Research by the Debt Advisory Centre found poor credit histories were affecting a large chunk of the population.

Banks and building societies make many of their financial decisions, including on mortgages and other loans, based on credit scores.

However, the report said people with poor credit scores were finding it difficult to secure a home.

Many landlords also run credit checks against tenants and the survey found landlords, alongside mobile phone companies, were most likely to reject people with poor credit scores.

In total more than two million people have been turned down for a rental agreement due to their credit history and 1.7 million were unable to take out a mortgage.

Almost a million people claimed bad credit scores have seen them excluded from taking a new job.

Melanie Taylor, spokeswoman for the Debt Advisory Centre, says: “Credit scores aren’t just relevant for those taking out a credit card or loan, they can have an enormous impact on your day-to-day life.

“Millions of people now find themselves excluded from doing important things in life, like getting a home, taking a job or just getting a mobile phone.

“It is really important that everyone checks their credit score regularly through one of the main credit reference agencies, so they can see what information is being held and they can take the necessary steps to improve their credit history as soon as possible.”

For more information, please visit the YourMoney.com guides ‘Some simple ways to destroy your credit score‘ and ‘How to get a mortgage with bad credit‘