Credit default - pay it off?

cinereus

I have a default listed on my credit report from Virgin Media. I'm pretty sure it's wrong but I'm not getting anywhere trying to get it sorted out with them.

I'm wanting to get a mobile contract soon which will require a credit check. What's the best thing to do about this to get my credit rating up again as soon as possible?

The debt is only £122 - should I just pay it off right away? Or are there other things I can do with the money to get myself in a better position first?

McKneff

New credit isnt likely because of this default, it is on your record for 6 years unless you can prove that they have made an error in registering a default.

Keep on dealing with that if you really do think its wrong.

ChopperST

Defaults stay on your file for 6 years after they have been settled. Hence its in your interest to get it settled ASAP before applying for further credit...

boogiemaster

A paid default looks better when your applying for credit because a creditor wants to know your credit worthy.

A default is bad enough but a settled one shows you took responsibility and looks a lot better when you apply for credit in the future

limitation

cinereus wrote: »

I have a default listed on my credit report from Virgin Media. I'm pretty sure it's wrong but I'm not getting anywhere trying to get it sorted out with them.

I'm wanting to get a mobile contract soon which will require a credit check. What's the best thing to do about this to get my credit rating up again as soon as possible?

The debt is only £122 - should I just pay it off right away? Or are there other things I can do with the money to get myself in a better position first?

If its wrong, Then keeping pursuing virgin media to remove it from your file.

It depends when the Default was issued, I've had past credit problems (Defaults) which have been for no more then £1,000 ! They are 3 years old and to be honest I haven't paid them off, Although I can't get mainstream credit right now, It hasn't stopped me from getting a new phone contract, Sub prime credit cards etc all of which are paid in full and on time !

cinereus

So I should try and get it wiped somehow? What's the best way of getting that done?

How bad is a settled default if I can't do that?

cinereus

limitation wrote: »

If its wrong, Then keeping pursuing virgin media to remove it from your file.

It depends when the Default was issued, I've had past credit problems (Defaults) which have been for no more then £1,000 ! They are 3 years old and to be honest I haven't paid them off, Although I can't get mainstream credit right now, It hasn't stopped me from getting a new phone contract, Sub prime credit cards etc all of which are paid in full and on time !

Can you check out my thread here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/50757109#Comment_50757109

Do you think I can get this SIMO 1 month contract with this default (i.e. was the problem my name or the default)?

Cheers,

limitation

cinereus wrote: »

So I should try and get it wiped somehow? What's the best way of getting that done?

How bad is a settled default if I can't do that?

Yes defiantly ! If its wrong or incorrect then you should follow it up by all means. You're best off contacting Virgin Media in writing, Send any correspondence via recorded delivery to them, Hopefully they'll sort it (You should be able to find letter temples via a simple Google search), If they fail to remove it then you'll need to contact the credit reference agencies (Call Credit, Equifax and Experian) and dispute the information, You'll need to send any correspondence to from virgin media with that as well, Best of luck.

There's no real difference, A default is damaging enough regardless if its settled or not, They just get less harmful to your credit report through time. How long ago did you default on the account ?

cinereus

I'm not 100% sure it's completely wrong. If anything it might just be a little lower.

This was 2 years ago and I want to get the phone asap

limitation

cinereus wrote: »

Can you check out my thread here: https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/50757109#Comment_50757109

Do you think I can get this SIMO 1 month contract with this default (i.e. was the problem my name or the default)?

Cheers,

I've got 3 defaults on my credit file from 2/3 years ago, Went through a bad patch I guess, But since then I've stayed on top of my commitments and have paid all my current credit accounts in full and on time ! I managed to get a T-Mobile £35.00 a month contract with a new handset (Samsung galaxy S2) last year with these Un settled defaults on my file.

You should be fine, The only way to know for sure is to simply apply.

cinereus

So it definitely seems like the problem was more to do with my name than the default? Weird, I didn't think it would be that big a deal...