New research shows a quarter (23%) of Brits have been denied credit due to their poor credit score - this equates to over seven million people across the UK - with around four in ten (43%) wanting an easier way to build their credit score that doesn’t involve taking out new lines of credit.

BuildMyCreditScore, which launches today, bridges this gap by using open banking technology to empower people to build their credit score simply through everyday spending on a debit card.

Research shows that more than nine million adults across the UK were declined for credit in just 12 months, with one in 20 declined three times or more. BuildMyCreditScore is designed to improve outcomes for these individuals and others whose credit score is preventing them from achieving their financial goals - be that someone who has recently moved to the UK, someone who hasn’t borrowed money before, or someone who has previously been declined for a financial product such as a credit card.

BuildMyCreditScore is a Mastercard debit card that allows people to build their credit score without changing their spending habits. For six in ten (58%) people who say they feel more comfortable using a debit card than a credit card for everyday spending - rising to two-thirds (66%) among 18-34 year olds - BuildMyCreditScore is an easy way to build their credit score without taking out a credit card.

While the debit card works instantly like a regular bank card, the money is collected via Direct Debit by BuildMyCreditScore around two working days after, allowing it to be reported to credit reference agencies. People are therefore able to build their credit score by demonstrating their ability to manage rolling outgoings and repay credit promptly.

In the pilot phase, BuildMyCreditScore has already helped hundreds of people improve their credit score. The app was tested by a pilot of 632 customers between December 2022 and June 2023. Of that number, the majority saw an increase in their credit score of between 11 and 55 points within the first three months of trialling the product.

James Lynn, CEO and Co-Founder of BuildMyCreditScore, comments: “Having a strong credit score can be life-changing, and for many people can open the door to opportunities they would never have been able to access otherwise. But the fact is, millions of people across the country have a low score and thin credit file, and this is leaving them with less fair, less affordable options when it comes to accessing credit. This isn’t good enough.

“Traditional credit builder products typically rely on someone making prompt repayments on credit they’ve taken out. If they fail to do so for any reason, they risk falling into debt and harming their credit score further. BuildMyCreditScore’s innovative use of open banking disrupts this model by integrating seamlessly with a person’s usual spending habits, allowing them to build their credit score in a safe, low-risk way through their everyday spending.”

The team behind BuildMyCreditScore has partnered with Mastercard to deliver multiple innovative debit card products in recent years.

Darren Deal, Senior Vice President for Business Development at Mastercard UK and Ireland, said: “At Mastercard, we are always looking at new ways to bring essential products and services to underserved groups. Now more than ever, people are looking for innovative solutions to help manage their finances and we’re pleased BuildMyCreditScore provides an opportunity for people to have more control over their financial futures.”

Richard Newman, Corporate Affairs Director, Open Banking Limited, adds: “This initiative embodies the essence of open banking – it empowers individuals to seize control of their financial well-being by allowing them to elevate their credit scores effortlessly through everyday spending, all without the necessity of acquiring additional lines of credit.

“We welcome such innovative solutions that address real-world challenges, making financial inclusion a reality for more people and helping them achieve their financial goals."

BuildMyCreditScore is compatible with all major high-street bank accounts and works with  Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to report key credit data.

The accompanying app has educational, personalised tips and tools to help users to manage their spending, regular payments, and upcoming spending commitments.