Bad credit rating ... what are options?

vstheworld

Hello hello. I have an appalling credit rating due to very bad times 3-4 years ago - but I have now been in full-time employment again for three years and I earn well above average. I have never, ever missed a mobile phone payment in 15+ years.

I would like to leave O2 but I suspect I will be declined with any new provider because of score. Do any of them offer alternatives such as x months of bank statements or an employer's letter or any of the other stunts that I have used with energy companies (for example) in the past?

Vodafone's ground staff say there's nothing they can do even though it's extremely obvious I can afford the contract, as the money currently going to O2 demonstrates in black and white.

I am going to have that conversation with Vodafone centrally, but meanwhile anyone here have any thoughts? (Other than PAYG SIM-only plus eBay for handset, which will be more overall than a contract would.) Any of the resellers or other networks more flexible?

grumbler

Talkmobile are known to ask for a refundable deposit in some boundary cases.

vstheworld

Thanks - have applied, let's wait and see. It doesn't say ANYWHERE on the site that a credit check will be applied... until you order (having given your account details) and get the acknowledgement email, which says it in very small type at the bottom.

I will add I seem to have got the same package for 7 quid cheaper than from Vodafone themselves too...

vstheworld

Nope - declined again. Looks like I am stuck on O2, will see if I can blag them into matching the TalkMobile price. Thanks.

DUTR

vstheworld wrote: »

Nope - declined again. Looks like I am stuck on O2, will see if I can blag them into matching the TalkMobile price. Thanks.

If you can well and afford it, have you considered a sim free hanset and sim only deal?

craig_dufc

vstheworld wrote: »

Nope - declined again. Looks like I am stuck on O2, will see if I can blag them into matching the TalkMobile price. Thanks.

Have you tried Three?

watchmywallet

Purchasing the phone out right could be a good option. You can get some good offers on refurbished phones and then just use a pay-as-you-go option. If you're determined to leave O2 this could be your best option.