confused about contract rules

[Anonymous]

I went online to buy a Pay Monthly sim yesterday, but then learnt that you need to live in the UK for at least 3 years or have lived at 2 different addresses in the UK before getting a contract. Is this for real? Meaning that if you have a permanent job, good income, loads of savings, pay rent (1 address since in the UK), you still cant get a contract if you havent been here for 3 years?!

Could someone clearify this for me please.

Tanks,

Anita

[Cleoriff · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous To be honest I haven't heard of that clause and can't see it in O2 T's&C's http://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/mobile/our-latest-pay-monthly-mobile-agreement

It may be better if you go instore to take out a contract ..you can take proof of ID and address and they may be more accommodating...

If they still wont accept your application then you would be better just looking at buying a phone sim free and going PAYG https://www.o2.co.uk/shop/sim-cards/pay-as-you-go/

[PhoneDoc]

Hi Anita, not necessarily. There's no rules against taking out a contract if you haven't lived in the UK for 3 years. Collecting 3 years worth of addresses is standard practice for running a credit vet though, so it may impact the outcome of the credit vet, depending on what you're signing up for.
If you haven't lived here for 3 years, there should be an option for 'no previous address' after you enter your current address online. If you can't find that online, it's an option they definitely have when processing an order in store.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your reply.

I know, I've never heard of this before either. Just sounds a bit ridiculous and will scare off new costumers as well. I was informed by these rules from a O2 employee though... (chat session)

[Cleoriff]

@Anonymous I know for a fact that this clause is not endorsed. A friend who lives in Spain but comes back to the UK occasionally took out a contract instore in Hampshire just 6 months ago. She has not lived in the UK for 30 years and gave her sons address when she applied. (He had only been at that particular address for 3 months when she applied.) I think this is the difference between going instore and trying to get past a computer 'saying no'  Also live chat are not always the best people to deal with this sort of query...Best of luck . Let us know how you get on

[jonsie]

Totally forget live chat. Instore is your best option.

[Curr946]

There is not credit search for a sim only, only an I'd check. I'm quoting an o2 employee who posts in the forum

[PhoneDoc]

I hope it wasn't me @Curr946 ? haha
Technically there is a credit check for them, but they almost always go through. They may be restricted to a SIM only contract for around 6 months though, if credit hasn't been built up

[Curr946]

It was, but perhaps I misunderstood your post. Cheers.

[PhoneDoc]

Or perhaps I was hungover when posting haha