Checking Your Credit Score Regularly Matters

You should check your credit score and credit file regularly (at least yearly, ideally more frequently) because:

• If you spot errors on your credit report, you can request corrections, and those corrections can improve your score. Over nine million UK adults could have mistakes on their credit files.

• Checking helps you spot identity fraud or unauthorised credit accounts.

• Keeping an eye on things helps you understand what lenders see when they view your file, so you’re better prepared when you submit a credit application.

And to clear up a common worry we see a lot of people ask: checking your own credit score via a soft check doesn’t hurt your score. It’s the hard checks (by lenders) that can leave marks.

How to Improve Your Credit Score

If you’re either planning a move abroad or at least considering it, improving your credit score now will give you a head‑start!

1. Register on the Electoral Roll: It’s simple to do and helps confirm your address in the eyes of lenders.

2. Pay all Bills on Time: Set direct debits or reminders so you don’t miss payments – your payment history is the single most important factor.

3. Keep Your Credit Utilisation Low: Ideally, use less than 30% of your available credit. If you have a £1,000 limit, try to keep around £300 or less outstanding.

4. Don’t Apply for Lots of New Credit at Once: Each credit application is logged. Lenders may see multiple applications as a sign of financial stress, which can lower your score.

5. Check All Your Credit Reports with the Three Agencies: Since they each hold slightly different information, you’ll get the full picture only if you cover all three.

6. Consider Requesting a Higher Limit (Only If You Won’t Increase Spending): If your card issuer offers a higher limit and you don’t use more of it, your utilisation rate drops, which helps.

7. Keep Old Credit Accounts Open (If They Don’t Cost you Fees): Having long‑standing accounts shows a stable credit history.

You’ll likely see gradual improvement when you follow these steps consistently. Depending on how low your score was, it might take several months or even longer, but the effort definitely pays off: better credit scores often mean better interest rates and access to higher credit limits. 

And if you’re moving abroad, having your UK financial history in good shape makes the transition easier!

Final Thoughts

Relocating or renting overseas? Simply want the peace of mind that your financial health is solid? Then building and maintaining a strong credit score here in the UK matters. You don’t have to be perfect here, just consistent.

How Upscore Can Help

If you want to make life even smoother when you move abroad, consider signing up for Upscore’s Finance Passport! It helps you carry your financial credentials in one place and present your stronger credit history when you need it abroad or at home.

Sign Up for Upscore’s Finance Passport Today!

How to Open a Mortgage Savings Account Abroad

Thinking about moving from the UK to a new country? Got your eye on somewhere sunny in Spain, or want to go out of Europe entirely to the UAE? Well, you’re definitely right to be curious about your finances, regardless of where you’re planning to go.

First step there means re-thinking how you’ll finance a future home purchase. There’s a good amount of paperwork involved with moving countries, but instead of waiting until you land, you can build a dedicated savings account now – one aimed squarely at a down payment fund. 

Once you’ve started that habit of saving money, you’ll be protecting that cash from impulse buys, which are definitely common when entering a new country! 

You’ll also be keeping interest payments visible and showing lenders on both sides of the border that you can be trusted, so we’ll be breaking down how to do it throughout this article.

Why Open a Mortgage Savings Account in the First Place?

The median sales price for a home in England reached £290,000 in the 2024 financial year, according to the Office for National Statistics. Expat hotspots such as Portugal and Australia post even higher figures, so starting early definitely matters here. 

Meanwhile, the Bank of England base rate sits at 4% as of September 2025 – so that’s proof that interest rates can rise and fall. 

So what’s the issue here? Basically, leaving your future deposit in a checking account that earns next to nothing means you’ll just be watching inflation eat away at your hard-earned pounds, so that’s why people open a mortgage savings account instead!

Which Savings Account Options Suit UK Movers?

Moving to Australia, or maybe Italy? See which savings account you’re better off with wherever you’re moving to:

What Qualifies as a Mortgage Savings Account Abroad?

Any product that safeguards capital and offers a fair annual percentage yield will do the job. You also want something that provides clear statements you can present during account opening. So, your options here could be:

• A credit union share account tied to your new employer
• A standard savings account program from a multinational bank
• A high-yield savings account platform linked to your UK current account
• A government scheme for first-time homebuyers in your destination

Just make sure you compare minimum opening deposit requirements and local depositor insurance before you click apply. And also see if there are any early withdrawal rules that could pinch you later!

Is My Deposit Protected?

Many countries copy the UK’s Financial Services Compensation Scheme. In the United States, for example, coverage comes from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. In Australia, it’s the Financial Claims Scheme. 

You can spread funds once the balance tops the cap a lot easier when you know the local figure.

How Do I Open the Account Step-by-Step?

1. Pick a bank that offers remote ID checks for non-residents.

2. Upload a passport scan and proof of UK address. You’ll likely also need some recent credit card statements handy.

3. Seed the account via direct deposit from your UK current account.

4. Schedule automatic transfers each payday so the urge to save money is now just part of your routine.

The good news here is that most applications wrap up within a week. But if a branch signature is still required, just slot a visit into an early scouting trip – not ideal if flights are expensive, but you can’t always get around this.

How Large Should My Monthly Savings Goal Be?

Start with the purchase price you expect and subtract any tax refunds or bonuses earmarked for housing. Then, divide by the months left before you hope to buy. 

For example, A €400,000 flat in France with a 20% deposit means saving €80,000. Spread over four years, that sets a monthly savings goal of roughly €1,670 before interest. Naturally, you want a bit of breathing room in there for closing costs and property taxes, so the future monthly payment feels comfortable.

If the target you end up with looks too steep, you can surely find some extra cash:

• Trim subscriptions you don’t use much
• Freelance on weekends – it’s way easier to save money by increasing your income rather than reducing expenses
• Sell any unused electronics

Again, automatic transfers help here since they remove any temptation from the equation.

Are High-Yield Savings Accounts Worth It?

High-yield savings accounts show you rates that seem pretty irresistible at first, but a lot of these shrink after six months. Check details like:

• Whether the annual percentage yield is variable
• Whether early withdrawal forfeits interest
• Whether currency conversion reduces your overall gain

If all the small print looks okay, there’s no harm in putting a slice of your deposit there, but keep the bulk in an insured core so rate swings don’t negatively impact your timetable.

Can Payment Assistance Programmes Boost My Fund?

The Federal Housing Administration in the U.S. popularised FHA loans that accept lower deposits but require private mortgage insurance until equity builds. 

Some countries mirror that idea under different names. Also, veterans moving to US bases might even qualify for a VA loan. 

And it’s not uncommon for local banks to also run payment assistance programs with sensible loan limits. Just make sure you read every clause before you rely on outside help.

What Hidden Costs Are There for Expats?

Besides visa fees, remember:

• Currency conversions affect every transfer

• Ongoing maintenance fees that affect your ability to save money

• Notary charges during account opening

• Penalties if you take money from the deposit before the scheduled time

Check the fee schedule twice – once before you apply, again after the first statement lands.

How Do I Stay on Track Without Constant Spreadsheets?

Set a quarterly reminder to review your personal finance dashboard:

• Make sure the balances match your notes.

• Confirm the account sits under local insurance caps.

• Adjust automatic transfers if pay rises or rent drops.

• Re-check loan limits and interest rates so your target stays realistic.

Common Issues to Avoid

• Chasing the kind of teaser yields you get from high-yield savings accounts that crash after a quarter

• Forgetting exchange-rate risk until the pound slides

• Skipping an emergency fund and dipping into the deposit when the boiler fails

• Ignoring closing costs until the solicitor’s invoice arrives

Final Checklist Before You Sign a Contract Abroad

1. Reconfirm the purchase price, deposit size, and loan limits.

2. Lock a forward contract if completion looms.

3. Re-work the future monthly payment so your lifestyle spending remains realistic.

Ready to Open Yours?

A well-chosen mortgage savings account abroad means you’ve got an actionable plan rather than just a pipe dream. You’ll save for a house at a pace that keeps your lifestyle enjoyable when you start funnelling direct deposit cash into an insured pot, monitoring interest rates.

How Upscore Can Help

Upscore’s Finance Passport lets you use your credit score from the UK to secure a mortgage overseas!

Sign Up for Upscore’s Finance Passport Today!

Moving Abroad From UK – Advice and Tips

Ever dreamt of moving away from the UK? We totally get it. Even the summers here rarely get above 20 something degrees, so we don’t blame you for wanting to go somewhere with nicer weather. On the other hand, you might be looking for new work abroad opportunities. And if nothing else, there’s nothing wrong with just wanting to experience life beyond your home country.

So making the leap to relocate is obviously quite exciting, but it’s definitely not without any kinds of challenges. Sure, moving overseas promises incredible new experiences and a chance to reinvent your daily life, but living abroad also means dealing with practical hurdles – including:

• Different laws
• Unfamiliar cultures
• Being far from friends and family
• Possible language barriers

From visas and paperwork to banking, we’ve got a bunch of tips throughout this article that can smooth your transition. And if you’re actually determined to turn this dream into a reality, smart planning is key. Here are some essential tips to get you started:

Planning and Preparation

Do your homework. Research your destination’s:

• Culture
• Climate
• Visa requirements before you go (and if British nationals need to do anything extra)

Next, you’ll need to notify the UK authorities. Make sure to tell all the relevant government offices (like your local council, HMRC, pension and benefits providers, and the Student Loans Company) that you’re leaving the country. Do this as early as possible so you can avoid any kinds of issues. And keep in mind that your UK citizenship and voting rights aren’t affected just by moving abroad – you remain a British citizen unless you actively change it.

After this you have to organise a few different documents and get your insurance sorted. Start gathering all key documents well in advance – ensure passports (and any visas) are up-to-date, and make copies of vital records (which could be birth/marriage certificates, etc).

Again, you’ll also need to arrange appropriate insurance for your move. Get comprehensive travel insurance (and health insurance if needed) to protect yourself during the move. Finally, budget for other costs like shipping your belongings or getting some temporary accommodation somewhere so you’re not caught off guard. And always make sure that you have enough money set aside to cover your moving expenses and a few months of living costs for safety.

Visas and the Immigration Process

Getting the right visa is essential. After Brexit, British citizens lost their automatic right to settle in EU member states. Not ideal. So this basically means that if you want to move to an EU country, you’ll need to apply for a visa or residency permit. Don’t be put off by this – it’s still all very achievable, there’s just a few extra forms and fees you need to sort out. And in other European countries outside the EU, you’ll have to meet that nation’s immigration requirements.

Every destination country you’ve been thinking about has its own rules, so research the visa options that fit your situation. There are a few common pathways you can go down here, which include:

• Work visas
• Family reunification visas
• Student visas
• Retirement visas (if you plan to retire abroad)

You’ll generally need to show proof of funds, insurance, and so on – often a job offer for a work visa or sufficient income for a retirement visa.

Start the visa process early, as it can take months. Check the official embassy or immigration website for your target country to get an up-to-date list of requirements. 

And remember, the immigration process doesn’t end when you land – you are probably still going to have to register with local authorities or apply for a resident ID upon arrival. Under the Common Travel Area, you can still live and work in Ireland visa-free.

Finance and Tax Considerations

Handling your finances across borders naturally needs to be a top priority. So, before moving, it’s well worth opening an international bank account that you can use from anywhere. Wise do some good ones. Many banks offer offshore or expat accounts that make managing money abroad simpler. 

An account like this basically lets you hold money and make payments in multiple currencies without constantly worrying about exchange fees. Ideally, set up your new account before you leave the UK – in some cases you might need a local address or visa first, so check the requirements. 

It’s also a smart move to keep a UK bank account open (or open a new one you can access online). That way you have an account in your home country’s currency (GBP) for paying ongoing UK bills (like a mortgage), which also protects you from currency fluctuations.

Furthermore, it’s a good idea to research the living costs and have a think about how you’ll move money (a specialist transfer service or multi-currency account can save on fees). Check the tax considerations too: double-taxation agreements mean you typically won’t pay tax twice on the same income.

Housing and UK Property

If you own a home in the UK, decide whether you plan on selling or renting it out while you’re abroad. Plenty of British expats do this, since it’s just going to be sitting there if not. Selling gives you capital for the move, whereas renting (via a letting agent) can cover your mortgage and provide income (you’ll still owe UK tax on that rent).

And when it comes to getting a house in your new country, research your options and plan where you’ll live for the first few months. Many people rent initially so they can get a feel for the area before committing to buy. You wouldn’t just want to move to whatever location on a whim permanently before realising you hated it there. 

Check online listings and speak with local estate agents about rental costs and neighbourhoods – rents could be lower than in the UK, or much higher in some cities. Also ask about typical lease terms (in some countries landlords want a larger deposit or several months’ rent upfront). 

If you have children or plan to move with family, factor in proximity to schools and safe residential areas – and check what international schools are available if needed.

If you’re thinking about buying property in your destination, learn about the whole process and get professional advice. Laws on property ownership by foreigners generally differ in each country. 

Always have a local lawyer review contracts and make sure you understand all the fees and taxes before you buy. For most people, renting first and getting to know the market is the safest approach. Once you’re settled and financially ready, you can decide if purchasing a home abroad makes sense for you.

Moving abroad is not easy – you might face culture shock or a language barrier – but give yourself time to settle in and you’ll surely enjoy the experience.

How Upscore Can Help

Ready to take the next step? Upscore’s Finance Passport can make your move abroad smoother by simplifying the finance side. It compiles your UK financial history into a profile so you can apply for mortgages in your destination country and even across multiple countries without the usual hassle – all for free!

Sign up for your free Finance Passport today!

Buying Property in Australia on a Temporary Visa – All You Need to Know

How to Buy Property in Australia as a Non-Resident

How to Buy Property in Spain as a Non-Resident

How to Apply for a Mortgage in the UK as a Foreigner

How to Apply for a Mortgage in France as a Foreigner

How to Apply for a Mortgage in Portugal as a Foreigner