It can be very difficult to apply for a mobile phone contract if you are struggling with bad credit history. Although there are a number of companies in the UK who can provide a no credit check mobile phone, they should only be used as a last resort.

SImilarly to other companies which specialise in people with poor credit rating, you may find the packages on offer are much more expensive and restrictive. With no credit check mobile phone deals, you may have to pay high monthly line rental fees and be forced into paying expensive calls & text charges. Additionally, you may find you have a limited choice of phones to choose from.

It is therefore recommended that you do not apply for a no credit check mobile phone, unless your credit rating is so severe that absolutely no one will give you credit (Get a free copy of your credit report with Experian to see what your credit history is like).

Are there other alternatives?

With the levels of personal debt in the UK rising rapidly in the last few years, some companies are becoming more flexible when it comes to dealing with people with poor credit history. There are a number of mobile phone companies who can provide you with a standard mobile phone contract as long as you can pay a deposit of a few months line rental. First they will give you a credit check and depending on how low your credit score is, they may offer you the contract if you can pay the security deposit upfront.

This is obviously a better option that applying for a no credit check mobile phone contract as you can benefit from the normal everyday mobile phone tariffs and charges.

Listed below are:

Companies who can be more tolerant to people with bad credit history
Companies who offer no credit check mobile phones

T-Mobile

T Mobile have been know to look more favourably to people with bad credit. It is recommended you visit apply for a contract directly online rather than visiting a high street store. This gives them time to review your application and allow them to decide if they will give you credit or not.

A number of tariffs are available, but you should choose the Flexiplan Tariff for the best chance of getting a contract mobile phone.

It may come as a surprise to learn that T Mobile can be more sympathetic to people with bad credit. However, they do not openly advertise this, because they do wish their brand name to be associated with the adverse credit market.

You may be asked for a deposit of depending on your circumstances, but since having a mobile phone contract is a great way of rebuilding your credit history, if you can afford it, then don’t hesitate to apply.

T Mobile are the recommended choice for people with bad, but not severe credit history.

Affordable Mobiles

Affordable Mobiles do not offer no credit check mobile phone contracts, but have been known to look more favourably to those with a bad credit history. Not as well known as T Mobile, they are an independent retailer and have been established since 2000. A wide selection of the latest phones and contracts are on offer with some selected tariff plans offering free gifts including:

* Nintendo Wii
* Apple iPod Touch 8G
* Microsoft XBox 360
* Apple iPod Nano 8G
* Upto £270 Cashback
*Sony PSP
*Laptop
*Golf Set
*Tom Tom Sat Nav

3 Mobile

When 3 Mobile were first launched in 2003, one of their ways to build customers and establish themselves as a leading mobile phone network was to give preference to people with bad credit history. This has continued ever since, and as long as your credit history is not severe, there is a good chance that you may pass their credit checks.

Just like T Mobile, 3 do not openly advertise that they offer mobile phone contracts to people with poor credit history. This is so that are not swamped with applications from people with adverse credit history and also because of the stigma that this would give their company brand.

Anyone can apply with 3 Mobile as long as you:

* Are 18 years old or over
* Have a debit or credit card
* Have a bank account with direct debit facilities
* Are a resident of the UK

Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be required to pay an upfront deposit.

Chance Contracts

Chance Contracts are an established company which provide in no credit check mobile phone contracts.

They provide a range of tariff plans to choose from and their calls and texts are competitively priced in comparison to standard tariffs offered by companies such as Vodaphone or Orange.

The disadvantage is that the tariff plans do not include as many free inclusive minutes and texts. If you end up going over your monthly allowance you could end up paying a lot more in charges.

Chance contracts require an upfront deposit of £100 which is then refunded back to you during a period of 6 to12 months. How quickly you are refunded will be determined on your payment pattterns. If your line rental and charges are paid on a regular basis, then your deposit will be refunded much quicker.

Finance My Mobile

No Credit Check Required

Finance My Mobile do not provide mobile phone contracts. Instead, they give you finance so that you can buy their mobile phone handsets. No credit check is needed and you can choose from a small selection of phones.

The downside is that they are very expensive.

This is what you would have to pay if you wanted a Sony Ericsson W850i:

Cash Price – £506
Deposit – £46
Amount of Credit – £460
Number of Weeks – 30
Weekly Payments – £20
Total Amount Payable – £600
Phones On Finance

Phones on Finance is part of The Beneficial Group and provide a way to get the latest mobiles phones without having to go through a credit check.

They provide you with a loan to pay for the phone, which you then repay on a weekly or monthly basis. You are required to pay a deposit of 10% of the handset price and the phone is delivered to your door in 5 days.
Payment is made on a weekly or monthly basis until the balance is paid off and all handsets are SIM free so you will need an existing SIM card.

You can get guaranteed acceptance and a no credit check mobile phone as long as:

1. You 21 years old or over
2. You have a full time job
3. You can make payments by Direct debit on your bank account

Like most companies that specialise in no credit check mobile phones, there is an expensive price to pay. Phones on Finance are the most expensive company to go for at a massive 93% APR.

Click for a range of bad credit mobile phones