Failed Brit Gas Credit Check - But It's 980 out of 999

deviljames68

My girlfriend and I moved into our flat about 4 months ago (first time buyers) and it has prepay meters. We moved from Spark to OVO as I was told by some w***er from moneyexpert dot com that they would change me over to a credit meter. Turns out they don't so I then swapped to British Gas as they said they would. Phoned up to do it today and I've been told I'm not eligible. The woman on the phone said that my credit score probably wasn't good enough but I've just checked and it's 980 out of 999. Does anybody know if anything else could have made me ineligible? I've been told that I can't try again for another 60 days and don't want to have to wait that length of time to be turned down again.

cheers,

Dobbibill

This tells you all about it

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/switch-prepaid-gas-electricity

In April 2016, Npower became the last of the big six suppliers to remove a fee for switching from a prepayment meter to a billed meter. That means if you're with it, British Gas, EDF, E.on, Scottish Power or SSE, you can move without being charged.

Some smaller providers such as First Utility also let you get a credit meter for free, though a number of them don't (see below), so always check first.

This is what it says about changing to a credit meter free of charge - the big 6!

Will they allow you to switch?

To move off prepay you'll usually need to have paid any outstanding debt on your energy account and be credit-scored, so they can see if there's a risk you won't repay.

Being credit scored by a company is not the same as them looking at your credit score you can see the Credit Referencing Agencies - only you see that score.

Look at the information on all your Credit Reports - there are 3 to check but all for free - make sure everything is accurate, accounts, addresses, payments etc etc

To get them free use MSE Credit Club, Clearscore & Noddle.

macman

Your credit score is meaningless, the lenders don't even see it. It's just a marketing tool. What they are interested in is your credit history-that's where the problem will be.
Did you get yourself put on the electoral roll when you moved? If not, do it ASAP.

SpotlandRules

Move over to Utilita prepay, get one of their smart meters put in. Leave it until the database is updated and then you have credit meters.

davethorp

Switch to EDF. They didn't credit check when I had my prepayment meters removed in 2009 and according to the guide linked earlier in the thread they still don't

dogshome

Agree with above, EDF have a relaxed attitude to swapping PAYGO meters for Credit meters.

There are many posts on this site of BG refusing to change PAYGO meters.
1) This could be that they have a super cautious attitude to affording customers credit
2) PAYGO metering earns more money for a supplier than a Credit meter

Take your pick and guess which one my money is on

deviljames68

thanks for the replies. We're in the process of switching to EDF, fingers crossed all goes ok

cheers,

Carrot007

dogshome wrote: »

There are many posts on this site of BG refusing to change PAYGO meters.
1) This could be that they have a super cautious attitude to affording customers credit

Definately This.

dogshome wrote: »

2) PAYGO metering earns more money for a supplier than a Credit meter

Not a chance they also cost more to supply. So much so if the customer rings up once a year they are probably losing on the deal. Definaetly if it requires a visit.

Believe me the suppliers wish PAYGO metering did not exist.