will i be refused credit?

[Nini74]

i'm supposed to be going to get a new blackberry on contract tomorrow through a friend. i'm a bit worried that they won't allow me a contract - i had a few credit cards a few years ago - all, bar one, have been paid off since but i did get behind on the payments on them for a while. about 3 years ago i was refused a phone on contract because of my credit rating. is there anyway of checking online tonight whether i'd be allowed credit? was thinking of trying to sign up for one on-line to see if it would let me, but don't think i'd be able to get that far into the process without tying myself into it...

[cathfromsaron]

you have 7 days cooling off period with all distance selling!

but why do you want to get into more debt? and if you are that worried, why not pay off the debt you still owe first?

[Answerprancer]

Don't get 'scammed' by some random online credit checker - there are loads of them out there.
Just give it a go and see what they say - they might offer you the contract or they might not, or they might with certain provisions (eg. a deposit)

[sherrardk]

Do you really need a new blackberry? Can't you get an older one, get it unlocked and have PAYG?

[Answerprancer]

^ that's a better idea, phone shops are a nightmare.

[pizza]

just do yourself a favour get a basic fone pay off your debts THEN UPGRADE and be proud of yourself for paying off the debt x

[Nini74]

thanks guys. Cath, i don't really see a mobile phone as getting into debt - i need it to be on contract as it works out cheaper monthly than pay as you go does for me, and i need to have a phone at all times. I can see why you thought that, but i'm not one of those people that has to get the latest gadget and gets in debt for the privilege or anything. Like i say, all bar one credit card have now been paid off in full and cut up and thrown out - don't worry, i won't be going down that road again.....

[Nini74]

Yes, i need a blackberry to access my work btw. my "debt" is less than £500 now so i'm really not worried about that. I was only concerned about being refused a contract because of previous bad debt.

[sherrardk]

Sorry, didn't intend to be preachy. It's just that I have an iPhone that was on contract but is now PAYG.

[ronnietoon]

the way they credit check you now is different.i went into orange and they just stuck my debit card in waited then said NO.i knew i wouldnt pass and only tried because someone told me after 6 years bad debt is wiped off your name.which is how long it had been.

i did however manage to get virgin media contract (tv) but had to give them £25.

[Graham-W]

Experian is one of the main credit check agencies and you can get a free check on-line here: http://www.experian.co.uk/
Just remember to cancel your subscription before the 30 day free trial is up.