By A credit check is sometimes required when you buy a mobile phone or SIM card in the UK. Find out how credit checks work and discover ‘no credit check’ deals.
In the UK, you’ll sometimes need to undergo a credit check when you buy a new mobile phone or SIM-only deal. This depends on the type of product you’re buying, as well as the provider you’re buying it from.
In this article, we’ll explain the credit check process for mobile phones and SIM-only contracts in the UK. We’ll also look at the credit check process on each UK mobile network, along with the best ‘no credit check’ deals that can save yourself lots of time and hassle.
| No Credit Check: | |
|---|---|
| Requires Credit Check: (most plans, exceptions apply) |
Contents
What Are Mobile Phone Credit Checks?
Will I Need A Credit Check?
In the UK, you might need to undergo a credit check when you buy a new mobile phone or SIM-only deal. This will depends on the type of product you’re buying.
The following table shows whether you’re likely to need a credit check:
| Will I need a credit check? | Type of product |
|---|---|
| Yes, a credit check will always be required: |
|
| Sometimes, a credit check may apply: |
|
| No credit check is required for: |
|
If you’re buying a SIM-only deal, whether you’ll need a credit check depends on the mobile network you buying it from. The following table shows whether you can expect to be credit checked when you sign up for a new SIM-only deal:
| Mobile Network | Is a credit check required for SIM-only deals? |
|---|---|
| ASDA Mobile | No credit check & no contract (all plans) |
| EE | Credit check is required (except on EE Pay As You Go) |
| giffgaff | No credit check (contract applies to 18m plans) |
| Honest Mobile | No credit check (contract applies to 12m plans) |
| iD Mobile | Credit check is required |
| IQ Mobile | No credit check & no contract (all plans) |
| Lebara Mobile | No credit check (contract applies to 12m plans) |
| Lyca Mobile | No credit check & no contract (all plans) |
| O2 | Credit check is required (except on O2 Pay As You Go) |
| Sky Mobile | Credit check is required |
| SMARTY | No credit check & no contract (all plans) |
| Talk Home | No credit check & no contract (all plans) |
| Talkmobile | ID check required |
| Tesco Mobile | Credit check is required (except on Tesco Mobile Pay As You Go) |
| Three | Credit check is required (except on Three Pay As You Go) |
| Virgin Mobile | Credit check is required |
| Vodafone | Credit check is required (except on Vodafone Pay As You Go) |
| VOXI | No credit check & no contract (all plans) |
What Does A Credit Check Involve?
If your chosen product requires you to undergo a credit check, this will normally take place during the order process. In order to pass the credit check, you’ll typically need all of the following things:
- You’ll need to be over 18 to pass a UK credit check.
- You’ll need some form of UK credit or financial history.
- Ideally, you’ll need to be on the electoral register at your address.
- You’ll need a good credit score with no history of defaults, CCJs or bankruptcy.
There isn’t a precisely defined ‘minimum credit score’ that you’ll need to pass: it depends on the product you’re looking to buy, and the mobile network you’re buying it from.
Before you apply, it’s worth taking some time to ensure all of your information is correct and up-to-date (e.g. on the electoral roll and your credit record).
When you apply, you’ll normally need to provide information such as your address history for the past 3 years and details of your current employment. In addition, you might be asked for other bits of information to verify your identity (e.g. the month in which you opened your main bank account, etc). Double-check to make sure all of the information has been entered correctly as a mistake on the form could lead to your application being refused.
What Happens If I Fail The Credit Check?
If you’ve failed a credit check for the product that you’re looking to buy, there are three main options:
- You might be offered an alternative product. For instance, you might be offered a different phone or a different airtime plan from what you had originally ordered.
- You might be offered the product you want, with an additional ‘security deposit’. For instance, EE often adds a £50 security deposit to your first phone bill (also known as a ‘deposit for service’). This will be refunded after 6 months of successful payments on your account.
- You could get a ‘no credit check’ deal. You could choose to get a ‘no credit check’ deal instead. In fact, this will often save you money as well as lots of time and hassle, so look to see if you’re able to get a similar or better deal elsewhere with no credit check required.
If you decide to apply for another deal that also requires a credit check, it’s worth checking your credit history to make sure there are no errors on it. You can do this for free at the Experian, Clearscore (Equifax) and Credit Karma (TransUnion) websites. It’s also best to avoid making too many credit applications in a short amount of time, so consider waiting a few weeks before you apply again.
Best No Credit Check Deals
For most people, we’d recommend choosing a ‘no credit check’ deal where possible. Compared to the more traditional deals that require you to undergo a credit check, there are four main benefits to choosing a ‘no credit check’ deal:
- There’s a wider choice of ‘no credit check’ deals. Often, these ‘no credit check’ deals are offered by smaller providers such as giffgaff, Lyca Mobile, Lebara Mobile or SMARTY. However, despite the fact there’s no credit check required, you’ll often end up paying less for your plan. You’ll also get the exact same coverage that you would on one of the four big networks.
- ‘No credit check’ deals are open to everyone. It doesn’t matter if you’ve recently arrived in the UK, or if you don’t have much of a UK credit history. As long as you pay for your plan, you’re good to go.
- ‘No credit check’ deals can save yourself time & hassle. It’s much easier signing up for a ‘no credit check’ deal. Just pay for your plan and provide an address for the SIM card to be sent to. There are no lengthy application forms to fill in, or obscure questions about your address or financial history to answer.
- ‘No credit check’ deals can protect your future credit applications. It’s normally best to avoid making credit applications if you’re planning to remortgage soon or if you’ve got a big purchase on the way (e.g. a car or holiday). When you choose a ‘no credit check’ deal, you avoid making an unnecessary credit application for your mobile phone or SIM card.
If you’re looking for a new mobile phone, you can buy a SIM-free handset with no credit check required. You can get one from online retailers such as Amazon, Currys and the Carphone Warehouse.
With a SIM-free phone, you’ll normally need to pay a bit more for your phone upfront. However, you can combine it with a super-cheap SIM-only deal. Over the long run, this will normally work out to be a lot cheaper than getting a 24-month contract from one of the big networks with a handset included.
Compare No Credit Check Deals
The following table shows a list of ‘no credit check’ SIM-only deals. You can use the filters to narrow down the list of available options.
Showing 10 of 51 price plans that match your criteria
| Network | Data | Monthly Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
Offer ends 31st Mar | 5GB data | £2.50 for 1 month, then £5 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | 25GB data | £5.00 for 1 month, then £10 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 5GB data | £5.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 3GB data | £5.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | 12GB data | £6.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 2GB data | £6.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 1GB data | £6.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | 32GB data | £7.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 10GB data | £7.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 5GB data | £7.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | 50GB data | £7.50 for 1 month, then £15 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 80GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 20GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 16GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 10GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 8GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 5GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 4GB data | £8.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 30GB data | £9.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | 100GB data | £10.00 for 1 month, then £20 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | 80GB data | £10.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 25GB data | £10.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 20GB data | £10.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 15GB data | £10.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 15GB data | £10.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 7th Apr | 150GB data | £12.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 3rd Apr | 75GB data | £12.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 26GB data | £12.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 25GB data | £12.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 31st Mar | Unlimited data | £12.50 for 1 month, then £25 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 40GB data | £15.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 35GB data | £15.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 35GB data | £15.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 30GB data | £15.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 25GB data | £15.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Unlimited data | £16.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 200GB data | £17.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
Offer ends 3rd Apr | 300GB data | £20.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 100GB data | £20.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 80GB data | £20.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 50GB data | £20.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 50GB data | £20.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Unlimited data 150Mbps max speed | £24.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Unlimited data | £25.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 100GB data | £25.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 100GB data | £25.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 80GB data | £25.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Unlimited data | £30.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Unlimited data | £35.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Unlimited data | £35.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| 150GB data | £35.00 per month 1 month rolling | See deal |
| Show more results | |||
More Information
For more information about credit scores and how they work in the UK, we recommend having a look at this guide from MoneySavingExpert.
You can also find more information about the credit checking process on your mobile network’s website.
Aaron D00 said:
I have spoken to Lyca Mobile, and they said they added credit checks when they moved to EE, but I was surprised they even had this on monthly contracts.
Ken replied:
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for your comment. Lyca Mobile have credit checks on their Pay Monthly plans (including one-month rolling contracts), but all of their Pay As You Go plans are available with no credit check 🙂
Hope this helps,
Ken
Guy said:
Thanks for a great article, Ken. I am moving to the UK from South Africa and cannot get a contract due to my lack of a credit record in the UK. What other ways are there to get a credit record in the UK and how long will it take before I can take out a contract from Vodafone?
Ken replied:
Hi Guy,
Thanks for your comment. I’d recommend getting a SIM card from giffgaff if you’re moving to the UK. There are a number of good reasons for this (described in more detail on this page). Once you’ve been in the UK for a while, you could then move to a Pay Monthly deal if desired, and credit check permitting.
Ken
MR LEE BRACEY said:
02 sim free after 3 months paying each month will get u a upgrade to phone without credit check as ive got bad credit and after 3 months of 3 payments i got galaxy Note 10+ without credit check
Sean Mc Crudden said:
Does a sim only (Lebara 4.95 p/m) deal improve credit rating. Just moved back to UK and trying to improve my credit rating. Thanks in advance and great website.
Ken replied:
Hi Sean,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, the deal from Lebara wouldn’t help you with your credit rating. It’s technically a pre-paid product, not requiring a credit check. For that reason, they won’t report your payments to the credit reference agencies. Saying that, I don’t think it should stop you from choosing this deal as there are plenty of other ways to improve your credit rating!
Hope this helps,
Ken
Liv said:
Hi there,
I’ve had an O2 account for years and always paid bills on time, never missed a payment etc. I’m currently abroad (though have kept my account open and pay bills as normal) but will be moving back to the U.K. in January. My phone has also recently broken and mostly works but no longer takes calls. That’s not a huge issue right now as I use a work phone for calls – but once I’m back in the U.K. I’ll need to be able to phone people, especially with respect to looking for jobs. How easy is it to upgrade contracts as a current customer if you don’t currently have a job? Is the credit checking very stringent?
Ken replied:
Hi Liv,
Thanks for your comment. Firstly, if you just want to keep your current O2 plan, you can simply buy an unlocked smartphone for use on it. This wouldn’t require you to undergo a credit check at all (you just need to stump up a little bit of money for the handset upfront).
With regards to credit checking on a new plan or upgrade, this isn’t hugely stringent but it does depend on the plan and handset you choose. SIM-only contracts are typically the easiest to get, whereas expensive handsets like the iPhone 11 are much harder. It’s great that you have a UK credit history and ongoing UK financial commitments, as this should definitely help you. I’d also ensure you’re listed on the electoral roll at your address if possible.
Ken
Alan said:
Hi Ken
Thanks for this website, great info!
I’d like to rebuild my UK credit and at the same time, support recent requirements by UK banks, to have a UK mobile number to facilitate 2FA account logins (ie receive SMS’s).
Whilst i’m a Brit, I have been living/working overseas for many years and would like to return at some stage, buy a property etc.
I still have a UK addressed credit card, with direct debit setup and used occasionally, but don’t make other forms of regular UK payments like utility bills. For the electoral roll i’m registered at my overseas address. Salary paid in my overseas bank account.
What UK sim card, with a monthly contract, would be viable that a) allows me to use overseas for 99% of the year as needed (but not restricted like Three’s Go Roam SIM card) and of course when I visit the UK on my 2 week summer hols & b) potentially allow me to build up credit?
TIA!
Ken replied:
Hi Alan,
Thanks for your comment. I suspect this is probably going to be fairly difficult product to find!
Which country are you living in ordinarily? If you’re living in Europe, it’s possible you can use a UK SIM card a no extra cost whilst you’re there, but it’s likely you’ll eventually breach the “stable links” policy that most networks have (meaning a surcharge might then apply for your usage). Outside Europe, very few networks will allow you to use your SIM card there for extended amounts of time, unless you’re paying extortionate per-megabyte rates. For this reason, you’re probably going to be far better getting a SIM card from the country you’re living in for day-to-day usage. You could have a UK SIM card for 2FA requirements, but I’d probably recommend getting a Pay As You Go SIM with no monthly charges. You would only need to meet the minimum activity requirement in order to keep it active. Sadly, this won’t help you to build your UK credit rating but it should fulfill the requirements for 2FA logins.
Ken
Kinsang said:
Had frustrating experience at Carphone Warehouse today. Was going from Vodaphone to iD on monthly contract and was refused due to failed credit check. I follow all the rules – Electoral Register, no missed payments, any credit cards at zero or less than 25% of limit, same address and job for years etc etc. In 20 years, never had any problems with credit checks, whether it be for mobiles, credit cards or other occasional finance. Couldn’t get any real explanation as to why I was refused. We looked at another provider, (EE), which was a few pounds dearer per month. I was approved and advised that I was approved to take out 3 contracts if I wanted to by EE!! I know all network companies are different, but they seem to use the same credit agencies – are their standards really that different? I saw online that other folk have had problems in particular with iD – the cynical side of me thinks that because I was going for their cheapest contract, they make it particularly difficult to obtain……… I just felt embarrassed to fail the credit check – made me feel like I was ‘dodgy’
Louise said:
I’ve applied for an iPhone with an o2 contract but currently have a car on finance (around 9000 left to pay). Due to their error, they have defaulted 2 of my payments. do you think that would mean I cannot get a phone using credit?
Ken replied:
Hi Louise,
Thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know exactly how this would affect things, but a poorer credit score will generally make it harder to get a contract. In this case, it sounds like there was an error on the part of the car leasing company. Would it therefore be possible to contact them and to get your credit record amended? This should help you with your ability to get credit & a phone contract.
Ken
Thea said:
Hi, I recently applied for a £17.00 p/m contract. I then cancelled the order because I didn’t need it anymore. What sort of affect will this have on my credit score and for how long? Thanks
Ken replied:
Hi Thea,
Many thanks for your comment. Your application for a contract would have left a credit search on your record. In isolation, I wouldn’t worry too much about this. It’s only when you make multiple credit searches in a fairly short time that this significantly affects your credit rating.
Cancelling the contract shouldn’t really have an impact on your credit rating as there wouldn’t be any money that’s owed on the account.
Ken
Kay said:
My son just got declined through Vodaphone, they did 2 checks, so I tried to apply for him and also got declined. Without performing a record check I wonder if I got declined because the address had been searched too often, there is no reason that I should of been declined that I am aware of. Basically does the address make a difference?
Ken replied:
Hi Kay,
Many thanks for your comment. Typically, I would recommend against trying again straight away if your contract is declined due to credit check reasons (this will simply leave an extra search on your credit file, and the result is likely to be the same as before). Instead, it’s potentially worth contacting Vodafone for more information and/or the credit check provider to find out more about the decline. It’s possible there might be a mistake on the credit file that is causing the contract to be declined.
With regards to whether the address makes a difference, this is something you’ll need to check with the credit referencing agencies. I believe only financial associations are taken into consideration (e.g. joint bank accounts with another person), but unfortunately I’m not aware of all the finer details here.
Ken
Ronnie 95 said:
Just trying to get a phone contract with Tesco mobile , haven’t been declined yet but just at the final process where I have to pay the payment to cover the first month , does that mean I have been accepted or can they take the payment but decline me ?
Ken replied:
Hi Ronnie,
Thanks for your comment. I believe this probably means you have been approved for the contract. If, for some reason, Tesco Mobile were to charge you but then decline your contract, they would need to refund the payment to you.
Ken
Dan Mercer said:
Save fae real exceptional ‘deals’ or one real wanting a high end model that is ne affordable upfront’ I’m generally of view that contracts are an unnecessary encumbrance that belong to bygone age . . . Asda has now increased £10 Bundle from 2GB to 3GB btw and is also running a DOUBLE-DATA special promotion for a limited period which could be perceived as a token response to Giffgaff changes I tipped You off about earlier today and which I see You’ve well and truly updated thoroughly as per Your response to my email re the said!