How To Get Broadband With No Credit Check
Got bad credit? Recovering from a debt situation and are rebuilding? Are you trying to build your credit history for the first time?
You need a decent credit score for most things nowadays, including broadband.
It’s an unfortunate reality of life right now that can get in the way of getting what you want.
But, if you know where to look, you can secure a great deal on broadband and many other essentials without a credit check.
If you have less-than-perfect credit, that’s ideal!
Why do broadband contracts have credit checks?
Broadband is regarded as a financial product. You’re signing up for a service in return for payment over a fixed term.
This requires trust on both sides, which is where the credit check comes in.
The broadband provider doesn’t know you. They don’t know how good with money you are, so they must rely on a credit check to see how good you are at paying what you owe.
The good news is that not all broadband providers use credit checks.
The not-so-good news is that your choice of provider may be slightly limited if you would rather avoid a credit check.
Will I pass a credit check for a broadband contract?
Whether you’ll pass a credit check for a broadband contract or not depends on the provider and your situation.
Most checks for broadband just want to know whether you’re a real person, live where you say you do, and have a record of paying on time.
They don’t want to know much other than that.
So, even if you have a less-than-perfect credit score, you may still pass.
How to check your credit score
There are three credit reference agencies in the UK. They are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
All three are required by law to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once per year.
Do any broadband providers not check your credit score?
There are several broadband providers that either won’t check your credit score or have a very low barrier to entry.
You’re not looking for a mortgage or loan after all. You just want some broadband.
Broadband providers that offer no credit check include:
- Plusnet
- Direct Save Telecom
- NOW Broadband
- TalkTalk
You can enter your postcode into a trusted broadband comparison website to see if any of those providers are available at your address. Other providers do perform credit checks but say that few people ever fail them.
If you’re in receipt of benefits, you could consider social tariffs. These are special low-cost broadband contracts that require no or a very modest credit check.
Are no credit check broadband deals different?
No, this type of broadband deal is not different in any way from a ‘standard’ contract.
Depending on the deal, you could still get fast broadband, phone, unlimited data, unlimited calls and all the options of a standard contract.
I’ve failed the credit check what can I do to get online?
Even if you fail a credit check with a broadband provider, you still have options.
Use a no-credit-check provider
Your best option is to use one of the no-credit-check providers listed above. It won’t matter whether you previously failed a credit check or not as they don’t use them.
They won’t always be the cheapest but are usually competitive. They are also your best option for getting broadband.
Choose a rolling monthly contract
A rolling monthly contract is where you pay month to month rather than sign up for 18 months or 2 years.
This is not regarded as a financial product in the same way a standard contract is so you’ll stand a much better chance of being approved for one.
Mobile broadband
If you have a phone contract already, you could use that for internet access. Some contracts provide dongles you can use with laptops and smart TVs to access the internet.
Make sure you won’t be charged extra and keep an eye on any data caps. Otherwise, it’s a simple way to get online.
PAYG mobile broadband
While not the cheapest option, you could also use pay-as-you-go mobile broadband. Tether your computer, tablet, or device to your phone and use that to access the internet.
It’s not the cheapest or fastest, but it’s a way of getting online. Just watch for those data caps!
Libraries and public resources
If you’re really stuck for options, don’t forget public libraries, coffee shops, shopping centers, and other public spaces.
They will often have free WiFi so you can catch up on your emails or whatever you need. It’s less than ideal but it’s better than nothing!
Broadband with no credit checks
Our lives may be ruled by credit checks and credit reference agencies but there is usually a way to get what we want.
Some broadband providers don’t use credit checks while others use just a light check to verify your identity.
If you fail a credit check, don’t worry. There are other options as you have seen in this post.
They won’t necessarily cost extra or demand more from you, which makes a nice change, doesn’t it?
