Virgin Mobile demanding a credit check for a contract upgrade?

pine77

Hello all.

Been with Virgin mobile for well over a decade. Have the same the number, same direct debit details - nothing has changed. Over the years I have upgraded about 7 times, sometimes with a new phone thrown in - other times just shifted to a better sim only contract with them. I have never missed a payment and not altered any information.

My current contract ends on the 28th of this month - so as per routine, I phoned them up and they said I can upgrade to a sim only - pay monthly deal like I had before with them a few times. It was even cheaper - and a rolling contract I can cancel at any time, so I agreed.

They then said as standard they have to run my details though a credit checker. I asked why as this has never happened before when I switched contract. They said - the change requires it. I said how come none of the other changes required it? They said because this deal is a certain way etc and became vague.. I said I have had deals with expensive phones chucked in for 24 month contracts and never a credit check as well as every other type of upgrade possible. They went silent. I asked if the credit check would damage my credit. They stated all credit checks damage your credit.

Any advice. It just doesn't sound fair to me.

d123

Any business can require a credit check if offering credit, you are within your rights to refuse and not continue with the transaction.

Your choice, agree and upgrade, disagree and remain as you are or take your business elsewhere.

pine77

Thanks. What type of credit would they be offering me? Its just a 10 pound a month rolling contract - paid for via direct debit as usual. No phone or new sim involved. I have been paying far more for over 15 years with them in various contracts, just curious as to why suddenly they demand it.

mobilejunkie

It isn't; it's a blank cheque book. A credit check is unlikely to damage your credit report - that only happens when you have a lot in a short period. It doesn't surprise me the person on the end of the phone was vague; most don't have a clue about things like that. How do you know they didn't do a credit check before? Just because they didn't tell you?

Frozen_up_north

The credit check is standard on all phone/SIM contracts, as there is a potential to spend money "on credit" over and above the monthly charge.

pine77

mobilejunkie wrote: »

It isn't; it's a blank cheque book. A credit check is unlikely to damage your credit report - that only happens when you have a lot in a short period. It doesn't surprise me the person on the end of the phone was vague; most don't have a clue about things like that. How do you know they didn't do a credit check before? Just because they didn't tell you?

Yes, most probably..