Credit Woes

awzm

I've recently tried getting a contract telephone with the network Three. However I failed the credit check and I can't really see why. I'm 22 and 5 months into full time employment after 3 years at University. I've only ever had debit cards and I also have an ISA all with Natwest. I've never had money problems and I'm failing to see how I could fail a basic credit check when 16 and 17 year olds are deemed fine to get a contract phone.

Since failing the credit check I've signed up to CreditExpert (Experian) to get a free credit report on their 30 day free trial. Is it worth my while getting a credit card now and putting the phone on that? Since I can always pay back for purchases at the end of the month and not incur interest then what credit card should I go for (ones with sign up offers)?

I'm not really 100% sure on how credit cards work I just know I won't overspend on it and I'll be able to pay back whatever I spend on it.


Many thanks in advance!

gt94sss2

1. Are you on the electoral roll? If not get yourself added

2. Different mobile phone companies have different criteria for accepting customers - just because you failed a credit check with 3, it doesn't mean that Vodafone or o2 etc won't accept you..

3. I don't think its possible to get a contract phone in your own name until you are 18..

4. For a credit card - apply for one with Natwest first. You can set uop a direct ebit to pay the bill off each month. After 6 months, you can apply for another card which gives cashback or something if you wish.

Regards
Sunil

awzm

I've been at my current address for ~20 years and I am on the electoral role.

I'm applying to Three as my friend works for them so I can get 25% off my monthly bill for the length of the contract.


Thanks for the quick reply though!

dazza.mk

By the sounds of things it could possibly be a case of 'lack of credit history' that has caused you to fail the credit check.

In which case applying for 'credit builder' credit cards etc. in order to establish a credit history is usually the best way to go, then when you've started to establish a credit history go for products closer to the 'best buy' tables.

chuckley

via e2save or dialaphone would almost guarantee you a new fone n contract.

i wouldnt get a cc unless u needed 1.

awzm

OK so I got my PIN through from Experian and I got my credit report and all I could see was Green 0's (Payment up to date). I got my credit score and that was 926 out of 1000 - in the 'Good' bracket.

I also got the credit card from Natwest who said I could borrow up to £7.5K.

Is this cause for Three to withhold a contract still?