Contract phones for bad credit?

cmsl

Hi, basically, I am really in need of getting a phone on contract for the purposes of saving a lot of money. Only problem is I THINK I have a poor credit rating. I received a further education loan two years ago at the age of 19 and I had a lot of problems paying them back on the agreed times, resulting in the closure of my then bank account, I now have a new bank account and a job and I am in talks with the two banks I owe money to with regards to getting that all sorted and getting my payments out more regularly. However, I am pretty sure this means I have a bad credit rating.

I have been doing a lot of research online and I do not really want to go on a sim only plan because it means I have to shell out hundreds of pounds on a new phone (mine is on its last legs) and I also read some things about maybe a deposite?

Does anyone know what networks deal with this kind of thing best? Are there any understanding networks that will appreciate the fact that I now have a steady income and will be able to pay monthly?

Just wish more than anything that Barclay's hadn't been stupid enough to give a 19 year old unemployed student a four grand loan during a recession. Bane of my life I can promise you that!

Many thanks in advance!

purple12

I know it might sound mean but why don't you get the cheapest phone you possibly can for about £20 and see if you can get a sim only contract rather than 'shelling out hundreds' on a phone.
Phones really don't need to cost hundreds... and it is a far better bet on getting a contract if you aren't wanting the price of an expensive phone to be factored in.

cmsl

Yeah you did make a good point and I have considered this. I guess this post was more asking for opinions on the best networks and where people think that I stand rather than what type of phone I should get. But thank you! p.s. is it pretty much a sure thing that I will get a sim only contract, say on t mobile, even with bad credit!?

utilitybroker

Credit Checks are normally carried out even if you go for a Sim Only Contract.

BenS1

It sounds as if you defaulted, as the account is closed.

I had bad credit as well (same situation), so after some research I went in store to apply for a sim only with Orange. Anyway, after 3 months you can upgrade to a normal contract (keeping the same number) as your internal credit rating will have improved. Ask friends if they have any old phones that you can borrow for a few months until upgrade time. I'm now on month 3 of a 18 month contract

Anyway, it is generally best to go in store as each store has a set number of contracts to sell each month. Preferably you should do this towards the end of each month as the staff are more likely to pull some strings to secure a contract for you

By the way, generally T-mobile, Orange and Virgin are the companies that have a less strict credit check when I did my research. HTH

mum2one

Def agree re Orange - my credit rateing would go bounce bounce bounce, but they accepted me.

Just a thought if you would feel embarrased going into a shop and they say no, why not apply on-line, if you go throu Quidco (cashback site), just link through to orange, vodafone etc and go through the process, if it says no then you know maybe try again in 3 or 6 months. xx

dizzyblonde82

I would agree with the previous posts about orange, I have a lot of credit accounts open and have recently being turned down for a couple of credit cards (trying to shift debts from 0% to new 0% deals) and yesterday decided to move from O2 to orange and was accepted with no problems.

Toe-Jam

cmsl wrote: »

Just wish more than anything that Barclay's hadn't been stupid enough to give a 19 year old unemployed student a four grand loan during a recession. Bane of my life I can promise you that!
Many thanks in advance!

It sounds like you seriously need to wake up and live within your means. I seriously doubt Barclay's forced you to take out a £4k loan. If you knew you were unemployed and a student then you should have known you couldn't pay it back.

With regards to the phone situation, Orange is probably your best bet.

There is a company called worryfreemobiles https://www.worryfreemobiles.co.uk they will accept just about anyone , the downside is they have a very limited selection of handsets. They will also try and flog you a ridiculously high tariff, but you can insist on a lower one.

legoman

I appled for a Sim Only contract today with Orange and was refused.

Mrs_Ryan

I'm on Voda SIM only and have an absolutely shocking credit rating, but they accepted me no problem.

magicgirl

i went with t-mobile following my bankruptcy and had to pay £250 deposit. this was refunded after 6 mnths and in effect, paid my line rental for the next ten months (it was 18 month contract). worked for me.