on 23-01-2020 18:21
Hi All,
Apologies if this was posted before but I couldn't find a definive answer!
I'm new to the U.K with no credit history yet (I'm in the process of building some but again just moved here a few weeks ago).
I've been approved for a monthly SIM only with Everything Everywhere (ha) but I know O2 service is better in my area - I'm aware each carrier have different criteria and that's fine.
My question is:
I've been declined online for a 12-month sim only - do I have a better shot applying in store as they can verify my identity? Just trying to save a trip to my local O2 store as I was under the impression a sim only would be easier to be approved.
I come from a market where security deposit is the norm for people with bad and no credit history so that they can have service. But I don't think O2 offer that. Differtent countries, different rules!
Thanks for your help!
Solved! Go to Solution.
23-01-2020 18:26 - edited 23-01-2020 18:27
23-01-2020 18:26 - edited 23-01-2020 18:27
It's unlikely that you'd be approved in store if you've already been refused.
O2 do offer security deposit options but only when certain criteria are met.
You'd be better off going with EE to build up your credit rating then trying O2 again in 12 months time.
23-01-2020 18:26 - edited 23-01-2020 18:27
23-01-2020 18:26 - edited 23-01-2020 18:27
It's unlikely that you'd be approved in store if you've already been refused.
O2 do offer security deposit options but only when certain criteria are met.
You'd be better off going with EE to build up your credit rating then trying O2 again in 12 months time.
on 23-01-2020 18:29
on 23-01-2020 18:29
on 23-01-2020 18:32
on 23-01-2020 18:32
@HDIYL_N7 If it was purely due to identity checks you could try in store I guess, (although they could have called you to do this after applying online) but leave it a couple of weeks as the recent credit searches will also have a negative effect on it.
on 23-01-2020 18:32
on 23-01-2020 18:32
Each credit check will lower your credit score so you need to wait a while if you are trying to build one. Going with EE and making regular payments will increase your rating.
on 23-01-2020 18:43
on 23-01-2020 18:43
Thanks all! I really appreciate it - I'm kinda bummed EE was so easy to be approved for comparing to O2 but at least I can start building history.
on 23-01-2020 18:48
on 23-01-2020 18:48
O2 do offer contracts with a deposit for those with low credit rating but I think the fact that you have only been in the UK a few weeks will weigh heavily against the minimum criteria required by O2.
on 23-01-2020 21:26
on 23-01-2020 21:26
Multiple searches for similar services in a short space of time won't do your Credit Score any good whatsoever. Build it up with EE then try again in the future. Don't forget however, that O2 have 'business criteria' too, so you could have a good credit score and still not be approved.