Barclays Partner Finance iPhone hassle

Harry84

I have recently had a very unsatisfactory experience while attempting to buy a new iPhone in store from Apple using Barclays Partner Finance.

My situation led to me making two applications for finance, the first being accepted, and the second declined.

Having dropped and smashed my iPhone, rather than pursue a lengthy insurance claim I decided to treat myself and buy a new iPhone, having completed previous BPF agreements in 2022-2024 and 2020-2022.

Due to my lack of access to a working iPhone, I had to spend 90 minutes at Apple’s White City store logging in and out of my email account and inserting my SIM into spare devices to complete a new BPF application. I ended up with no answer from Barclays, and no iPhone.

The following day I phoned BPF for an update, having heard nothing. I was told that my application had been approved and had been ready to be used, with no negative searches having been returned, but had been parked, because Apple had cancelled the transaction. The man I spoke to was helpful and informative, while unable to help. He suggested I go back to Apple and re-apply from scratch, as the acceptance from the day before was specific to that transaction. He suggested that if it was declined due to being within 24 hours of the last one, I should call BPF who would be “on a chat” with underwriters who’d be able to take a common-sense view that this was not an attempt to borrow the same amount again, rather to borrow the amount that had been agreed to the day before.

I went to Apple’s Covent Garden store hopeful. I was, however, declined immediately. I phoned BPF who brought up both applications, and simply read out a script saying that my expenditure and financial circumstances were considered on each application and that my previous accept was irrelevant. I asked her to speak to the underwriters as suggested, however was told this would take the form of a request for reconsideration and would take several working days and be unlikely to succeed. I felt this was being dealt with robotically and decided that in order to secure myself a new iPhone I would have to buy one outright.

I was unable to pursue a finance agreement which had been approved, and that I was well able to afford, because of the way Apple and Barclays handle retail. Nether party showed any flexibility at all, and I had to do all of the running around to meet the security requirements, find ways to access my email and accounts, make multiple calls and do all of the explaining to Barclays and Apple as to what my situation was. It was, however, a brick wall of systems.

I now have a new iPhone bought without finance. I do, however, have two applications for finance on their way to my credit file, including one that was declined, at a time when I am looking at obtaining a mortgage. I have been working incredibly hard to get myself to the best possible financial health, and this will now be damaged by this situation. 

I’m interested in Forumites’ thoughts on whether I can ask for both of the applications, the successful and unsuccessful one, not to be reported to my credit file. I have not borrowed the money, and the second one was declined simply because of its proximity to the first, unused one. I earn £49,000, have no personal card, loan or car debt and have an excellent credit score.

I am thinking of highlighting that  I was not advised to wait more than 24 hours before re-applying, asking why my previous successful application for finance was not relevant, and why a robotic and multi-day appeal process with a likely negative outcome was the only resolution offered to me by Barclays. I am well aware of the bank’s obligations to lend responsibly and ensure security, and also aware that I could have bought a cheap refurbished phone etc.

Thoughts and comments welcome!

Mark_d

I think it's unlikely you can get the entries removed from your credit file.  I question why you went to the effort of a loan when treating yourself to a new iPhone.  If I wanted a new iphone I'd either buy it on my credit card (an get reward points) or I'd buy it on a contract with a mobile network.  I prefer to use credit card because I dont like being tied to unnecessary contracts.

Harry84

Mark_d said:

I question why you went to the effort of a loan when treating yourself to a new iPhone.

It's how I've always bought my phones, and the 0% over 24 months would have suited me. There is the option to repay early, and I have a separate rolling monthly SIM-only deal with iD Mobile for £8. 

caprikid1

"I question why you went to the effort of a loan when treating yourself to a new iPhone."

A relatively painless process, why would you give someone your money when you don't have to ?

I've used multiple methods to buy iphones, New , Used, Contract and Barclays finance. Apart from getting lucky on a good used phone the Barclays deal feels the best way unless I missed something.