There are a number of factors that contribute to your credit score, some of the most common reasons people have poor credit ratings include: Missing a loan, credit card or mortgage payment Having an ongoing loan with a payday loan provider Being declared bankrupt or entering into an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) It’s also worth noting that if you have never taken out credit for anything, you may well find yourself being rejected for certain finance items – because you haven’t yet built up a record of credit.