

Many low-to-middle income households see maintaining a “good” credit score as vital, often sacrificing essentials to protect it. Credit score apps and dashboards can amplify this pressure. A survey of 3,400 households and 30 interviews shows credit score dashboards can often encourage overborrowing and deter help-seeking. The cost-of-living crisis has exposed a credit reporting system favouring lender interests over borrower welfare and reform is urgently needed.