What does broadband with no credit check mean?
A broadband package with no credit check means you won’t get rejected for a new deal because you have a poor credit score. For these deals, providers don’t run credit checks.
This is great news if you have any flags in your financial history, if you’ve ever filed for bankruptcy, you have County Court Judgements (CJJs), or you have a bad credit score.
But which providers offer broadband without credit checks, and are they different to other broadband deals?
Join us as we explore all your options for getting broadband when you have poor credit.
Broadband deals with no credit check: the key points
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Can I still try getting broadband with bad credit?
You can still try signing up for a top broadband provider even if your credit history isn’t perfect. It’s not as complicated or as strict as applying for something like a loan or credit card, so you have a better chance of being accepted.
If this doesn’t work, then you can look at providers that don’t require credit checks.
Which providers offer broadband without a credit check?
Great news! Plusnet broadband, often rated as one of the UK's best for customer service, doesn’t require a credit check on any of its broadband deals.
New customers won't be subject to a credit check when they sign up to NOW. There's a range of packages on offer with average download speeds starting at 63Mb, but many faster full fibre deals are available if you live in an area that's been upgraded to a full fibre network. NOW Broadband contracts run for 24 months.
It’s worth noting, NOW Broadband also offers a ‘Broadband Basics’ social tariff for customers on benefits including Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Income Support. This costs £20 per month, for an average download speed of 36Mb. You also get its Pay As You Use calls plan included at no extra cost. This social tariff is on a rolling monthly plan.
As well as not carrying out a credit check, Direct Save Telecom offers shorter, 12 month-contracts, which are becoming increasingly uncommon. There’s also regularly no set-up fee on DST deals. You must have an active payment method on your broadband account. This could be either direct debit or a recurring card payment.
Does BT do credit checks?
BT does carry out credit checks for new broadband customers. If you’re struggling with your finances and want to sign up to BT Broadband, a social tariff is your best bet.
Unfortunately, even for this, if you have a low credit score, you may have to pay a security deposit.
BT Home Essentials is aimed at people on a low income who receive specific benefits. It provides superfast fibre broadband and a home phone line at a lower cost than the regular BT deals.
Does TalkTalk do credit checks?
TalkTalk doesn’t offer ‘no credit broadband’. However, we hear its credit check process is easier to pass. So if you see a TalkTalk deal you like, you may still want to apply anyway.
TalkTalk has cheap broadband deals around, and it regularly offers broadband deals with free gifts. You can regularly get a TalkTalk broadband deal with no upfront cost.
Does Virgin Media check your credit?
Virgin Media carries out a thorough credit check on new customers. This includes searching the files of credit reference agencies and fraud detection agencies. Throughout your contract, it also may carry out a credit check. If you fail to meet credit conditions, you could be asked for an additional deposit or have services suspended at any time. You may also have a credit limit enforced on you.
You can read more information in its 'how we credit check' guide.
Does Vodafone conduct a credit check?
Vodafone carries out a credit check for its Home Broadband service. When considering your application, it will use both credit scoring and automated decision-making systems. If you don’t pass a credit check with Vodafone, you can give me information to support your application, using its credit check appeal form.
But can I get BT, Sky and Virgin Media with a bad credit score?
You might have noticed that we didn’t mention BT, Virgin Media, or Sky in our best options.
You’ll be glad to know that yes, you can still get broadband from the major providers if you have a bad credit score. However, you will need to run a credit check. Even if you fail it, providers will often look at how they might still be able to offer you broadband. BT or Virgin, as an example, may ask for a larger deposit upfront.
The deals available from TalkTalk, NOW, DST and Plusnet should provide you with good options, and they are also some of the best value providers. If you want broadband from a big-name provider but are worried about passing their credit check, we can help with that too. Just scroll down to the bottom of the page to see our section about credit scores and how to improve them.
Is broadband for bad credit different from other broadband deals?
The only difference is the lack of a credit check. Otherwise, the services are identical. There will be a similar choice of deals including unlimited broadband plans, TV or phone and broadband bundles. You’ll also get the same average speed and any free gifts or extras normally included with that provider.
Will I still get a free Wi-Fi router with no credit check broadband packages?
Most Wi-Fi deals include a free router, even no credit check packages.
You might have to pay a small postage fee for the router when you sign up.
Will the router be any good?
You'll get the same router as any other customer with the same package.
Most routers providers give out work well for the majority of our broadband needs. However, people with more specific speed requirements may wish to upgrade their equipment. You can find out more about this in our guide to buying and using your own router.
See also:
- BT router round-up
- TalkTalk router round-up
- Plusnet router round-up
- Virgin Media router round-up
- Vodafone router round-up
- NOW Broadband router round-up
What are the alternatives to no credit check home broadband?
Rolling contracts
Some providers offer rolling month-to-month or 'no-contract' broadband deals. If you aren’t sure how long you’ll need the broadband or want something more low-risk, they may be more suitable for you.
Remember, these often come with high upfront fees and can cost more each month, so might not be a great value option.
To find the latest rolling monthly contracts, you can use our deals checker. Pop your address or postcode into the box below to check the one-month broadband deals available at your home.
Mobile broadband
Another option to consider if you’re struggling to find broadband with no credit check is pay-as-you-go mobile home broadband.
Although mobile broadband isn’t always as fast or reliable, it is very flexible with plenty of unlimited options available. You can get online quickly without worrying about credit checks by just picking up a compatible device and a SIM card.
For further advice on this topic, read our guide to using mobile broadband at home.
Broadband for people on low income and benefits
Some providers offer certain packages specifically for struggling households or customers on benefits.
See also: ‘Social tariffs and cheaper broadband deals if you’re on benefits’.
Frequently asked questions about credit scores, and credit checks
Now you know what your broadband options are, let’s talk about credit. We asked credit expert Sheraz Dar of CreditLadder to answer a few questions about all things credit-related.
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What is a credit check?
A credit check, or credit search, is when a company looks at your financial background to assess whether or not they can provide you with credit (like a loan or mobile phone contract). The check will always be done with the customer‘s permission.
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Why might I fail a credit check?
If you've borrowed money before and made late payments or missed payments, this could result in you failing a credit check. County Court Judgements (CCJ)s will also impact your ability to pass a credit check.
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What does it mean if I have bad credit?
Bad credit, bad credit history and bad credit rating are all switchable terms. This means your previous financial behaviour is counting against you and may mean you struggle to get further credit.
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How long do defaults stay on my credit record?
Defaults remain on credit files for six years after which they're removed. If what they have is inaccurate, you can contact the relevant credit reference agency and have it removed. Although you’ll still need proof that it’s inaccurate.
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How can I check my credit history?
There are a number of ways in which you can check what information the main credit reference agencies (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion and Crediva) hold on you. You could approach them directly or go via sites such as checkmyfile, Clearscore or CreditKarma, to name but a few.
Some of the services are free, some are paid for. There does tend to be a difference in what they offer you. For example, some might only show you your credit report with one credit reference agency while others might show it for all four. Different lenders use different credit reference agencies, and quite often they will use two or even three.
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How can I make my credit score better?
There are a number of things you can do. Make sure you're registered on the Electoral Roll. That way, a credit reference agency has an address to 'pin' all your information to. Ensuring you make your bills and repayments on time is also important, ideally via Direct Debit where possible. If you're renting, you could also use a service such as CreditLadder to report your rent payments to credit reference agencies.
Expert Summary
Credit checks can make it difficult to pay for many things, but broadband isn’t one of them. There are plenty of options out there for you. NOW and Plusnet won't ask you to do a credit check. TalkTalk is lenient, while even BT, Sky, Virgin and Vodafone may well try to accommodate customers with bad credit.
When comparing broadband with us, you’ll find many deals from providers that don’t need a credit check. You can also look into no contract broadband to get a home broadband package similar to a pay-as-you-go deal.
We also have a guide on how to get broadband on benefits. Several providers offer deals specifically for low-income households.
Our final suggestion is that you can look into mobile broadband or no-contract deals. These can offer fast speeds and unlimited data, but with more flexible payment terms.
No matter what your broadband needs, Broadband Genie is here to help you get online.