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Are companies becoming more strict in their requirements for credit?

I was wondering if companies are becoming more strict in their requirements for granting credit, post-covid? My credit hasn't been wonderful in the past, but has improved considerably over the last 6-12 months, and my circumstances haven't changed, yet I was recently turned down for a Virgin 0% transfer for a credit card (to move £900 to pay off a Barclay card with a ridiculous APR). My laptop is on its' last legs and I have some projects coming up that will pay me 4 figures to supplement my meagre income and need a decent replacement and to upgrade my wobbly mobile (through Sky mobile, though now out of contract and on sim only, as I paid off the handset 9 months ago), but I don't have the funds to pay for these items outright. I'm worried that as I've been turned down for a credit card, I'll also be turned down for finance to help me to purchase a good laptop and upgrade my phone. Is there any evidence that companies are becoming stricter in how and who they lend money to?

Comments

  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 18,971 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Are you employed, sole trader, or Ltd Co director?

    If either of the latter, a bounce back loan might work.
  • Thrugelmir
    Thrugelmir Posts: 89,546 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Unsurprisingly finance companies are far more risk adverse in the current climate. The full impact has yet to be felt. 
  • Are you employed, sole trader, or Ltd Co director?

    If either of the latter, a bounce back loan might work.
    No, I'm employed part time as a tutor, so wouldn't be able eligible. Thank you for the suggestion though.
  • adamp87
    adamp87 Posts: 902 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 500 Posts Name Dropper
    It could be a number of things, but maybe your money coming in being part-time isn't a good risk for them at the moment in the current climate.

    Have you used any checkers before proceeding for credit before doing a hard search will give you a better chance of knowing who will offer you credit.
  • mattyprice4004
    mattyprice4004 Posts: 7,492 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Can’t go wrong with a refurbished ex-business HP laptop - no need to spend £900. 
    I spent £230 and have a machine that’d smash most new machines out of the water :) 
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