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Broadband and phone line for older people

Hi guys, I've just tried to sign my 87 year old Dad up to a cheaper new broadband/ phone deal through MSE on Vodaphone. All going well until at the very end they want a credit card number to verify his ID despite already inputting bank account details with a well known high street bank. He doesn't have a Credit card only uses his bank. so cant go any further. I rang Vodaphone who could help but the cost was an extra £140 over the 2 year period due to the £130 gift card. Does this then stop my Dad getting the better deals due to no CC? Any tried and tested ways to get one would be appreciated. I have all permissions / discussions to do this on behalf of my Dad. Incidentally the guy from Vodafone said he's aware of people have struggled to get the gift card (even after a year).
Thanks In advance

Comments

  • elsien
    elsien Posts: 38,327
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    edited 5 December 2025 at 4:31PM
    What do the terms and conditions say with regards to payment and credit card. What do they want the credit card details for exactly?
    All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.

    Pedant alert - it's could have not could of.
  • dnpark38
    dnpark38 Posts: 538
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    Remember, changing Provider can mean loosing your existing number.
    So consider the effect of that's on your 87 year old Dad.
  • QrizB
    QrizB Posts: 25,152
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    Thismight not be the answer you want, but could your dad get a credit card? Even if it's only a "credit builder" one for people with poor/no credit history?
    N. Hampshire, he/him. Octopus Intelligent Go elec / Fuse gas / Vodafone BB / iD mobile. Kirk Hill Co-op member.
    2.72kWp PV facing SSW installed Jan 2012. 11 x 247w panels, 3.6kw inverter. 37 MWh generated, long-term average 2.6 Os.
    Economy 7 cap explainer. Gas vs E7 vs peak elec heating costs, Ecoflow Stream, Best kettle :-)
  • Change to a provider who is more accommodating for the elderly. You shouldn't need a credit card to sign up for Broadband. See it as a red flag warning.
  • I helped my parents switched to Plusnet, super friendly and confident they're not gonna receive upsell callers. At the moment they're offering a preloaded credit card to the customer with a balance of up to £175. 
  • matelodave
    matelodave Posts: 9,307
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    AFAIK Plusnet don't offer a phone service. I may be wrong but please check if that is a specific requirement
    Never under estimate the power of stupid people in large numbers
  • JSmithy45AD
    JSmithy45AD Posts: 1,689
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    QrizB said:
    Thismight not be the answer you want, but could your dad get a credit card? Even if it's only a "credit builder" one for people with poor/no credit history?
    https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/credit-builder/
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