I have a good credit report but was rejected by vodafone

hollym13

I'm new to this so sorry if my post seems stupid or there is already a question like this.

I recently applied for my first phone contract with Vodafone. My order was referred and today I received an email saying that it had been rejected but they couldn't explain why. I used the website Clearscore with Equifax which gave me a score of 447 which according to the website is above the national average, with many positives on my report. The only negative is that my largest credit card limit is low. I am also a student, (over 18 of course) so am wondering if that has anything to do with it.

I find this frustrating as I am not very good with technology and find this stuff very confusing and difficult to understand. I would really like a contract with Vodafone as I have been with that network since I bought my first phone and find them very reliable - but now I am not sure what I can do.

Any suggestions on what may have gone wrong, and what next steps I should take would be highly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.
Holly

[Deleted User]

Ignore your score.

They will have declined you against their own criteria. Could be ID, electoral roll, lack of credit history, etc.

Make sure you're using your card regularly to build up credit history. You probably just need time.

hollym13

My phone is broken, so I don't have time to spare exactly. What do you mean by ID etc. the details I entered when I ordered the phone? In that case would it be worth attempting to reorder it again or is there a limit on amount of times I can try applying?

[Deleted User]

Can you buy another phone and go SIM only?

I wouldn't try another app with the same network.

Smodlet

Hi and welcome to the forum.

It may just be you have had a lucky escape! There are many posts on here stating Vodafone is a nightmare to deal with, that they are the worst of all mobile providers. I have seen one signature which referred to "Vodapain", I believe.

Why not try the comparison tool on this forum, under Utilities to see if you could obtain a better deal than that offered by Vodafone? All it costs is a few minutes of your time.

HTH and best of luck.

hollym13

My reason for going on contract is because I can't afford the upfront cost of a new phone, so I wanted a phone with no upfront cost and just monthly payment. I called the helpline on the website I ordered the phone from and they said I all I can do is try and speak to Vodafone or try another network. I have always been with Vodafone and have never had an issue with them but I think my next option is likely to be looking into another network that is less strict with their applications.

Smodlet

And, if you believe one tenth of what you read on here, must perforce have better customer service.

Good luck, and please remember, customer loyalty does not pay!

MEM62

hollym13 wrote: »

I recently applied for my first phone contract with Vodafone. My order was referred and today I received an email saying that it had been rejected.

You have had a lucky escape. Vodafone's customer service is appalling. Be grateful that they rejected you and try a different carrier.

PeteActually

I'd leave Vodafone well alone - their service is awful.

Besides that, did you apply in a retail store or online?

If you apply in one of their high street stores, the adviser will do an ID check using your debit card and then carry out a credit check. They will see if you're approved, referred or declined, and will be able to advise you if you'd be eligible for a sim-only contract (after 3 months you can upgrade to a contract with a handset, as long as you've kept up with payments etc.)

Anthorn

hollym13 wrote: »

I'm new to this so sorry if my post seems stupid or there is already a question like this.

I recently applied for my first phone contract with Vodafone. My order was referred and today I received an email saying that it had been rejected but they couldn't explain why. I used the website Clearscore with Equifax which gave me a score of 447 which according to the website is above the national average, with many positives on my report. The only negative is that my largest credit card limit is low. I am also a student, (over 18 of course) so am wondering if that has anything to do with it.

I find this frustrating as I am not very good with technology and find this stuff very confusing and difficult to understand. I would really like a contract with Vodafone as I have been with that network since I bought my first phone and find them very reliable - but now I am not sure what I can do.

Any suggestions on what may have gone wrong, and what next steps I should take would be highly appreciated.

Thanks for your time.
Holly

You don't say which phone and contract you applied for. Is it the latest mePhone by any chance? Applying for a product on credit as well as a commitment to pay a subscription is different to applying for a credit card. With a credit card your spending can be limited but with a product you already have it. The only way it can be limited is by stopping more of the same.

My guess is that you have no telecoms history. Try a second-hand or refurbished mobile phone and a SIM-only contract.

MrRipley

I would personally recommend the 3 network, very good for limited or adverse credit in my experience. Although if you're going for a high end phone like an iPhone, be prepared to put down a deposit of around £50 to £100.