Monthly Sim contract to improve credit reating

Gingeraffe

Hi

i have lived abroad for 2 years so my credit rating has taken a hit so I am looking to take out a SIM only contract so that I can build my CR back up. I am still abroad at the moment but will be back at Christmas.

I have heard of Smarty (part of 3) that do not do initial credit checks for their rolling monthly contracts but I'd like to know if anyone has used them and whether they report back to the credit reference agencies on an ongoing basis?

If not, is it possible to take out a Sim only contract whilst abroad (using my mums as proof of address)

mobilejunkie

Gingeraffe wrote: »

Hi

i have lived abroad for 2 years so my credit rating has taken a hit so I am looking to take out a SIM only contract so that I can build my CR back up. I am still abroad at the moment but will be back at Christmas.

I have heard of Smarty (part of 3) that do not do initial credit checks for their rolling monthly contracts but I'd like to know if anyone has used them and whether they report back to the credit reference agencies on an ongoing basis?

If not, is it possible to take out a Sim only contract whilst abroad (using my mums as proof of address)

Unless you're still on the electoral role at your mums it's proof of absolutely nothing, if it's need (most contracts will whether sim only or not, since either way you are given a blank chequebook to use with a sim unless it's PAYG).

[Deleted User]

Giffgaff don't do credit checks either but you may need a bank account and payment card registered to an address in the UK.

pmduk

Smarty is Pay as you go so I doubt whether it reports to the CRAs

Gingeraffe

pmduk wrote: »

Smarty is Pay as you go so I doubt whether it reports to the CRAs

Thanks.. I thought this was the case but it says on their website 'rebuild your credit rating with a Smarty sim' so I wanted to check- I have since confirmed with them that they don't report to CRA's.

Goldcrypto

Why not just start using a credit card and paying balance of each month before interest comes in. Not sure see point in just taking a phone contract out if you do not need. Many benefits of SIM only and no contract anyway.

Gingeraffe

I have a credit card and i am already doing this, I've been told by many people that a cheap sim only contract will also help to build it.

I have 18 months/2 years before I will want/need a mortgage so I am trying to do everything i can to get the best possible interest rates.

pmduk

Why not try for a SIMO with, say Plusnet? the value is similar to Giffgaff and Smarty and I suspect they'll report to a CRA. I can't say how they'll deal with your non-resident status.

pmduk

Gingeraffe wrote: »

Thanks.. I thought this was the case but it says on their website 'rebuild your credit rating with a Smarty sim' so I wanted to check- I have since confirmed with them that they don't report to CRA's.

OP: can you link to where they say this? it's downright misleading!

eDicky

My daughter was turned down for any credit card or mobile contract and could not be found by the MSE eligibility checker, seemingly having no CRA record.

She succeeded however in getting the cheapest Virgin Mobile SIM-only monthly contract on my suggestion, as well as registering on the electoral roll (not sure which came first) and after a year or so and some hesitation Virgin let her have a 12-month unlimited contract.

So that first step seemed to have an effect, although more evidence might arise if she ever gets around to applying again for a credit card or checking for her files.