What Credit Score Do You Need for a Phone Contract

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Phone Contract

Mobile phone contracts are a staple of modern life, allowing you to get the latest handset without paying the full cost upfront. But before a provider hands you a brand-new smartphone on a pay-monthly deal, they will usually run a credit check. This raises an important question: what credit score do you need for a phone contract in the UK?

The answer is that there’s no specific credit score required to get a phone contract. Each provider uses their own criteria and decision-making process. However, having a fair to good credit score improves your chances of being approved, especially for higher-end handsets and longer-term agreements.

In this article, we’ll break down how phone contract credit checks work, what providers look for, and how to boost your chances of approval — even with limited or poor credit.

Do Phone Providers Check Your Credit

Yes. When you apply for a pay-monthly phone contract, the provider usually carries out a hard credit check to assess your creditworthiness. This check appears on your credit file and may cause a small temporary dip in your score.

Networks like EE, O2, Vodafone and Three all conduct credit checks before approving contracts. This is because a phone contract is effectively a form of credit — you’re getting a device and paying for it over 12, 24 or even 36 months.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Phone Contract

Credit scores in the UK vary depending on the credit reference agency:

• Experian: 0 to 999

• Equifax: 0 to 1000

• TransUnion: 0 to 710

While no provider advertises a specific score requirement, the following general guidance applies:

• Excellent credit score: Almost guaranteed approval for any contract and handset

• Good credit score: High approval rate with a wide choice of phones

• Fair credit score: May be approved for standard contracts or lower-value phones

• Poor credit score: May be declined or limited to SIM-only deals or upfront payments

• No credit history: May struggle with approval as there’s no evidence of repayment behaviour

In most cases, a score in the fair to good range (around 650 or higher with Experian or 550 with TransUnion) should be sufficient for a basic contract.

What Do Providers Look At Besides Your Score

Your credit score is just one part of the decision. Providers also consider:

• Your current address and how long you’ve lived there

• Whether you’re on the electoral roll

• Your employment status and income

• Existing credit accounts and any missed payments

• Affordability and current borrowing behaviour

If you have a history of defaults, late payments or other red flags, you may be declined even with a fair score.

What If You’re Declined for a Phone Contract

If your application is rejected, you still have options:

1. Apply for a SIM-only deal
These usually have lower credit requirements, as you’re not being lent a handset.

2. Choose a cheaper phone
Lower-cost models or refurbished handsets may be easier to get approved for.

3. Offer to pay a deposit
Some providers may accept a contract if you pay part of the handset’s cost upfront.

4. Try a provider with softer criteria
MVNOs like VOXI, giffgaff or Tesco Mobile may be more flexible than major networks.

5. Build your credit and reapply later
Improving your score with consistent payments and low credit usage can improve your chances over time.

Real-World Example

Tom, a student with a fair credit score of around 720 (Experian), applied for a pay-monthly contract with a mid-range handset. He was approved with no deposit required.

By contrast, Natalie had several missed payments in the past and a credit score of 560. She was declined for a premium handset but approved for a 12-month SIM-only deal, which helped her build credit.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Approved

• Register on the electoral roll at your current address

• Check your credit report for errors and correct them before applying

• Pay existing bills and debts on time to show financial responsibility

• Avoid applying for multiple contracts in a short period

• Keep credit card balances low and avoid maxing out available credit

• Use soft search tools or pre-checks where available

Final Thought

There’s no fixed credit score needed for a phone contract in the UK, but having a fair to good credit rating improves your chances significantly. Providers assess your overall financial behaviour, not just the number. If your credit history is limited or poor, you may still be able to get a contract by choosing a more affordable plan or opting for SIM-only.

The best approach is to check your credit report, maintain healthy financial habits, and apply only when you're confident the deal is affordable. With the right steps, you can secure the phone you want without putting your credit file at risk.