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Refused a mobile phone contract because of bad credit? Here's 6 companies who can help.
When applying for a mobile phone contract, most companies will require that you pass a credit check, to ensure that you can keep up with regular monthly payments. But what if you have no or bad credit history?
Luckily, there are a number of online retailers who can provide you with a brand new mobile phone regardless of your past. With more and more people in the UK experiencing issues with bad credit history, there are now more options than ever.
There are basically two types of mobile phone companies to choose from:
1) Companies who do not require a credit check.
2) Companies who have a low credit approval score.
Read on to discover where you can get a mobile phone contract despite regardless of your bad credit history.
T Mobile
Low Credit Score Approval
T-Mobile has also been known to look sympathetically to those with bad credit history. It has been discussed in several forums, that it is best to apply directly on their website for the best possible chance of passing their checks.They offer a wide selection of tariffs and it is best to opt for their Solo tariff - many people have been known to successfully apply for this package despite having bad credit history.
Depending on your circumstances, T Mobile may offer you a tariff which may have a number of restrictions for the first 2 months (no international calls, no picture messages, no internet access). Once you have paid 2 months bills, these restrictions will then be lifted. Since you will have access to everyday tariffs, the restrictions are quite reasonable.
Everyone has heard of T Mobile and you will have the benefit of dealing with one of the biggest mobile phone companies both in the UK and USA.
T Mobile are a recommended site if you are suffering from bad credit history.
3 Mobile
Low Credit Score Approval
3 Mobile have been consistently at the front of new mobile technology in the UK; as well as being the first 3G network in the country, they also launched the first video mobile network in 2003 and are continuing to grow from strength to strength.In their attempts to establish themselves as a leading global network operator, they are very keen on taking on as many customers as possible - even those with bad credit history.
Of course, it will depend on your individual circumstances whether you will be approved, but many people with bad credit history, have been able to get a contract phone with 3 Mobile.
Pretty much anyone can apply with 3 Mobile as long as:
* You are 18 or over
* You hold a debit/credit card
* You have a bank account
Similarly to T Mobile, 3 do not openly advertise that they are more lenient in providing bad credit history mobile phone contracts. This is so that are not flooded with applications from people with adverse credit history, and also because of the stigma that this would give their brand.
BluePhone
No credit checks required
BluePhone offer a range of pay monthly handsets with no credit checks required on application. They have a range of handsets including the Apple iPhone, which are supplied free of charge.Their tariffs are one of the cheapest in the UK with monthly line rental starting from £8 per month. BluePhone are said to approve 99% of all applications and have the following requirements:
- Over 18 and UK resident
- Debit/credit card
- Bank account with direct debit
- In full time employment
- 2 forms of address
Recommended site for no credit check mobile phones because of their great value tariffs. If your credit rating is so severe that you have failed to get a contract with the main networks above, then skipping a credit check application is your best option - BluePhone fits the bill.
02
Low Credit Approval Score + Deposit System
O2 are another phone network who are more tolerant and sympathetic towards people with poor credit history, and again it is best to apply directly on their website rather than through a third party retailer.02 operate a deposit system where if you have had a few credit problems in the past, they will ask you for an upfront deposit which they will then refund to you 3 months into the contract (as long as you pay the first 3 months bills on time).
The amount you will be asked to pay will depend on your own individual circumstances and can vary. With so many people now suffering from credit problems, this is an understandable safey cushion on their part.
Although you are not guaranteed for acceptance, it is definitely worth applying with O2 , as you may be pleasantly surprised by their decison.
In addition, if you have already been a recent O2 customer in the past and are trying to apply for an Apple iPhone, O2 staff are instructed not to run your details through a credit check as they are already familiar with your account.
Phones On Finance
No credit check required
Phones On Finance provide a good way to get the latest mobiles phones without having to go through a check. They provide you with a loan to pay for the phone, which you then repay on a weekly or monthly basis.All the phones on offer are SIM free handsets and you will be guaranteed for acceptance as long as:
-You are over 21
-You are in full time employment
-You hold a bank account and can make direct debit payments
Phoneonfinance.com also offer a referral scheme, where if you introduce someone to the company who then applies for a phone, you can receive a cheque for £25 as a thank you.
We advise on using Phones On Finance as a last resort option. With most companies which specialise with bad credit history, you will usually pay higher costs because of the liability factor. Phones On Finance is the most expensive option to go for, with a whopping 93% APR rate.
Finance My Mobile
No Credit Check Required
Finance My Mobile do not offer mobile phone contracts. Instead, they provide you with finance so that you can buy one of their mobile phone handsets (without a SIM card).The main benefit is that when applying for their finance, there are no credit checks involved. You pay an initial deposit of 10% of the handset and then make small weekly payments until you have paid the balance of the loan.
The downside is the price - Finance My Phone are very expensive.
Here is what you would expect to pay if you wanted a Nokia N95 phone:
Cash Price - £611.00
Deposit - £61.10
Amount of Credi t - £549.99
Number of Weeks - 30
Weekly Payments - £25.00
Total Amount Payable - £750.00
When you consider the fact that you can buy the same phone on eBay brand new for around £230, you can see how expensive they are! If you are struggling with debt, getting finance for a mobile phone is probably not the best idea.
Companies who have low credit score approval
Pros - Cheaper phones, calls, texts and line rental. Cons - None!
Each company has a different credit score approval figure, so if you fail to pass a credit check with one company, you may well get approved with another. For example, big name retailers like The Carphone Warehouse and Phones 4 each have their own in-house credit scoring checks which only people with an excellent rating can pass.
Although they use the same checking system, each individual company can set a different credit score approval rate.
Some more flexible mobile phone networks can offer you a mobile phone contract on condition that you pay a deposit upfront or offer you a contract with temporary restrictions . With more and more people in the UK having trouble with personal debt, more companies are now becoming more sympathetic and flexible to those with bad credit.
The cheapest and best way of being approved for a mobile phone contract is to apply through a company which has a low approval credit score such as T Mobile or 3 Mobile.
Companies who do not require a credit check
Pros - Guaranteed acceptance. Cons - Expensive and restrictive
If you have bad credit and have tried applying for things like a loan, car finance or mortgage, you will have found that although you may be accepted, you have to pay a lot more compared to someone with a healthy credit rating. This is also true with phone contracts.
Although the sound of no credit checks may sound appealing, you will find:
- You are given a limited choice of phones to choose from.
- You have to pay higher calls, texts and monthly line rental fees.
- You are locked into a longer contract period.
- High interest rates.
A cheaper and better option would be to first try and apply for a mobile phone with a company which has a low appproval credit score.
Only as a last resort should you choose these types of contracts.
Which Company Should I Apply With?
Recommended network for contract phones for bad credit history - T Mobile
Recommended company for no credit check mobile phones - BluePhone
Each time you apply for a form of credit, the application will leave a 'footprint' of your on your credit report. It is said that the more applications you make and the more footprints you leave in a short space of time, the worse your credit rating will be.
Despite this, I would not worry about trying all of the main networks once before considering the no credit check option. In my opinion, if your credit rating is already quite poor, and you are struggling to get credit for a variety of items, then a few more footprints will not affect you too much in the grand scheme of things.
If your credit rating is so severe that you are unable to get a contract with T Mobile, 3 Mobile or O2, only then should you apply for a no credit check contract.
Refused a mobile phone because of bad credit? Try SIM only contracts
More minutes, more texts and easier approval
SIM only contracts are a great alternative if you have been refused a pay monthly mobile phone because of bad credit history.Because no handset is included with the contract, in the eyes of the network this makes you less of a 'risk' and therefore you are more likely to be approved for a contract.
SIm only contracts come with better inclusive calls and text each month compared to standard contracts, and also come on a 30 day rolling contract instead of the usual 12 or 18 months.
If you already have an existing handset then perhaps you should consider the SIM card only option?
Networks which offer SIM only
T Mobile - Recommended
Vodafone
Orange
O2
Quick Poll
Reader Feedback
davidp711 wrote...
This is good stuff, great lens and great advice!
http://trustedcreditfix.info/index.html
Posted June 05, 2009
erin wrote
Vodafone accept visa electron for payment thats the only one i know off also t-mobile do as well but you need to call them during your checkout process if u hold a electron or solo card.
Posted May 17, 2009
John G wrote
Bluephone no longer do contracts as the amount of people defaulting payments...
Posted May 10, 2009
cassandra wrote
i don't think it fair for peoples who got kids that are sick like special need kids are mental kids are just sick kids need to buy a phone are get a credit check look likes to me we should get a phone free already activatede an a number i have a special need child and she is artistic but this companies give me the run around can you help me and on top of that my house got burn and i lost every thing except for me and my bay's lifes
Posted April 20, 2009
lady j wrote
I am a single mother who needs a phone with two sick kids .I tried verizzion but was denied so t-mobile please help me
Posted April 17, 2009
Jayne wrote
I was released from bankruptcy 2 weeks ago and was accepted by Virgin mobile on as £8.50 a month tariff with a free good phone. Absolutely made up - my advice try them! Also, Next gave me an account. I don't think they credit checked but when I checked my credit report it was on there with satisfactory - I think this has helped no end.
Posted April 15, 2009
Seannaieex wrote
ive tried t mobile but using a pre paid card....but it says theres an error with the card...what sites except pre paid cards?
Posted April 14, 2009
daryl ebinum wrote
when i applied for three mobile they charged me £3 from my account then put it back into my account. and i was approved.
Posted April 09, 2009
london24 wrote
in reply to princess t there are some prepaid cards that offer a credit rebuilder option. they do this by making your monthly fee (£4.95) a 'loan' instead of a 'fee'. i am doing this following bankruptcy. not going to make a lot of difference at this point but it all helps in the long run! :)
Posted February 23, 2009
london24 wrote
when stores do credit check thru debit/credit card, are you able to use your prepaid card for the check? i have prepaid master card and electron card. not sure if i can get a contract or not?
Posted February 23, 2009
Ian wrote
I have bad credit history and just got a Nokia 5800 on T-Mobile's Flext price plan, thanks for the information. FYI have been declined by O2 and VF previously.
Posted February 18, 2009
Junglepocket wrote...
in reply to jamest748
Hi James, As far as Im aware they run a credit check on the person's who name is on the contract. Perhaps, your girlfriends credit rating isnt as high as she though it was? Or maybe there are errors on her file that she is unaware of. You can get a free copy of your credit report somewhere below on this page. Hope this helps.
Posted February 09, 2009
Junglepocket wrote...
in reply to gasman
I doubt if there is any place in the UK where you can get a contract phone without the need for a debit or credit card.
Visit http://www.squidoo.com/prepaid-debit-cards-uk for some prepaid debit cards with guaranteed acceptance
Posted February 09, 2009
Junglepocket wrote...
in reply to princess t
Unfortunately, the answer is no.
Because you are not actually getting credit, but using the card with your own prepaid money, it does not affect your credit rating at all. Sorry!
Posted February 09, 2009
princess t wrote
do pre paid credit cards help towards repairing credit rating. or do they have no impact at all???
Posted February 09, 2009
gasman wrote
i have not got a debit or credit card . i got a savings bank account.can any one tell me how to get a contract phone online without using debit or credit cards
Posted January 30, 2009
jamest748
Hey,
Was just reading up on this issue after I was rejected by O2 for the new iphone!
I don't have the best credit history but then my partner does and she was also refused after she aggreed to be my 'guarantor(?)' effectiveley, so here's my question...
When applying to O2 for the new iphone and they do the credit check, do they check the person who's name is on the account or the person who's name is on the direct debit? (As my parnter was the named person on the account and the money was going to come out of my bank).
Cheers in advance for any help.
James.
Posted January 26, 2009
Junglepocket wrote...
in reply to paul
Paul, scroll down the page for more information on getting a prepaid Maestro card with guaranteed acceptance, or visit:
http://www.squidoo.com/prepaid-debit-cards-uk
Posted December 28, 2008
paul wrote
hi can anyone help me. can you tell me who will take a halifax visa electron card for payement thanks
Posted December 16, 2008
Dan B wrote
in reply to steve w
Don't go with that, since my Divorce I have a credit score of -7000000 (!) and Three took me on!
Posted December 10, 2008
Credit Check Tips
Understanding Your Credit Score
If you've ever been declined for such things like a mobile phone, loan or overdraft, you will know how frustrating it can be. This is especially true when all the lender will tell you, is that you have been declined and cannot tell you exactly why you were turned down.Although each lender has their own particular particular criteria, there are a number of common factors which can affect your score. These factors can result in your application ether being accepted or declined.
Being aware of these factors can help you improve the chance of getting the finance you require.
Get a free copy of your credit report here
1. Previous Bad Credit History
Previous history counts towards around 30% of your score. Things like County Court Judgements (CCJ's), defaults or missed/late payments will have a negative effect on your application.
These factors will remain on your file for 6 years, but things like defaults/late payments will diminish over time. If you have been making regular payments in the last year, then this will great help increase your credi t scoring.
2. Not Being Registered On The Electoral Roll
If you have not applied to be on the electoral roll at your current address, then there is a high chance you will be turned down for your application. The thinking behind this, is that you are not thinking of becoming a long term resident at the address and lenders are very wary of this.
3. At Current Address For Less Than 3 Years
Lenders prefer giving finance to people with continuity and if you have been at your address for 3 years or more, then your score will be considerably higher than if you recently moved to your current address.
Having a number of different addresses in the last 3 years will have a negative impact, and this is especially true if you are a tenant rather than a homeowner.
4. New Job
Having a stable and long term job is as important as living at your address for a number of years. Lenders obviously prefer people who have a steady employment record as they believe this will reduce the likeliness of you not being able to keep up with payments. If you have been at your job for a number of years, this will give a great boost to your score.
However, having two employers in the past 3 years is not all bad news. If you have changed jobs recently and have a higher salary than your previous employment, then this will not affect the check.
Lenders may require copies of your previous pay slips depending on the item you are applying for. If you need replacements, the following companies can help:
Payslipsp60
Replacement Payslips
Mr Bateman
5. Not Having A Bank Account
If you have been with your bank for a number of years, then your credit score will receive a massive boost. Unfortunately, if you have recently opened a new account, or even worse, if you have no bank account, then this will have a negative impact.
Third of Brits Risk Refusal Because Of Missed Mobile Phone Payments
Checkmyfile reported that after looking at 1000 consumer credit files, they found that 36.6% of consumers had mobile phone accounts with missed payments.
Barry Stamp of Checkmyfile.com, said he was shocked at just how many people had left themselves exposed to credit refusal in this way.
"Missed payments on mobile phone accounts are much more serious than most people realise..."
Read the full story here
Get Cash For Your Old Mobile Phones
Do your bit for the environment
Once you have managed to obtain a new mobile phone from the companies above, there is an easy way to get rid of your existing phone.Envirofone.com is the UK's first mobile phone trading platform who will pay you to recycle your old mobile phones in exchange for cash.
If you have a look in your cupboards at home, chances are you will find one, or a few unused old mobiles gathering dust. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can earn anywhere between £20-150 per phone.
1) Visit the site and look up the model of your phone.
2) Get a quick quote to see how much your phone is worth.
3) If you are happy with the price, you will be sent some details in the post along with a freepost envelope to send your phone.
4) Once the phone is received and tested, you will be sent a cheque.
Even Pop Stars Are Human!
It has been reported that the UK singer Mika, who has sold over 2 million copies of his album recently, was declined for a mobile phone contract.It seems that even wealthy popstars are not immune from being declined for mobile phones contracts.
Read the full story here
Free Credit Report
Knowing what is on your credit report can be very useful whether you have bad credit history or not.The contents of your personal report can have a massive impact on whether or not you are given credit. Your credit rating may also affect the interest rate you are offered by lenders, which could lead to more costly borrowing.
You have the right to view the information contained in your credit report to make sure it is accurate. If errors are found, you are entitled to apply to have them corrected.
Get a FREE instant copy of your credit report here
You should check your credit report if:
-You are about to make a major credit application, such as for a loan, mortgage or car.
- You have denied for a credit card, loan, or other credit-based service.
- You want to check and guard against identity fraud.
- You are planning on getting out of credit and want to make the first steps to clearing your credit history and debts.
Nokia N82 Released Early On PAYG Because Of Bad Credit History
Pay as you go mobile phone networks are regarded as the most cost effective way of running a mobile phone because there is no contract and no linerental charges although this is starting to change.
While it is unusual to see high specification handsets available on a pay as you go basis this has not prevented the new Nokia N82 from being released off contract in the UK.
The Nokia N82 is the latest addition to Nokia's premium N-Series of mobile phones and is available on O2 as well as pay as you go. It is expected that the N82 will also be released on other networks in the immediate future as new stock arrives in the UK and retailers are able to secure large numbers for connection to other operators. It is anticipated that this will give consumers plenty of options for owning this latest model high end mobile phone.
The criteria for credit used by UK mobile phone networks has left an increasing number of people unable to own a mobile phone on contract. This means that the only option they have is pay as you go or a Sim free phone. Phones without a Sim card are not connected to a particular network and this freedom means that you pay more for the handset.
You could be forgiven for believing that retailers are cashing in on these problems by making high end phones like the Nokia N82 available on pay as you go much earlier than has been the case. However, this could be a good thing for consumers with a poor credit rating as it increases their chances of owning a high end phone without the drawbacks attached to contract agreements.
Need a credit or debit card for your mobile phone application?
- Prepaid Debit Cards
- When applying for a mobile phone contract, you will usually be required to provide credit or debit card details as a form of identification.
Some people with poor credit rating do not have access to these cards and if you are one of them, visit my other lense on prepaid debit cards UK
These cards work like normal debit/credit cards except you preload the card with your own money before using them. No matter what your history, you will be guaranteed for approval as there are no credit checks required.
Splash Plastic Prepaid Card
Prepaid cards work in the same way as a pay as you go mobile phones, you can top it up with cash at high street locations, have your wages paid directly from your employer or transfer money from a bank account to your card.
This is an ideal way to get your hands on a recognised card but without the need to pass any checks.
You can spend without fear of debt or fraud at millions of retailers online or on the high street, you can even use it to withdraw cash from ATM's. Maestro is the most widely accepted payment brand across the UK.
- Splash Plastic
* No credit check or bank account required
* Use at over 25 million retail outlets and over 1 million ATMs worldwide, wherever you see the MasterCard acceptance mark
* Shop securely online, by phone or in store
* Top-up for FREE at 14,500 locations, including any UK Post Office® branch
Mobile Users 'Need To Be Aware' Of Tariffs
Mobile phone bills could be placing consumers under increased financial pressure, new figures suggest.Research by moneysupermarket indicates that an estimated one in five (20 per cent) mobile users occasionally, if not all the time, have received a demand for payment on their phone which is more expensive than they had originally anticipated. Meanwhile, it was suggested that the mobile phone sector generates more than 8.45 billion pounds in revenue every year from consumers who are on an uncompetitive tariff.
Overall, it was revealed that the typical Briton receives 166 free voice minutes and 133 texts per month as a part of their mobile phone or top-up package deal. However, it was indicated that the average consumer uses 23 voice minutes and 23 texts above the inclusive amount they receive in their price plans, meaning that they are paying up to an extra 130 pounds per year.
Continue reading
Our Mobile Phone Conversations Are Being Monitored!
You might be shocked to discover that people in the UK are bugged and spied on more than anyone else in the free world. What is more astonishing is that it is all legal.An investigation carried out by www.people.co.uk, reveals that more than 800 organisations - from Whitehall departments to supermarkets - can check intimate details of our private lives.
For example, are you aware that details of every mobile call and text that we make are recorded and stored by phone companies for 12 months?
Mobile phones can also be used to track the movements of people. Even when the phone is switched off, mobile phone masts are still able to log the signals and this can be used to pinpoint exactly where you are or have been.
Continue reading
