Won't let me upgrade 6 month sim only without new credit check

[Samanthafreema]

Hello 

So I've had a sim only contract for 6 months. Its a 12 month contract but it said I can upgrade to a device after 6 months with good paying. So today was the date and I checked and it said eligible to upgrade so I went through with it and it declined based on my credit rating but I thought upgrades didn't need a new credit check? I've never missed a payment full payments on time. What's the point in deceiving people on their accounts when in reality you can't upgrade even with customer loyalty and good payments they still make you have a full credit check again? O2 used to let you upgrade instantly after probation period?

[Enlli]

It would need a credit check if you are taking out a device as it is effectively a loan agreement.

Although paying SIM only for 6 months proves you are reliable when paying there are other affordability checks that will need doing.

[MI5]

@Samanthafreema 

I've never heard of anyone being refused a 6 month device upgrade before, however, the rules around credit checks appear to have changed since the Virgin merger.

The new T&C's now state:

You're an 'Eligible Customer' if:

1. you're an existing consumer Pay Monthly customer on a Sim Only tariff  who signed or resigned your current tariff more than three months ago but no longer than 12 months ago;
2. you wish to take an O2 Refresh tariff (consisting of a Device Plan' and an 'Airtime Plan') from us (see full terms at O2 Refresh - Device Plan and terms and conditions); and
3. You are eligible for O2 Refresh (subject to credit checks, credit status, eligibility and Refresh terms).

[Oxonian]

@Samanthafreema 

I suggest that you consider checking your credit score if you think that there could have been a mistake. Please see :-

How to improve your credit score | MoneyHelper

You want the section entitled :-

"How to check and improve your credit report"

[MetRP102]

Are you sure you followed the upgrade flow and didn’t inadvertently request a new line?