How To Get A Mobile Phone Contract With Bad Credit History
Follow these 5 hot tips and you can get approved for a mobile phone contract even if you have a bad credit rating.
If you have a bad credit rating, at times it may seem easier to get a mortgage than it is to get accepted for a mobile phone contract! However, follow these 5 simple tips and discover how you can get a bad credit contract phone with the main UK networks despite bad credit history. Read on and get approved today.
Tip #1 – Apply for a cheap handset on a low cost tariff plan
Did you know that mobile phone networks have different credit checking criteria for different mobile phone contracts?
When you apply, you are credit checked for the specific handset and tariff combination you have selected, and each contract is worth different amounts to the network operators. The higher the value, the harder it is to get approved.
For example, a pay monthly contract with Apple iPhone for £45 per month is more valuable to the networks than a SIM card only contract for £10 per month (and harder to be accepted for).
It is best to apply for a less expensive ‘no frills’ handset on a cheaper monthly tariff for the best chance of being approved.
If you have bad credit and expect to get the latest Apple iPhone on a £45 per month tariff, you’ll need to wait until your credit rating is clean again. 
Tip #2 – Apply with Orange or Vodafone
Network operators have different credit scoring policies and some are more strict than others and require a higher credit rating to be approved. Although we are unaware of the exact credit score approval rates for each mobile network, we have researched that the following networks can often approve applications from people with less than perfect credit history.
Remember, you can greatly increase your chances of being approved by applying for a low-end handset on a cheap monthly tariff plan.
1. Orange – Click to visit
2. Vodafone - Click to visit
Tip #3 – Consider SIM card only contracts
As previously mentioned, mobile phone contracts are worth different amounts to the network operators and a SIM card only contract is worth the least to them. Since a handset is not supplied with SIM only contracts these are these are the easiest to be accepted for.
If you are declined a pay monthly contract with handset with Orange or Vodafone we recommend you reapply with SIM only.
SIM only contracts are a relatively new way to get a contract offering the flexibility and freedom of Pay As You Go along with the benefits of Pay Monthly contracts:
- More inclusive minutes and texts than standard pay monthly contracts
- 30 day rolling contract
- Easier to be approved for
- Keep your existing number (both PAYG and Pay Monthly)
After you have made regular repayments of your monthly bill, you will establish trust with the networks who will often allow you to upgrade to a free handset after a regular payment history is seen.
1. Orange SIM only – Click to visit
2. Vodafone SIM only - Click to visit
Tip #4 – Don’t worry about applying too many times
Each time you apply for any form of credit, you leave a ‘footprint’ on your credit report that shows you have been applying for credit.
These are not bad marks and simply inform lenders that you have been looking for credit. If you leave too many in a short space of time this can work against you – but this should only be of concern to people with a clean credit history. If you are reading this page, then chances are you already have a bad credit rating, and these minor footprints should not be too much of a concern.
Once you have managed to get a pay monthly contract, make sure that you keep up with regular bill repayments to strengthen and rebuild your credit rating.
Tip #5 – Remember to check your free credit report
If you have problems noted on your credit report then a good idea is to make sure that you dispute or settle any problems or mistakes which may be on your file. Repairing your credit really isn’t as difficult as it sounds – and it is a lot easier than the alternative of living with a bad credit score. Mistakes are often found on credit reports as a result of simple human clerical errors but may have a big impact on whether you are successful in obtaining credit, so it is advisable that you ensure your file is up to date and accurate.
Getting hold of your credit report is very easy and obtainable online from a number of companies. While there are many places which allow you to view your credit report online, only a handful of companies offer the service free of charge.
We recommend Experian.co.uk who offer a 30 day free trial enabling you to view your credit report online and update any errors which may be on your file.
Conclusion
Even with a bad credit history, you can see there are many options to choose from when it comes to getting a mobile phone contract. Hopefully you will have find this short guide useful and manage to get the mobile phone contract you desire.
Hello,
I was actually just reading up on this subject after I was declined for an iPhone by O2!
My credit histry is not the best in the world, but my girlfriends is ok and she was also declined to be my guarantor? So heres me question:
Do O2 credit check the person who’s name is on the account, or is it for the person on the direct debit account. My girlfriend was the person which the account was under and it was going to be coming out of my account.
Thanks in advance for any help.
James.
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?
@ James – When an application is made, it is the named person on the account who is credit checked and not the bank account holder. Perhaps your girlfriends credit rating is not as good as she thought it was? Sometimes mistakes are made on credit reports so I would advise her to check her report to see if there is anything unusual on there.
@ London 24 – As far as I am aware, prepaid credit cards work exactly like a normal credit card (except that you have to preload the card with funds of course). You can use a Mastercard anywhere that accepts them. Not all companies take Electron though so it is best to check which networks do.
i got a mobile phone and a free laptop with mobile broadband they are the best in the uk for mobile phone good promos on the network as well well done orange and tthis website would not of even tryed them otherwise
got the vodafone solo sim card i got 500 minutes cross network and unlimited text for 10 quid a month, very good
Hey!!! What happens if loose my credit with any bank, what will then happen for the credit with rest of the banks? I will be defaulter for other banks also and i will not be offerd credit?
I’ve been accepted by 3 Mobile after being released from bankruptcy 2 weeks ago and was given a free good phone on a £15 per month tariff. Absolutely chuffed – my advice give them a try them! In addition, Next gave me an account. Didnt realise think they credit checked but when I checked my credit report it was on there with satisfactory – I think this has helped no end.
I do not have a credit or debit card. Is there anyway gfor me to get a contract phones? I have a bad credit rating.
Rather interesting. Has few times re-read for this purpose to remember. Thanks for interesting article. Waiting for trackback
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Compare the market for all the latest handsets and tariffs even if you have bad credit you have more chance getting a contract mobile phone online than walking into a shop.
no debit/creditard no problem
What is the number for 02, credit balance enquiry please…………..?
Have had issues getting a mobile contract and went through orange on a £35 month tarriffor latest handset and got approved….great company.
10/8/09 been to oranges site today. i have a bad credit and got a contract phone. well happy.
does any1 no how to get a contract without a credit or debit card
can i use a titanium cashplus prepaid mastercard for credit check with o2?? I have bank account as well for direct debits, but its not a chip&pin account, which o2 need. help!
@ John & Jenny – You will struggle to get a pay monthly contract without a credit or debit card as they are needed to verfiy your address and identity.
If you have bad credit history you may find it difficult to obtain a credit card, but there is the option of prepaid credit cards – they work exactly like a normal credit card, but you preload the card with your own funds (similar to Pay As You Go phones).
Try Splash Plastic prepaid credit card
@ Max – For contract phones you need to ring 4444 from your handset.
No cards are easy to get approved for anymore. Consumer credit lines have now been cut by over $2.5 Trillion (last week’s figures, thru end-July). Credit lines are being reduced or eliminated entirely. New credit is not being extended unless you have excellent credit.
If you can get a new credit card application approved, the amount of the credit limit will depend on your income and amount of credit currently available to you.
Dear everyone please help me……….
do preapaid card can perform a standing order or direct debit for those who do not have debit or credit card
This is very good information – alot of people miss out due to going for expensive handsets. Best thing to do is always go for a lower priced handset or even sim-only contract and then move your way up.
I WOULD LIKE A CONTRACT MOBIL FONE WITH A FREE LAP TOP COULD U HELP
please give me a mobile phone
hi i have 2 phones on voda wich i pay on time but carnt get anther one but need one for my dorghter can anyone help me
Hey,
I’ve just opened my bank account and got a direct debit card. Can I try and get a pay monthly phone now? Or is it still unavailable due to the card history?
Cheers