If you're struggling financially, you may be getting declined for credit applications. From credit cards to utility providers, everyone seems to be doing credit checks nowadays.
Thankfully, the UK is home to several broadband providers who do not run credit checks on their customers. Some of these providers are: NOW Broadband, Plusnet, Cuckoo, and KCOM. These companies offer broadband plans & deals that are affordable and offer good speeds - but they may not be available in your area.
The no-credit-check contracts are typically 12 months long, but some may be shorter - what we call "rolling" or 30-day contracts.
Which broadband providers don't do credit checks?
Broadband credit checks are not as strict as the ones used for other kinds of credit checks, but they still limit the number broadband deals you can opt for.
Why? Because many broadband providers want to make sure that their customers can afford to pay their bills on time, and they do this by checking their credit history. It isn't necessarily fair, but that's the way it it. And, depending on the provider, they will use one of three credit agencies to do this.
By way of an example, Virgin Media and BT both accept customers with poor credit, although you may need to pay a deposit before you can sign up. The deposit will then be used to pay off your account should you miss a payment. You can also choose from a range of broadband plans & deals from TalkTalk, which does not conduct credit checks. Most broadband services are offered through fixed-term contracts, which require monthly payments.
The credit checks used by some broadband providers are similar to those used for mobile phones and energy contracts. If you have a bad credit history, you may find that a no credit check provider is your best option. You'll still have plenty of options to choose from, though, and some of the largest names in the industry offer no credit-check internet deals.
The UK broadband market is highly competitive, so there are many broadband providers that are more than willing to accept people with bad credit. Even big players are willing to accept customers with poor credit as long as they have a stable employment history, a bank account and a fixed landline phone.
Positives of no credit check broadband?
Sadly, fnding a good broadband deal can be difficult for those with bad credit (and that's why we created this page). But there are some providers who won't even check your credit rating. Even if you have a County Court Judgement on your record, you can still get a no credit check broadband deal. If you have a poor credit rating, you may want to work on improving it so you can find a good deal.
broadband plans & deals with no credit check are usually offered by smaller companies. They may have higher upfront costs than their counterparts, and they may also offer fewer choices. However, one major benefit of no credit check broadband plans is that they are virtually guaranteed to be accepted, and will not negatively impact your credit score.
Another positive of no credit check broadband plans is the fact that these plans can be paid for on a month-to-month basis, making them ideal for those with bad credit. You can also choose pay-as-you-go plans or mobile broadband if you don't want to pay a monthly subscription. But, mobile broadband is less reliable and slower than fixed-line service.
Some of the best no credit check broadband plans are those offered by Virgin Media or BT Broadband. They provide adequate speeds for streaming HD content, online gaming, and working at home.
How can I improve my credit score?
Paying your bills on time and reducing your credit card balances are two of the best ways to raise your credit score, according to Experian.
Keeping a balance less than 10 percent is best, as carrying a balance will reduce your score. If you can't afford to pay off your balance each month, try to set up automatic payments to minimise the amount of debt you have to pay each month. Also, try to keep your credit utilization rate below 30 percent. If you can't meet this goal, you may need to cut your spending or ask for a credit limit increase.Reviewing your credit reports is another key step in improving your score. Check them for mistakes, inaccuracies, or signs of identity theft. If you find any, dispute them. Also, try to avoid opening new lines of credit. New lines of credit will lower your average age of credit history, which is a major factor in calculating your credit score.
Paying off your utility bills on time every month is a great way to boost your credit score. If you fall behind on these bills, the credit provider may refer you to a debt collector, which will negatively impact your credit score.
Best broadband plans & deals with no credit check
You can still get broadband plans & deals without a credit check if you have poor credit. TalkTalk is more likely to accept customers with bad credit than other household names. However, your credit score may still be affected slightly if you are rejected. You can also choose pay as you go broadband plans & deals, which don't require a credit check.
In the UK, broadband providers are very competitive, and many are happy to take on people with bad credit. That's why some of them won't even conduct a credit check. Many of the big players will accept customers with a poor credit history if it means getting more customers.
When looking for a broadband deal, consider the terms and conditions. You should be aware of the amount of upfront costs. In addition to the upfront fee, some broadband providers will require you to sign up for a month-to-month contract. These deals are likely to be more expensive than those with a credit check, but they will guarantee your acceptance and won't have a negative impact on your credit score.
Some providers have rolled-month-to-month deals, which are suited for low-risk customers. These contracts will last anywhere from 12 to 24 months. If you decide to break the contract before the minimum period is up, you'll be charged a cancellation fee. You also have 30 days to switch providers.
Can I get a broadband deal with bad credit?
If you have bad credit, you may wonder if it's possible to get a broadband deal. The good news is that you can. There are many companies that offer broadband plans & deals to people with poor credit. The following are some of the providers that are willing to work with people with bad credit.
Some providers may run a credit check before they approve you for a broadband deal. However, these checks are generally not as stringent as they are for other financial services. In fact, broadband credit checks are not that much different from the ones required for mobile phone contracts or energy contracts. If your credit score is low, you may still be able to get a broadband deal, especially if you choose a cheaper deal.
Another option is to apply to a different provider. You can still get a broadband deal with a bad credit rating if you can prove that you are a reliable customer. Some providers will accept applicants with bad credit if they can show they have a stable job history and a bank account. Other providers will require a deposit that will cover missed payments.
The providers that accept people with bad credit are often smaller providers that offer broadband on a month-to-month contract. However, the monthly payments may be higher and the choice of providers is limited compared to providers that do run a credit check. Despite the higher upfront cost, those with bad credit are almost guaranteed to be accepted for a broadband deal. The good news is that there isn't much impact on your credit score.
Do all broadband providers check credit history?
No. Here are some providers that do not conduct credit checks for fibre or broadband plans:
- BT Broadband (see individual terms)
- Cuckoo
- Talktalk (some plans)
- KCOM (check coverage near you)
A credit check is a common process when applying for broadband services and other commitments. These checks give broadband companies a complete picture of the financial history of the customer. This includes the individual's credit score, history of credit agreements and applications, and any missed payments. Broadband providers can use this information to determine whether to approve you for a service or not.
While there are many factors that go into credit checks, some broadband providers are more lenient than others. TalkTalk, Virgin Media, and BT all accept customers with less than perfect credit. However, these companies may require a deposit or an upfront payment to secure your service. This may be a good option if you have poor credit and do not want to be locked into a long-term agreement.
While some broadband providers do perform credit checks, these processes are less stringent than when applying for a mortgage. Many broadband providers will accept customers with bad credit as long as they can prove they are a reliable customer. You may also have to put down a deposit, which will be used in the case of missed bills.
There are some broadband providers that will not run credit checks. They may not look into your financial history, but this policy is not as stringent as many high-stakes financial services. These providers might even offer a no-credit-check broadband deal, so if your credit score is bad you will have more options to choose from.
FAQs about 'no credit check' tariffs
How much is the cheapest no credit check tariff?
Currently, the cheapest broadband plan is £15.99 a month without the mandatory credit check. This offer includes no extras, but it's dirt cheap.
How many broadband providers do you compare?
At the time of writing, we compare prices from 18 providers. Combined, we have over 330 active broadband deals ready to be priced up. Enter your postcode above to start a broadband price check near you.
Which is the best rated broadband provider?
The best-rated provider currently out of all the broadband ISPs is Cuckoo, who have a Trustpilot rating of 4.77 out of 5. By comparison, Vodafone is only rated 1.3....!
