Failing British Gas credit check for no reason - what are the alternatives?

smiling_octopus

I've lived at my flat, which has pre-pay electric and gas from British gas, for 1.3 years. I have been trying to switch off PAYG to a tariff to no avail. I'm told I fail the credit check, but I'm not in any debt, pay my credit bills on time (in fact, I got a credit card so I could demonstrate I have good credit), am on the electoral register etc. Experian won't give me information on why I can't get off PAYG and British Gas are extremely unhelpful. I have requested yet another Experian statutory credit check, but I've read British Gas will fail you for arbitrary reasons. I'm coming to believe, after the third time trying to get this meter removed, that British Gas will always refuse me.


What I find really confusing is, in addition to carrying no debpt, I had electric at my previous flat with outfoxthemarket, and they gave me a tariff easily.


I rent and my landlord is open to me changing my meter. The previous person who lived at my flat had bad credit - collections letters were coming to my house for him, he's put his address down as my address.



Is there a way to bypass British Gas completely and get on to a company that does credit or smart meters and doesn't have this credit check process? I have heard of EDF - what are the names of other companies I could switch to?

dogshome

BG are well known for being tough when it comes to swapping PAYGO over to Credit meters, and I suspect the previous tenants debt isn't helping.


EDF are more relaxed, though there are reports of them being slow because of number of meter swaps they they are dealing with
Give them a go and ask how long? - If it's too long look elsewhere.


EDF aren't cheap, so when it is done Switch elsewhere

Kitchen_Sink

smiling_octopus wrote: »

I've lived at my flat, which has pre-pay electric and gas from British gas, for 1.3 years. I have been trying to switch off PAYG to a tariff to no avail. I'm told I fail the credit check, but I'm not in any debt, pay my credit bills on time (in fact, I got a credit card so I could demonstrate I have good credit), am on the electoral register etc. Experian won't give me information on why I can't get off PAYG and British Gas are extremely unhelpful. I have requested yet another Experian statutory credit check, but I've read British Gas will fail you for arbitrary reasons. I'm coming to believe, after the third time trying to get this meter removed, that British Gas will always refuse me.


What I find really confusing is, in addition to carrying no debpt, I had electric at my previous flat with outfoxthemarket, and they gave me a tariff easily.


I rent and my landlord is open to me changing my meter. The previous person who lived at my flat had bad credit - collections letters were coming to my house for him, he's put his address down as my address.



Is there a way to bypass British Gas completely and get on to a company that does credit or smart meters and doesn't have this credit check process? I have heard of EDF - what are the names of other companies I could switch to?

Welcome to MSE :hello:

Have you read this MSE article yet?
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/utilities/switch-prepaid-gas-electricity/

Whilst there appears to be the odd supplier that is less stingent about giving you unlimited credit compared to others, it would assist you overall to uncover why a potential creditor is refusing you credit.

There appears something seriously amiss somewhere if BG will not extend credit to you under any circumstances; usually suppliers will extend credit to those other than serious credit risks by the requirement of a monthly direct debit, or in more severe cases, by the requirement to lodge a security deposit - that would be returned with interest after 12 months if you pay your bills from them on time and in full.

This MSE article explains more about checking your credit files, etc
https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/check-free-credit-report/