refused a mobile phone because of "credit score"

Yellowstar_2

Hi All and Happy New Year

I'm not sure where to post this - it's about a mobile phone application and credit score so thought I'd try here - please let me know if there's somewhere better for it.

I've just applied for an phone on a 24 month contract with Orange. My application was turned down because of my "credit score". I was given no further details, and I'm wondering what the implications of this are and what, if anything, to do next.

I'm 29 years old, full-time employed (been with employer for 2 years 8 months), have one credit card that I always pay off in full, some savings, a coupld of ISAs, rent privately, have some student loan with the student loan company, a pension plan, a mobile phone on a 1-month rolling contract. No other loans or mortgage.

I've never missed a payment on anything, never had a cheque bounce, or a direct debit fail, or anything of that sort. I had an interest-free overdraft as a student (years ago), but never went over the agreed limit. My credit score shouldn't be linked with anyone else - I did have a joint account with a boyfriend, but that was closed several years ago. I'm on the electoral roll at my current address. The only thing I can think of that might count against me is that I have moved house a lot - I've had 5 addresses in the last 3 years (nature of my and bf's work is that we often have to move).

I'm a bit confused about why I was refused, and am also looking for thoughts/advice about what to do about any of this, if anything. Is it worth checking out my credit file? Would checking this count against me? Should I avoid applying for any other "credit" products in the near future? If so, what counts as "near future"?

Any thoughts about this would be gratefully received.

Yellowstar x

withabix

As you rent privately, are you DEFINITELY on the Electoral Register and how long have you been?

Your multiple address changes may have something to do with it.

I would advise getting your Statutory Credit Files from the the 2 main Agencies to see what is going on.

jen245

Did you file a notice of disassociation with the credit agencies when you closed your joint account? If not, then you could still be linked to him, and if he has a poor credit history, it will stop you from getting credit

Check all 3 of your credit reports with Experian, Equifax and Call Credit

Elbee

Checking your file won't count against you. You may see it as a search but lenders will not see it. It leaves a 'footprint' on your file so you know it's been searched but nobody else should see it.
It is a good idea to get hold of your file - then you can see what there is and if there are any discrepancies.

Hazzinho

You need to check your credit files to ensure it all looks right. you had a joint account and may still have a financial association with your boyfriend. You need to check you are on the electoral roll. Moving around a lot won't help if you haven't been their long but can't see this being the reason for rejection. Get your £2 reports off experian and equifax and your free one off noddle.

camuk81

If you still want the contract speak to O2, they do a rolling 6 month contract and the. You can get a new phone without a credit check, keep it as a reserve back up incase everything comes out of kilter

Yellowstar_2

Thanks all, for the replies.

Yep - definitely on the elctoral register. It was one of the first things I did when moving house along with read meters and set up utilities.

Not sure I did get a "notice of disassociation" - it was so many years ago that I can't remember. I do remember definitely closing the account though - I was livid because ex-boyfriend told me that he had closed it, and I found out later that this was a lie. So made sure by closing it myself.

As suggested, I'll get hold of the statutory files and see what's going on.

Yes, could try another network provider, but the reason I was switiching to Orange in the first place is because my best friend works for Orange and could get me a mighty discount. I think I'll not bother now!

Thanks again

Yellowstar x

steve1980

Out of interest, do you live in a flat? As I had the same problem with 3. My address is flat number, flat name, road number, road name which the banks, mobile phone companies and council all put down differently!

psyman17

Orange are very strict with their credit scoring. I got turned down too but then got the same phone on a 24 month contract with T-Mobile without any problems.

Buzby

Anything that happened more than 6 years ago will not be shown. It might be best to get a copy of your file from each company (CRA) and see what Orange is concerned anout.