Thread: Contract Phones and Credit Ratings

I'm on a rant. Again. And devious ways to sorting this bloody stupid situation out.

For years I've had a pay as you go phone because no matter how hard I try, all the phone companies refuse to let me take out a contract. I desperately want a contract phone now and 'pooter still says sodding no.

Here's the sketch:

Have no debt other than £200 on my visa card (which has an obscene credit limit on it) and a mortgage which hasn't defaulted once.

Move every 2 years, at least, with a smattering of BFPO numbers thrown in.

Bucket loads of direct debits which are met each and every single month.

A bank account which has been in credit for 22 bloody years.

So, I can get a mortgage for x thousand quid but not a phone contract amounting to £45 a month.

Anybody have any ideas?!!!

Try 3 mobile they give out contracts like toffees. They are of course absolute shit but you may be able to transfer over to a decent network once you already have a contract not sure on that though but its an idea

Are you on the electoral role? That can make a big difference to your credit rating. If you want a clearer idea of whats going on the majority of companies use Experian to check your rating: try here:

experian credit

Yep, I'm on the electoral roll.

A few years ago (the first time they refused me) I checked my credit rating with Experian and it wasn't too bad. Only 4 or 5 County Court Judgments, so thanks very much to the stroker who departed an old quarter and left all their debts behind them! After that was cleared up I was told, eventually, that because I didn't have any credit agreements for them to view then I was considered not worthy of lending to. Apparently mortgages don't count! I'm assuming it's the same now but with the mysterious and very difficult to understand for mongs BFPO concept thrown in.

I feel a letter coming on!

i dont understand!
i have a contract with 02 - i got the iPhone and i am only 20, i got that contract out when i was 19, i have no credit cards no morgatage! and i pay £37-£39 a month!

who did u want to be with? x

flipping credit ratings do my head in, when i checked out my report one time, it had not only my ex's stuff on there, but his whole flipping family......Mum, Dad, and 2 brothers and their Mrs. couldn't believe it!

Credit ratings are only for the individual not the address or the associated famileee.....trust me I'm financial!

I would ask the companies why you are being refused.

Have a look see here

^^^^ Agree (I'm financial too)

Is there any chance you could be the victim of Identity Theft? That might explain why (despite your view on your good record) you are having problems?

Cheers all. Will log back into Experian when I can finally remember what my password is. Doh!

Oh, and it was Orange I was applying with. Apparently there was no way of inputting a BFPO address so that could be what was the problem. It's not as though I'm the only one though so you'd think they'd have a way of doing it. Grrrrr!

Legs - possibility with the identity theft bit. Mind you, if they're kind enough to nick my identity they could at least come and do the bloody ironing and knock up the odd meal whilst they're at it!

Originally Posted by bodger

Cheers all. Will log back into Experian when I can finally remember what my password is. Doh!

Oh, and it was Orange I was applying with. Apparently there was no way of inputting a BFPO address so that could be what was the problem. It's not as though I'm the only one though so you'd think they'd have a way of doing it. Grrrrr!

Legs - possibility with the identity theft bit. Mind you, if they're kind enough to nick my identity they could at least come and do the bloody ironing and knock up the odd meal whilst they're at it!

I managed to get an Orange contract only 3 months after leaving BFPO addresses behind.

is it worth while putting the billing address to your mum/friends house! - i think that may be worth a bash spec if the bfpo is getting in the way (what does that stand for any way?)

i spopke to my cousin about it too and he was saying depending on the card u would be paying by. he said if it was a visa debit/credit they dont usually accept it, however i am with visa debit on 02 and it was fine.
xx

Originally Posted by flygirl

Are you on the electoral role? That can make a big difference to your credit rating. If you want a clearer idea of whats going on the majority of companies use Experian to check your rating: try here:

experian credit

I won't put myself on the open electoral roll - I'm registered but don't want my details popping up all over the place (check out 192.com for what appears should you not put the "don't publish my details" on the Electoral Registration form... 8O )

It's ridiculous, Bodger. I found that it was because my married name wasn't showing up properly, as the last place I'd registered to vote, I'd used my maiden name. Once they checked on my maiden name for some strange reason, I keep getting offered loans and credit cards and all that nonsense which I never did before :roll:

I just don't understand it. The last time I got credit was 10 years ago before I finished work to have the kids. I used the same bank account so it's not my bank/card that I'm using. Bollox to them. I'll get the OH to get me a shiny new phone when he gets home!!

Absolutely hilarious the same thing happened to me and h2b yesterday. He wanted to upgrade his phone and switch to a different provider. The 'careful' person he is with money ensures he has no overdrafts, loans, storecards etc and keeps his direct debits to a minimum - and he got declined!

Me on the other hand, with quite a few store cards to my name, got one no problem. So I had to buy one for him! Awwww, it feels so bad yet feels so good :-)

My OH had the same problem, as he lives in the block. We solved it by using my home address instead. He also changed to my addy with his bank etc

hi all

Dont shout at me but i work for O2!

I know but its a job and i've been there for 10 years and looks like i could help or at least solve a few of your queries regarding your credit checks etc as thats the department i work in or at least for another 2 months or so until i leave.

Feel free to ask and i might just be able to help you out.

I have one of the worst credit ratings in the world and 3 have given me 2 mobile phone contracts (1 for me and 1 for oh) I also have an internet contract with them. so I would give them a go. If they'll give me one, they will give anyone one!!

it looks like from here that you guys have had probelms with the credit checks and the details that the companies hold or dont hold that are causing problems.

Firstly Experian works totally different to Equifax. Where as experian hold the details of all past occupants of the house as well as the person who is having the credit check done and this is why if the details dont add up then your application is declined but experian only shows the applicants details.

Some important information for the soliders etc.

Make sure that you have at least £1.01 in your bank account when applying (most people dont and when the check is put through even before the credit check it will decline straight away)
DO NOT uses BPFO address's as these arent allowed as they dont bring up your personal details
Make sure that you are on the electrol roll especially if you say you have been at the address for more than 3 years as the person looking at your application will check against this as hidden address's will show otherwise
Make sure that all your bank accounts/credit agreements and even drivers license are all at the same address as again hidden address's will show and they will think you are hiding something on your application
If you already have a contract phone with whichever company and want another 1, get an additional phone which will be added onto your existing phone account (theres no new credit check for this)
For younger applicants from 18 - 20 - usually a bond (security deposit) will be required if no information is showing

If anyone wants any more info - let me know and hopes this helps