Third party vendors and credit checks

DeusXM

I've just been rejected for an Orange 24-month contract that I applied for through e2save.

However, my credit rating should be 'very good' (never missed payment, stable bank account). The only thing I can think of is I've only been at my current address less than a year, which is annoying but a standard objection.

I spoke to customer services at e2save who explained that obviously they're not supplied with the reason for a rejection. However, the person I spoke to did say something interesting. Namely that Orange will sometimes apply stricter credit requirements to anyone trying to purchase a contract through a third-party vendor such as Carphone Warehouse, Phones4U etc. and that it was perfectly possible if I bought from Orange directly, I might be approved.

I'm just sorting out getting my credit rating file before I take any further steps - but does anyone know if there's any truth to this? I was told that if I went to Orange and had them run a credit check on me resulting in approval, I could then contact e2save with the details of who I spoke to and see if I could get this resolved.

Lies or truth?

thatsean

Perfectly true - depending on the proofs that 3rd party retailers acquire, and the processes they have for compliance networks may 'set the bar' differently for retailers to their own sales operation. Whether the network will be happy to approve you for credit, and then grant the auth for a third party to use is another thing.

bigturnip

To be honest though, if you have been rejected for a mobile phone contract then I would make sure you investigate your credit record, which it looks like you are going to do, it is one of the easiest lines of credit to get.

DeusXM

I know, I'm checking the record first before I apply anywhere else. I've a feeling the short time at my address isn't helping. Also, I'm starting to find that the previous occupant was in fact a major credit risk. Does this affect my credit rating and is there anything I can do about it?

Another side of it is there seems to be a lot on the web saying that CPW/e2save are notoriously bad at approving – although I suspect that simply a lot of people with poor credit try them because they’re cheap and you’re always more inclined to publically complain than praise.