Being denied for a sim only contract

Rosieroo1312

Today my partner tried to get a sim only contract and it would not work. We were told it is NOT a credit check for sim only, just simply making sure all the details matches up with the bank. My partner moved house last year but only notified the bank of an address change in early this year so we thought maybe we should put in the time the bank is aware of opposed to the actual time but the staff seemed to think this was irrelevant.

Another reason we thought was that his dad had canceled a direct debit for his current out of contract monthly sim on 3 which was in his mums name not his. There was a bill due to be paid today which we thought his mum had paid but hadn't.Tonight he went to pay it himself through the app using his debit card, but when he typed in his new address it said that this was not the billing address to his card and when we tried his old address the card payment went through. The bank assured him earlier today that his account has the new address but then why did the card payment only work with old address?

I know this is so long but we are at a total loss, his current sim will end soon and he needs a new one in his own name.. To me it suggests that the billing address on the card is wrong and thats why it wouldn't work but the bank says its all fine on their end!!! I also thought it could be due to the outstanding 3 bill but it was due today and therefore wasn't late.

mobilejunkie

1) A contract in someone else's name shouldn't affect an application in his name.

2) I'd have expected a credit check - sim only or not. They're handing someone a blank chequebook.

3) Is he on the electoral roll? After changing addresses he may not be - in which case it could be that (and not the bank's details) causing the problem.

Mr_Singleton

mobilejunkie wrote: »

2) I'd have expected a credit check - sim only or not. They're handing someone a blank chequebook.

Really? In what way?

[Deleted User]

mobilejunkie wrote: »

1)
2) I'd have expected a credit check - sim only or not. They're handing someone a blank chequebook.

Yep, Plusnet certainly do a credit check on sim only.

pmduk

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Really? In what way?

Think of the call/data costs that can be racked up even on a sim-only contract. I can think of very few companies that don't credit-check for a sim-only contract.

Jon_01

pmduk wrote: »

Think of the call/data costs that can be racked up even on a sim-only contract. I can think of very few companies that don't credit-check for a sim-only contract.

When I worked for one of the networks, I've a seen a grand racked up over night on one sim. So, I'd think they all do a credit check if it's a contract or sim only.

mobilejunkie

Mr_Singleton wrote: »

Really? In what way?

If you really don't know the answer to that you really shouldn't be taking out a mobile contract in the first place.

pmduk

Jon_01 wrote: »

When I worked for one of the networks, I've a seen a grand racked up over night on one sim. So, I'd think they all do a credit check if it's a contract or sim only.

I think TPO advertise no credit checks but they're the only network I know of without them.

mobilejunkie

Unless it's a monthly rolling contract you can't cancel penalty free until the end of the minimum term. Not having a contract with the phone is completely irrelevant.

It very much sounds as though all the information given to you is completely wrong (including the credit check that "isn't").

username

Perhaps it takes time for the bank address change to filter through?

I would suggest (so long as your affairs are in order, sounds like his weren't) trying for a contract in your name and then transfer the ownership to him in a few months. At least it will mean he will have SIM to use whilst everything gets sorted, the electoral roll will take a while to show.

Having worked in this industry (but not specifically for Tesco) all prospective subscribers are credit checked even for a sim contract. The fact it is a sim contract is not relevant, the credit check is peformed first and then the results of that will determine the amount of lines available, monthly line rental(s) open to the subscriber and if any deposits are required for roaming/connection.

I would have him check his credit file for any searches from Tesco Mobile (or O2) and complain if there are any, if supposedly one is not carried iout.

I would be quite amazed if there indeed was not one done, and secondly, if one is done, to imply there is no credit check (or to try and 'wooly' it up by implying it is 'minimal') where it has been carried out is irresponsible.

pmduk

username wrote: »

I would suggest (so long as your affairs are in order, sounds like his weren't) trying for a contract in your name and then transfer the ownership to him in a few months. At least it will mean he will have SIM to use whilst everything gets sorted, the electoral roll will take a while to show.

Check Tesco Mobile's policy on this first, like you I've worked in the industry and some networks will not transfer contracts.