First contract Phone - which provider is best?

Simon7685

I am looking to take out a first contract mobile phone, to help boost my credit rating. I have had debt problems in the past but am now older/wiser and in control of my finances at last.

My credit rating isn't that great but is improving month by month thanks to managing my credit cards responsibly and my bank account etc.

So in order to stand a decent chance of being accepted can anyone recommend a provider that will accept someone with less than perfect credit. I have no CCJ's, just 1 default that is 4 years old on my file.

Any suggestions appreciated thanks.

will-he-payitoff

I would say they are all as good/bad as each other. If you know what phone you want see who is doing the best deal.

grumbler

If boosting your credit rating is your main concern then go for a sim-only contract.

Guys_Dad

On this forum, you will see that every major network has its fans and detractors.

In reality, apart from people wanting out of their contracts for a number of reasons, complaints tend to fall into 2 major areas.

a) Handsets failing mid contract.

b) Reception problems.

You can minimise the 2nd by thoroughly testing reception on your first choice network by doing tests with a sim in those areas - network coverage charts are a very crude guide and you should not rely on them.

When it comes to handsets, then remember that a failed handset will NOT mean you can cancel your airtime contract.

Handset contracts as against sim-only are more expensive as the handset is costed in the monthly rental and these contracts tend to offer best value for 24 month contracts, whereas sim-only are either 30-day or 12 months.

Should your financial circumstances change, being tied to a cheaper,shorter sim-only is infinitely preferable to 24-month high-end contract.

So I agree with the others who recommend a sim-only and buy your own handset. If you really want to avoid debt, then that's the way forward and it shouldn't cost you more than £15 per month - tops!

Good luck. :beer: