What’s the minimum credit score required for a phone contract?

There is no minimum credit score required for a phone contract.

A credit score is only a single metric that a network will consider when making a decision for your phone contract application.

A network will look at additional variables, such as your salary, income, whether you have a fixed address and whether your identity can be verified. In addition, most networks use AI tools to determine the risk assessment of potential customers, which is calculated using a number of external metrics.

However, having a low credit score can decrease your chances of being accepted for a phone contract.

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of being accepted, such as paying a higher upfront cost or purchasing a mid-range phone rather than a flagship device, like the latest Apple iPhone 16.

Can I get a phone contract even if I have a low credit score?

Yes, it’s more than possible to get a phone contract, even if you have a low credit score.

A network will look at a number of factors when deciding whether to accept your phone contract application.

However, a bad credit score can significantly decrease your chances of being accepted. You can increase your chances of being accepted by paying a high upfront cost for the device - essentially taking out a smaller loan.

If you're looking for a SIM only contract, we recommend checking out our bad credit score SIM only deals, which are 1 month rolling plans. The acceptance rate for these plans is almost guaranteed, regardless of your existing credit score.

Can I get a contract without a credit score check?

For long term contracts, such as 12, 24 and 36 months, a credit score check will always be performed by a network when you apply for a phone contract.

However, 30 day SIM only deals (also known as 1 month rolling contracts) do not require a credit score check, meaning you will be accepted even if you have a bad credit score.

With a 30 day SIM only deal, you will only be paying for your tariff allowances, such as data, minutes and texts. You need to acquire your own phone separately - how you do this is entirely up to you. You can purchase a phone SIM free, or you can finance a new phone, which are services offered by Apple and Samsung directly, usually with 0% interest.

Can I get a phone contract if I’ve missed a loan or credit repayment in the past?

If you’ve missed a loan or credit repayment, it will be marked on your credit report for 6 years, after which it will disappear and no longer show whenever a company performs a credit check on you.

If you’ve missed a payment within the last 6 years, it’s still possible to get a phone contract, however your chances of being declined can significantly increase.

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of being accepted. You can pay a higher upfront cost when you initially take out your contract. This reduces the risk for the network, as you essentially are taking out a smaller loan.

In addition, avoid flagship phones, such as the Apple iPhone 16 and Samsung Galaxy S24. Instead, opt for low to mid-range phones, which don't cost as much.

How can I check my credit score?

Checking your credit score is free, quick and easy.

There are 3 main providers for checking your credit score:

• Credit Karma
• ClearScore
• TotallyMoney

As well as your credit score, you will be able to view any loans or contracts that you may have, as well as bank accounts and credit cards.

You will also be able to see if you’ve missed any payments within the last 6 years.

How can I increase my credit score to improve my chances of being accepted for a phone contract?

There are several small things you can do to improve your chances of being accepted when applying for a new phone contract.

The most obvious is to make sure you do not miss any required monthly payments for loan, contracts or credit cards that you may currently have. You can make this easy by setting up automatic direct debits.

Furthermore, closing any unused credit cards can also improve your credit score. The more credit cards you have, the most risky you will appear to networks.

Another simple thing you can do is register on the electoral roll. It’s quick and easy to do, and doesn’t necessarily require you to vote in upcoming elections.

If you’ve never taken out a loan or credit card, you can increase your score and build your reputation by taking out your first credit card and paying at least the minimum amount each month. However, it is important that you do not miss any monthly payments, as this can have the opposite effect on your credit score.

I’ve been declined for a phone contract. What are my options?

Check out our dedicated article for advice on what to do after you’ve been declined for a phone contract.