Upgraded (actually a downgrade) and told a soft credit check is now used

[ChattyKitty09]

Hi everyone

I have been with o2 for around 10 years, had top range phones and iPads.

I was on a switch up type contract with an iPhone 14  pro max, I realised I wasn’t using the data and not much use of roaming to the USA etc.

So decided will pay off the device and also go for a pay monthly sim only deal.

Got offered a decent deal, no USA roaming etc but I only visit once a year anyway.

So happy with the deal, he I was then told, you will have to have a credit check?

I did question him and said for a cheap sim only, was paying 3 times more on present package.

I did ask him 3 times this is a soft check?  He said yes - hope he’s correct or to be honest I would not have had the new pay monthly sim package.  Just paid up and looked elsewhere.

I got the iPhone plus max only last March with no credit check!

I was asked occupation, income bracket, did I expect any change to my circumstances and confirm my address.

Is it to do with their merger with Virgin I wonder.

Anyone else had a new credit check for an upgrade?

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@ChattyKitty09 

Yes, applies to absolutely everyone now.

[ChattyKitty09]

M15 - Thanks so much for getting back so fast, have you any information that it is a soft check as promised? I preferred it going off an Internal type check on payment history, oh well…. 

[madasaf1sh]

@ChattyKitty09 My wifes switchup was a soft credit check, unfortunately the rules around lending where tightened up so all lenders have to do this now, and your device plans always show as a loan on your credit file.. 

This is all to do with a thing called KYC (know your customer) and includes affordability checks as well. 

[MI5]

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@ChattyKitty09 wrote:

M15 - Thanks so much for getting back so fast, have you any information that it is a soft check as promised? I preferred it going off an Internal type check on payment history, oh well…. 

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@ChattyKitty09 

Nothing showing on my credit file from my last upgrade so there's nothing to worry about.

[ChattyKitty09]

Thank you for that information, yes he mentioned affordability.

[ChattyKitty09]

Oh that’s good, I have a free credit report so will have a look soon.