Upgrade Credit Check

[jules0]

I'm literally just here to vent my frustrations with this. I've been a customer for a while now (a good few years)., I pay on time every month so why is upgrading almost impossible due to a credit check that I don't believe I should fail. I really don't want to move networks as this is honestly the best I've been on that I can afford but I'm just so angry with the system.

If I was a new customer, I would understand the need for it, but as an existing one who pays on time every month, why is it even necessary? They must lose customers through this stupidity. Not everyone's credit scores is great, but mine isn't awful, so what exactly is their criteria for it?

I've tried appealing and they still said no so I'm just really annoyed and feel I want to vent to a place where someone might be as annoyed as I am with this.

[WelshPaul]

I'm guessing that you attempted to upgrade your handset? If so, you're taking out a loan. This requires a credit check and, even if approved, very damaging to your credit report. It's no different than applying to your bank for a loan! Just because you bank with them and have done for years doesn't mean you get to skip a credit check.

[arkhamknight02]

I understand your frustration as this happened to me too about 2 months ago. I have been a customer at Vodafone for years and previously upgraded without any problems, my credit history was not the best at the time either but after spending time to fix it up and be in a pretty good position, I have been declined for an upgrade. 

Not sure as to why this network insists on performing credit checks when attempting an upgrade. I have two other phones on two different networks and never needed a credit check too upgrade on either.

I do however, understand that Vodafone have too do what’s in their best interests to protect themselves against irresponsible people.

Hopefully they get a better system in place for the future! 

[Mark]

Hey @arkhamknight02 With our new EVO plans you purchase your phone and airtime plan separately. The phone is purchased via a loan supplied by ourselves and would required a credit check. You can find more information about this online here. Apologies if this wasn't explained to you when you were trying to upgrade. You can appeal the credit check decision through our online appeal form. Our team will review the decision and aim to update you in 12-14 days.

[arkhamknight02]

I decided against the appeal, kept my sim only with Vodafone but got my new phone elsewhere. I understand all networks are different, I just didn’t understand the need for a credit check whilst upgrading as my other networks don’t do this. 

[yelyak]

Three never use to credit checks on upgrades since they joined forces with Vodafone. Im coming to end of my contract on the 27th had my sim three years. Upgraded in the past absolutely no problem, no Credit check until vodafone came along. Some networks probably dont do it, I think 02 dont so may move to them. Crazy to think you can be a paying customer all this time and then get told no. Three never use to so its Vodafone that are the problem. Worse part is on my app with three its showing all the offers I can get it also says “you can upgrade today” Vodafone are to blame. So I was declined on a phone after paying between £20-50 a month on a sim. Never late or anything. Their customer service is shocking so i wouldn’t recommend three. Voxi is vodafone as well so avoid them. It’s annoying saying I can upgrade and then declines. Ive been with three 10 years every upgrade has been fine until voda came alomg and ruined it. 

[Mark]

Hi @yelyak I think there's been a little confusion. We've not merged with Three yet. This is something that has been proposed, but is a long way off completing. As such we have no influence over their policies, or their introduction of credit checks. With most companies you can appeal the result of a credit check, I'd advise checking online to see if this is possible with 3. If not, maybe reach out to the credit reference agencies directly and see what info they hold on you and how this may have influenced Three's decision. 

With regards to VOXI, this is a pay as you go service, so no credit check would be needed to sign up and use the service. You simply set up an account, choose a plan and payment details and you're all sorted. You can find more information about this online - https://www.voxi.co.uk/sim-only-plans

If there's anything else we can help with, you know where we are 😊

[WelshPaul]

There is no way around a credit check when seeking a handset via Vodafone. You have to apply for a loan. The rules introduced by the FCA in 2014, meant that lenders must “adequately assess 'creditworthiness' and the affordability of the loan for the customer before it is issued.” This means that any payday lender or other FCA-regulated lender must always carry out a credit check on you before advancing you a loan.

[simax]

So, explain why O2 don’t credit check customers who upgrade?

[WelshPaul]

Since the VMO2 merger upgrades do require a credit check although some customers have reported that no credit check was preformed. Search the O2 community, plenty of posts on the subject.