Credit Confusion over Mobile contract

kah22

Would appreciate it if a member could explain something to me. I'm asking on behalf of my girlfriend.

The facts. She is applying to switch her PAYG phone to a Sim only phone, with the same provider, Tesco.

The Problem. This seems to be the length of time at her new residence, she is renting at the moment and she's been there a little under three years, but she has been about 30 years with her current bank. Part of the problem could possibly be that she didn't change her address with her bank when she moved accommodation (yes I know, very silly!)

From a credit point of viexw she hasn't got a credit card, and if she wants something she buys for cash all she really has is her bank card. So I'm assuming no credit rating.

Are we misunderstanding this type of credit check and what Tesco seem to be saying: I.e. you need to be three years at your current address (she's a few months shy of three years). I would have assumed that.30 plus years with the one bank would have been sufficient.

We'd appreciate it if anyone could throw a bit of light on the above. She was trying to switch over the phone, would it make any difference if done in store?

National_Debtline

Hi

Tesco will have their own criteria on who they will set up contracts with so three years at the current address may be their particular policy.

Any discrepancy with address details can cause issues with credit applications so the fact that your partner didn’t update her address with her bank could well be the issue. She can contact each credit reference agency to correct her address details.

James
@natdebtline

kah22

Thanks for the reply James. We've dropped Tesco an email tonight explaining the situation and asking if they can do anything for her

Kevin

DCFC79

No 1 has a credit rating but your girlfriend has a credit history but maybe a limited 1.

kah22

Received this message from Tesco this afternoon

Thank you for contacting Tesco Mobile Customer Service.

I understand you wish to get a new Pay Monthly contract for your number. I'll certainly look into it for you.

Cara, we'll be glad to have you as a customer. However, if you won't pass the credit check then, we won't be able to assist you with new contract.

As the credit check score varies upon different factors which we won't be able to discuss.

For your credit score, please contact the Equifax.

I hope I was able to assist you.
Yours sincerely

Nilesh

Tesco Mobile Customer Service

Looks like she'll have to stick to PAYG or find another provider

20aday

Is your OH on the Electoral Register?

That could well be one of the reasons Tesco Mobile declined her; I would see if she can register for the free reports from Noddle and Clearscore (and obtain her £2 report from Experian).

It can take a while for the records to be updated but if the decline is down to a lack of credit history (Tesco Mobile won't know how good/bad your OH is at repayments) I'd suggest she takes a look at one of the high APR credit card companies (e.g. Barclaycard Initial) run it for six-twelve months and try again.

kah22

Had her check with a local politicians office yesterday and you were right she wasn't on the register, so that's been taking care off. As a guideline how long will she have to be on the register before its good enough to satisfy these credit reference companies. With elections and the referendum coming up shortly I'm assuming new names will be added as a matter of urgency

While her bank branch is in another town, and she's been with them for 30 odd years, she has confirmed that her current address is registered with them ie her statements come to her current address.

Anything else she might want to do to start creating a record for herself?

DCFC79

Get a credit card, 1 of the credit history builder ones but maybe she should wait until the address is linked to her.