Pay Your Bills Week (1st–7th February) is a timely reminder that the little things we do with our money — often without thinking — can have a real impact when it comes to buying a home or reviewing an existing mortgage. This isn’t about perfection or rigid budgeting. It’s about understanding how lenders build a picture of you as a borrower and how a few simple habits can make that picture clearer, stronger and more predictable.
Whether you're planning a move later this year, curious about remortgaging, or just taking stock after a busy January, this week is the ideal opportunity to get ahead.
Why lenders care about bill management
When you apply for a mortgage, lenders want to understand two big things:
1. Can you afford the loan?
2. Are you reliable with the financial commitments you already have?
While income and outgoings form the foundation of that assessment, your payment behaviour is the layer that either reinforces confidence or raises questions. A missed council tax payment or a late mobile bill doesn’t automatically disqualify you but patterns do matter. Lenders aren’t looking for perfection, but they are looking for consistency.
What lenders typically look for
• A clean and up to date payment history
Lenders will usually check your credit file first for signs of how you manage existing commitments. They’re assessing whether regular bills — utilities, credit cards, loans, mobile contracts — are paid on time. A late payment doesn’t instantly harm your chances, but repeated ones may suggest difficulty managing monthly commitments, which can factor into affordability assessments.
• Evidence of stable, predictable behaviour
Mortgage lending is fundamentally about risk. When lenders see predictability — bills going out at the same time each month, accounts kept in good order, no sudden spikes in borrowing — it reduces uncertainty. A well organised financial profile tells a story of stability, which feeds positively into how your application is evaluated.
• How you handle your current credit
You don’t need a high credit score to get a mortgage, but lenders do look at whether you manage credit sensibly, keep balances at a manageable level, and make repayments on time. Even gradually reducing balances can demonstrate control and financial awareness.
• How close you are to your limits
Maxed out credit cards or repeatedly using your overdraft don’t automatically rule out a mortgage, but they can raise concerns because they reduce your financial buffer. Lenders like to see some breathing room — it suggests you’re less likely to struggle with payments if circumstances change.
• Any recent changes or financial surprises
Sudden shifts — such as a newly opened credit account, a missed payment that appears unexpectedly, or a recent spike in spending — may prompt lenders to take a closer look. Again, this isn’t about judgement; it’s about understanding whether the change reflects a temporary blip or a new pattern.
Why Pay Your Bills Week is the perfect moment to reset
Most people fully intend to stay on top of their bills, but busy lives, work and family commitments can mean things slip through the cracks. Pay Your Bills Week gives you a chance to pause and make sure everything is still running as it should. It can be as simple as checking that your direct debits are correct and active, making sure no payments have been missed accidentally, reviewing any subscriptions you may no longer need, or confirming that the timing of your income and outgoings still works comfortably for you. Even a quick review can provide clarity — and sometimes a sense of relief — knowing that you’re back in control.
Small steps that make a big difference
The steps you take during this week don’t need to be dramatic. In fact, the most effective changes are often the simplest. Take a look at your regular bill payments (such as rent, mortgage, utility, council tax, mobile phone and insurances), listing what they are and when they need paying. Check for memberships and subscriptions that may have expired and you’re still paying for. If you’ve moved to a new mobile phone provider, ensure the old contract is cancelled and try to obtain an account closure with confirmation that no bills are outstanding. Be mindful of having insufficient funds in your current account to pay a credit card therefore your payment bounces and is marked as late/missed.
Make sure you’ve updated all credit and utility accounts if you’ve moved or are moving home. Bills sent to an old address and overlooked are quite often the ones which yield the most corrosive action. Some banks have the functionality to set up alerts so you know when bills are due or if you’re starting to use your approved overdraft. They also have insights tools on their banking apps so you can look at your spending patterns.
Checking your credit file once or twice a year to ensure everything is accurate (rather than focusing on the score itself) can also be reassuring. And if you’re unsure how something might be viewed by a lender, speaking to a mortgage adviser early can give you clarity and confidence. These habits don’t just support lenders when they assess your mortgage application — they help you feel more organised and in control of your financial journey.
If things have slipped — you’re not alone
Many people come to us unsure about how past payments might affect their borrowing. Our role isn’t to judge — it’s to advise, guide and help you understand your options. One late payment rarely defines an application. What matters more is the overall picture and the steps you're taking now.
If you're planning to buy or remortgage this year, a quick tidy up during Pay Your Bills Week can strengthen your starting point and give you more confidence when speaking to lenders.
Ready to get your finances mortgage-ready?
Whether you're preparing to purchase, looking to remortgage, or simply want to understand how lenders view your financial profile, we’re here to help.
Speak to one of our expert advisers today by clicking here or calling 08000 38 37 36.
