Don't Panic! You Still Have Options
If you've been turned down for a new phone contract, there's no need to worry. Many customers don't realize that taking out a new phone contract is a form of borrowing. Luckily, there are six mobile networks that don't run credit checks, so you can still get connected even if you have a poor credit history or low credit score.
Who Are These Networks?
Instead of relying on big mobile networks like Vodafone, O2, and Three, which run hard credit checks, you can turn to smaller networks that "piggyback" off the bigger players' signals. These networks don't require you to pass a credit check for their 30-day sim-only deals, which include calls, messaging, and data allowances for a monthly fee (excluding the handset).
GiffGaff
GiffGaff runs off O2's network and doesn't require a credit check for their sim-only deals. They offer a 30-day rolling contract, which can be canceled at any time without an extra fee. You can currently get unlimited UK calls and texts, free EU roaming, and 25GB of data for just £10 a month.
iD Mobile
iD Mobile runs off Vodafone's network and also doesn't run credit checks for their sim-only deals. Currently, you can get unlimited UK calls and texts and 60GB of data for just £10 a month. All iD Mobile plans come with inclusive EU roaming.
Lebara
Lebara runs off the Vodafone mobile network and doesn't run any credit checks for their sim-only contracts. Contracts are on a 30-day rolling basis, and customers can cancel with 30 days' notice without any exit fees. Right now, customers can get unlimited UK calls and texts and 5GB of data for just £5 a month.
Lyca Mobile
Like other smaller networks, Lyca Mobile's sim-only deals are on a rolling prepaid basis, meaning there's no credit check required. New customers can currently pay just £1.99 a month for three months, rising to £5 thereafter, and get 5GB of data and free roaming in the EU. Lyca Mobile runs off O2's network coverage.
Smarty
Smarty runs off Three's mobile network and doesn't run any credit checks for their sim-only deals. For just £6 a month, customers can get unlimited UK calls and texts and 5GB of data. There's also a fair usage limit, allowing customers to use up to 12GB of data each month when traveling in the EU.
Voxi
Voxi, which runs off the Vodafone network, won't credit check you for their 30-day sim-only plans. However, if you buy a smartphone on credit through the network, you will be credit checked. Voxi customers also get unlimited social media and video streaming without eating into their data allowance. Currently, you can get unlimited UK calls and texts and 30GB of data for just £10 a month.
Pitfalls of Poor Credit Sim-Only Tariffs
While these sim-only deals provide an alternative for those with poor credit, there are some drawbacks. Unlike the plans offered by the four major mobile networks, customers have less choice when it comes to sim-only deals. Additionally, customers with poor credit miss out on exclusive additional subscriptions and promotions offered by larger network sim-only deals. Furthermore, paying for poor credit sims won't help you improve your credit rating because these providers don't report payments to credit reference agencies.
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