Very worried about future credit rating after credit check declined in phone shop

Martin_Heron

Hi all, hope someone can help.

I recently turned 18 and went to vodafone today to get a mobile phone contract. I have a UK bank account, but it is registered to an address where I am not on the electoral roll.

The credit check declined, and I believe it was for that reason. As I say I have recently turned 18 and as such never had any credit. The man in the shop says that I need to change the address to where I am on the electoral roll (I have done this) but I cannot reapply for a mobile phone contract at any retailer in the next three months.

Obviously I have no reason to doubt him, but I am extremely worried that I may have problems obtaining credit in the future because I have failed a credit check. Would appreciate any advice!

Thrugelmir

Being registered (correctly) on the electoral role is critical these days.

Martin_Heron

I am aware of that now. I am not bothered about the phone as such, I can buy the phone outright and use PAYG or I can wait three months. That's not the problem. I am very worried about what the decline will mean for my future and my ability to obtain credit.

Tixy

All that will show on your file is that a credit search was performed.

It doesn't show it was a decline and its likely to have minimal impact on the short term and no impact at all after a few months.

Martin_Heron

Thank you very much, that's what I was worried about. I have reverted the address in which my account is set up to the one where I have lived since a baby.

Twisted_Cherry

Plus, the credit search will only remain on your file for 12 months. Get on the electoral, and in say a couple of months check with the credit reference agencies that you are in fact on the electoral roll, it will show on your file. Once it shows you should be ok to apply again, but do wait a few months.

In the mean time you could try a 'Sim Only Contract' and pay by Direct Debit, it is a way of letting a mobile phone company see you can pay, and you are more likely to then get a phone + a contact. That's how I did it!