Transferring a contract to a child who has just turned 18

[SpartanMissile]

My son has just turned 18 and is in his final year of 6th form college. His various phones have been on my account for years when he was a minor but now there's no theoretical reason he can't have it in his own name. He works part time and most of the time seems to have more disposable income than I do! 

He has has had a current account for a year or two and I've made sure he's put himself on the electoral roll but he's got no bills or credit in his own name.

I could of course just leave things as they are but one  reason I'm keen to do this is actually to get him building a credit score but I don't want him to fail the credit check. 

I'll continuing to pay the bill effectively by putting the money in his account each month. 

Can anyone share hare advice or experiences of similar situations? 

[AnnS]

Hi @SpartanMissile

You can find how to change ownership on the link below.

Change of Ownership - Transfer Number

The easiest way of doing the change of ownership is for you to call the Change of Ownership Team at Customer Services.  Your Son will need to accept the contract into his name.  Providing your Son meets the credit check criteria, the account will be in his name from midnight.

If your Son is accepted for the contract, Vodafone will send you a final bill with a zero balance to let you know you have no further responsibility towards the contract.

A further option would be to split the account where your Son has the online account in his name.  This will mean you will still be responsible for the contract and repayments.

[SpartanMissile]

Thanks @AnnS - it's the credit check I'm worried about. 

[BandOfBrothers]

If the credit check fails then as long as no further search is performed within 90 days it'll recover. 

Applying for overdrafts, credit cards will help too. 

[AnnS]

Hi @SpartanMissile

He may need some credit history for Vodafone to go on.

Sometimes a credit card or loan is not such a bad idea.

Also the search will be on his file.