Credit check

Kit1

Hi
I don't post often but thought l would ask you opinion on my latest Broadband experience.
I am trying to moved my Broadband (won't bore you with the ins and outs). So have been contacting various different providers - we have had internet l think since it began in the 1980's so a long time.  We have only had a few different companies, mainly because there wasn't much choice and then it was just easier to stay put.
Anyway we are having a few issues with our current internet dropping in and out and not getting it resolved and as our contract has just ended thought it was time to shop around.
Yesterday l spent almost 2 hours with one company going through the various options and deals they had and decided on which one.  Bearing in mind l have done this before. They get all the info for the credit check (never had a problem before and we don't have any debits). THEN they come back - You have been declined. I am like what are you talking about, l pay my bills on time don't have any outstanding bills etc this must be a mistake. I have never been declined before but they weren't having it.
So, l got an email telling me l am declined but l can challenge it which l did.
Just opened my emails and there is their reply - yes you guessed it I have again been declined and can reapply in 90 days.  I told that l won't bother.

Is this the norm for people who pay their bills on time and only spend within their means?

Just wondering 

iniltous

Have you checked your credit worthiness  on the various credit rating websites ?

FWIW , someone that worked in the finance industry told me years ago that having no debt isn’t necessarily a good thing when applying for credit , which is what you are effectively doing when applying for a service like broadband..if you have no history of loans , credit cards , mortgage etc , you have  no financial footprint and that’s regarded as bad  in the same way someone with black marks on their credit file like late payments , unpaid invoices etc , some providers would require a deposit in these cases , but still offer service, but obviously they are not obliged to do that , they can simply decline your application.

TBH , in case you have had your identity stolen and others have wrecked your credit by using your information to embezzle companies , you should enquire why you were declined and check your rating yourself.

Mark_d

There are many reasons why you might be declined for credit even if you pay some bills on time.  Some 15 years ago, without my knowledge, I gained a CCJ.  This related to a bill I wasn't responsible for.  After a few months I managed to get the issue resolved and the CCJ removed from my credit reports - but it did sit on my credit reports for a few months and preventing me for taking out new contracts.
It's possible that you have been the victim of identity theft.  Maybe someone took out a loan in your name and for obviously reasons the repayments have not been made.
If you are declined for credit the first things you should do is check your credit reports with the three main credit reference agencies.  Personally I check my credit reports on a regular basis so that I can detect and resolve issues before the issues cause me problems.

QrizB

Kit1 said:

Is this the norm for people who pay their bills on time and only spend within their means?

What does your credit report via MSE Credit Club say?

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/creditclub/

Kit1

Thank you all for your replies.
I have never thought to check my credit report. I guess it never really occurred to me as l haven't borrowed money since we finally paid off our mortgage. I think l was just surprised they said l hadn't passed the credit check. I did appeal and it came back not really saying why l hadn't passed - just lots of ways of saying l hadn't passed.

So, as l have never checked my credit to see how it stands and that no-one has used my details where would l begin.
This is probably a really stupid question but having never done it before it isn't something l know too much about/
Many thanks 

M25

Why are you wasting your time speaking to providers?

See what's available at your address https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/compare-broadband-deals/

Then pick the best deal for the servcie you want (going FTTP* sounds good if you can). You do not need to speak to anyone including your present supplier (assuming you have an OpenReach service).

If you get knocked back pick another company. 

Plusnet (BT owned) seem to take anyone as they take a payment upfront.

*FTTP = https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/broadband-and-tv/fttp-explained/

Farway

Kit1 said:

So, as l have never checked my credit to see how it stands and that no-one has used my details where would l begin.
This is probably a really stupid question but having never done it before it isn't something l know too much about/
Many thanks 

Begin here

https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/check-free-credit-report/