Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Money matters

Find financial and money-saving discussions including debt and pension chat on our Money forum. If you're looking for ways to make your money to go further, sign up to our Moneysaver emails here.

Help a complete novice, please

12 replies

LollipopViolet · 23/12/2013 21:01

Right, I have, since I was 16, had a phone that's been on contract. Contract is in my mum's name, because obviously I was too young to take one out.

Have had a little issue with the phone, tried to get it sorted today in store. "Sorry, can't help you. Your mum isn't here."

This is annoying. I'm 24 years old, and would really like to get the next contract in my own name.

However, I don't know if I'll be accepted, and would rather not try because I know a fail will put a big mark on my credit rating. Which, I believe, is non existent. The only thing I've had, is a pay monthly gym membership on direct debit. I pay no household bills as I am still living at home for various reasons, but pay board each month.

Is there a way, that won't show on a check, for me to see how likely I am to get a contract?

Also, what's a good way to boost my credit score? I would eventually like to leave home, and get my own place, but no credit history = no mortgage so I'm stuck again.

It just goes round in a circle!

OP posts:
Mum2Fergus · 23/12/2013 21:39

Does it have to be contract? How about Pay n Go or Pay Monthly?

LollipopViolet · 23/12/2013 21:49

I guess I could do sim only and pay for the phone, but I'm currently looking at a replacement/upgrade for my HTC One X, so could be quite a hefty initial outlay.

Anyone know any reputable places to pick up a refurbished iPhone? :)

Would Pay Monthly help my credit score or not? I can see myself being in the same boat down the line if I did decide to go for a full on contract if not.

OP posts:
NatashaBee · 23/12/2013 21:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mum2Fergus · 23/12/2013 21:55

Check Ebay or see if you have a local selling page in Facebook.

You can register with the 3 main credit agencies (or Check My File do all 3) and see what your credit file looks like if you are concerned about it...

LollipopViolet · 23/12/2013 21:56

Ooh, that gives me some hope - I just don't want the hassle every time I have a little issue of having to co-ordinate days of etc and trek into town, if I can do it all myself.

OP posts:
LollipopViolet · 25/12/2013 16:54

Well, an update.

I signed up for o2 Refresh online earlier - all went through no problem so obviously no issues surrounding the credit check. Don't think I'll fully relax until I've got the phone in my hands though. The website did say if the credit check fails the transaction won't go through, so I'm guessing all is OK.

I've been responsible, I know I can afford my repayments, and have read all the agreements, just feels nice knowing I can deal with all my phone stuff myself now.

I actually feel rather grown up - as daft as it sounds!

OP posts:
FluffyDucky · 25/12/2013 16:58

lollipop I got a credit card for this exact reason. I use it for various things and it gets paid off in full at the end of each month. Having the phone contract is a brilliant start.
Make sure your are on the electoral roll and as a previous poster had said, check your credit file/rating x

Mum2Fergus · 26/12/2013 08:52

Great news,well done Lollipop.

working3jobs · 26/12/2013 17:13

well done in starting out with such a responsible attitude.

maybe once you have been paying the phone for 12 months apply for a credit card , use it for a couple of things a month only AND PAY OFF IN FULL EVERY MONTH. this will give you credit history.

I just pay for petrol and nothing else with mine so I don't lose track of what I've spent.

but, it's extremely important that you PAY OFF IN FULL EVERY MONTH

please remember that that last point about PAYING OFF IN FULL EVERY MONTH.

good luck :)

LollipopViolet · 26/12/2013 20:21

Thank you working :) My family have always been of the "don't spend what you don't have" mentality and I'm a firm believer in that.

I sat there for ages yesterday, reading all the agreements etc (and downloaded them) for future reference.

Credit card will happen at some point, and will certainly be paid off each month.

As I said, I'm not relaxing til I actually have the phone, which is taking ages because of ordering during the Christmas period, but once it's here, I'll be happy.

OP posts:
LollipopViolet · 27/12/2013 20:43

OK, now I'm doing the happy dance - phone has been dispatched and will be with me Monday Grin

I'm on a rubbish temporary phone as mine isn't recognising my sim card and with it not being my account, getting it sorted was going to be a nightmare.

Now I have my own account, life should be much simpler :)

OP posts:
Mum2Fergus · 27/12/2013 20:47

Woohoo, great news Lollipop, thanks for the update!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page