Halifax and CreditExpert from Experian have embarked upon a new partnership with the aim to help first-time buyers who think that their credit score is an insurmountable obstacle in the way of getting a mortgage.

The Halifax CreditExpert service is being delivered through Halifax’s First Time Buyer Pledge, the promise to support those looking to get on the property ladder. Halifax says it currently approves eight out of 10 mortgage applications from first-time buyers. However, as part of the pledge, Halifax commits to help unsuccessful applicants understand what has stopped them from being approved and what they can do to turn the situation around.

Currently, where applicants are unsuccessful in obtaining a mortgage due to their credit score, restrictions mean that lenders cannot disclose the exact reasons why (such as missed credit card payments or unpaid mobile phone bills). Whilst Halifax recommends that borrowers obtain a copy of their credit report for more information, for some people the process can be daunting, particularly without access to dedicated support and advice on understanding and improving credit ratings.

Through the launch of the new service, applicants who do not get approved for a mortgage because of their credit score will have access to a bespoke CreditExpert membership. They will have unlimited access to a team of 15 credit personnel, who are dedicated to supporting Halifax customers.

Halifax aims to provide potential first-time buyers with a “real understanding”” of how to improve their credit profile. In recent Halifax research