What is ClearScore and is it free?

ClearScore is a free UK credit score and report service that uses TransUnion credit data. It provides consumers with an ongoing view of their credit score, full credit report, and personalised financial product recommendations. ClearScore is entirely free for consumers — it generates revenue through commission when users take out financial products recommended by the platform, not through subscription fees.

How does ClearScore make money if it is free?

ClearScore earns commission from financial product providers — including credit card issuers, loan companies, and mortgage providers — when users click through and take out products recommended on the platform. This model is common in UK personal finance comparison. ClearScore is FCA-regulated as a credit broker and must comply with FCA conduct standards, including providing fair and transparent recommendations.

Does ClearScore use open banking?

ClearScore has expanded into open banking-powered features, allowing users to connect their bank accounts to the platform to supplement traditional credit data with real-time income and spending insight. This enables ClearScore to provide more personalised financial product recommendations based on actual affordability rather than credit score alone. Open banking connections on ClearScore use FCA-regulated AISP infrastructure.

Open Banking in Practice: ClearScore was founded in London in 2015 and was acquired by Experian in 2018, though the acquisition was blocked by the Competition and Markets Authority on competition grounds. ClearScore operates independently. It has over 20 million registered users across the UK, South Africa, and Australia. Read our guide to credit score services and open banking on openfuture.world.

FAQ

Is ClearScore safe to use?

Yes — ClearScore is FCA-regulated and ICO-registered; it uses secure connections for credit data and any open banking connections are FCA-regulated AISP connections.

Does ClearScore affect my credit score?

No — ClearScore uses soft searches to check your credit data, which do not affect your credit score, only hard searches (from credit applications) leave a mark.

Is ClearScore the same as Experian?

No — ClearScore is independent despite Experian’s previous acquisition attempt; it uses TransUnion data, while Experian uses its own credit data.