Credit Check Refusal

[dataylor]

I know there is a bunch of posts on credit refusal but this is my last resort and I'm hoping someone from Vodafone can do something to help. I've tried the Chat but they don't seem to be able to do much and the email complaint form requires me to provide a vdoafone mobile number which I obviously don't have.

I want to stay with Vodafone - my corporate phone is with them and it works well, especially abroad, however, I have about 3 days to sort this out else I'll have to find another network.

I was refused a SIM Pay Monthly due to a Credit Check. It got me worried as I thought there may have been  potential fraud/ID takeover etc and so opened up an Experian account. They gave me a score of 999. I have lived at the same address for 11 years, have credit cards with zero balance, no debt/loans, mortage is 10% of house equity and never missed a payment in 20 years, on the electoral role/register, had loans in the past but paid them off on time, earnings are good. No previous debt problems, no county court judgements. Have healthy deposit and ISA accounts. The only other person living at my address is my wife with the same 999 credit score.

I ask if this can be looked into. If there is nothing you can do then can you please inform me how I can write formally to you to obtain through Data Protection/Subject Access Request etc. information that would lead to some explanation. I need some closure on this as I'm absolutely worried as to why this has occurred.

Regards

[dscott2701]

Unfortunately no lender/provider is legally required to provide information on there credit scoring policy and all every provider/lender will do is refair you to the credit check agency you use and recommend you get a copy of your credit file. Most companies consider there credit scoring policy as sensitive information and to be honest I don't see you getting answers you are looking for. Sorry it's not better news. If you want Vodafone have you considered a pay as you go SIM?

[BandOfBrothers]

Hi @dataylor

From what you write you have ticked all the boxes and your Credit Score is healthy. 

Unfortunately ive seen past posts where others have been in the same position and still not been accepted. 

Vodafone cannot discuss this with you due to Data Protection Acts im afraid.

There was a recent similar post where the Vodafone Social Media Team advised they wouldnt be able to advise why the application had not been accepted. 

If you wish to apply again then its advised to leave around 90 days before doing so to allow your Credit File to recover. 

Perhaps choose Vodafone Payg in the interim and then if you are accepted at a later date then you can move the Payg number to the new contract. 

If this isnt a viable option then yes an alternative network could be your next avenue if your accepted by them and their Network Signal and data speeds are adequate where you live work and commute. Always check this out via Payg SIM cards and not be online checkers as these give an indication only and are not guaranteed. 

[dataylor]

Thanks for your reply BandofBrothers.

I have worked for financial instititions and understand in detail the API that is used with Experian and other Credit agencies, the scores that come back and how they are handled. If Vodafone have kept the response, I don't see a reason not to provide me with an explanation. This is not a Data Protection issue at all and I don't see the relavance. Credit Card companies are obliged to provide the reasons for credit agreement refusal and what agencies they used.  

I can only try and get to the bottom of this problem. Having read similar posts. I understand that others have tried and failed. It's a £20 per month contract for 12 months for goodness sake and I would have been happy to pay upfront with a Debit card for the full contract. It's quite ridiculous. 

Cheers

[hrym]

No lender will provide a reason for refusal as they don't want people trying to game the system.   Even with a perfect score, there can be issues and these can include a lack of credit history, or even a simple spelling mistake or an address mismatch.  I've seen similar things happen.

There is a Credit File Support Team, who normally deal with issues relating adverse flags.   I don't know whether they can revisit this and check that the refusal isn't simply the result of an error.  If they can, the forum people will pick up the thread and be able to arrange this.  If that happens, and the result is still a refusal, that's all the information you'll get, I'm afraid.

[AnnS]

Hi @dataylor

There is further information for you below.

Credit Checking Policies

When applying for additional credit, having some credit card spending and debt can have it's advantages, it gives the lender some previous credit history to base the check.  As you mention, you have zero credit card balances, no loans or debt.

You won't be able to reapply again for 3 months, this will give your credit file time to recover from the search and have some spending activity on your credit cards.

However,  wait for the Team here on the forum to get to thread, they may be able to help but there are no guarantees.

I hope it works out well for you.