EE / Orange Broadband Name change

SamR_

Hi,

I was notified a few months ago that my EE broadband, that was being billed as "ORANGE HOME" was going to be changed to "EE Broadband" on my bank statements, however it seems when they have done this, 2/3 credit reference agencies have noticed this as the "ORANGE HOME" account being closed, and a new EE account being opened. Should this have happened? as it isn't a new account, just a different billing name?

As a result it has lowered my credit score

DCFC79

SamR_ wrote: »

Hi,

I was notified a few months ago that my EE broadband, that was being billed as "ORANGE HOME" was going to be changed to "EE Broadband" on my bank statements, however it seems when they have done this, 2/3 credit reference agencies have noticed this as the "ORANGE HOME" account being closed, and a new EE account being opened. Should this have happened? as it isn't a new account, just a different billing name?

As a result it has lowered my credit score

Can't see it being an issue, no 1 can even see your score so the fact your score has dropped is immaterial.

SamR_

It was more for the fact my report will now show a closed account, and a newly opened account - which lenders will mark down? (I'm trying to get a mortgage at the start of next year)

Kim_13

If EE have closed the old account and opened another, this would impact your file (the age of your accounts factors into how lenders will view you, so closing an older account and having a new one opened will affect your file two fold.)

As DCFC79 says though, the score is calculated by the CRA (usually deflated so as to try and sell you their "improve" services) so the score itself isn't important as such.

Worth a complaint if they have, though I wouldn't expect much (if anything) in terms of compensation unless you can prove that you're getting unfavourable rates etc from other creditors as a result of having the average age of your accounts lowered. Unsure as to whether they would be able to reverse this kind of change to your report, but worth a go.

Edit: Have they credit searched for the new account? Unnecessary recent searches are what you don't want when going for a mortgage.

SamR_

Kim_13 wrote: »

If EE have closed the old account and opened another, this would impact your file (the age of your accounts factors into how lenders will view you, so closing an older account and having a new one opened will affect your file two fold.)

As DCFC79 says though, the score is calculated by the CRA (usually deflated so as to try and sell you their "improve" services) so the score itself isn't important as such.

Worth a complaint if they have, though I wouldn't expect much (if anything) in terms of compensation unless you can prove that you're getting unfavourable rates etc from other creditors as a result of having the average age of your accounts lowered. Unsure as to whether they would be able to reverse this kind of change to your report, but worth a go.

Edit: Have they credit searched for the new account? Unnecessary recent searches are what you don't want when going for a mortgage.

A new credit search isn't appearing in my report, so I hope not. The account number on my bills etc are still the same, just a new company name on the bill (was Orange home, now EE broadband)

The annoying thing is, the account was only opened in Dec 15, so it now shows Dec 15 - September 16, then my contract is up Dec 16 and I planned on switching as soon as contract was up as the service they provide is appalling, which will mean I'll have two short term accounts from Orange and EE, and a new one for whatever supplier I go to

My credit report refreshes in 5 days so I guess I'll see then if they searched or not

Kim_13

If they have searched again then I would definitely try getting them to take it off (if it says checking credit application as the reason for the search.) There will be something in the terms allowing them to search for an administration review and these aren't an issue.

As the original account is so recent, I would also try to get them to change it back. Orange have been trading under EE since 2010 (I think) so quite why they couldn't just put EE on your report in the first place is strange.

If all else fails, a notice of correction to explain the circumstances will hopefully do the trick.