A friend unable to get a mobile contract due to credit score rating, what to do?

[ParmMann]

A friend of mine wants to get an Orange contract for a few reasons, the free phone, the cheaper calls, the free texts and the free/cheap broadband.

Unfortunately, she seems to be plagued by a bad credit score rating. She recently applied for an Orange contract online and was rejected shortly after. It's ironic as her contract would cost her £35 a month and she currently spends around £40 a month on Orange pay as you go!

Her bad credit score rating isn't exactly her fault either, she lives with her father who was bankrupted when she was younger. She's lived in a flat with him ever since but works full time in a good job and is moving into a newer place next week. Her dad's history and current residence seem to reflect really badly on her. She is applying for a credit report in the meantime to see if there is anything she can do.

Anyhow, is there anyway she might be able to get around this problem with Orange? She wants to get broadband up and running as soon as possible at her new place and the Orange contract with Orange Broadband was the ideal sollution. My idea was that I purchase the Orange contract and just give her the phone, by doing so, would she be able to set the direct debit to her own bank account? Alternatively, could I purchase the contract and then just phone Orange at a later date and ask to change the name on the account to hers?

Bit of an odd question I know but I'm hoping someone here has the answer.

[chriszzzzzz]

Firstly the Credit rating will not involve her Father. Individuals are rated not the address. Several people living at any address could all have different ratings. If she pays £1 to equifax she should be able to view her rating and if there are any discrepancies she will be allowed to make a note on the rating.

You could get the contract in your name and DD from her bank account. Just give those details when asked for the account. You will however, be liable for anything on the Orange account. Depends on how well you know/trust her.

[jaybro187]

Originally Posted by chriszzzzzz

Firstly the Credit rating will not involve her Father. Individuals are rated not the address. Several people living at any address could all have different ratings. If she pays £1 to equifax she should be able to view her rating and if there are any discrepancies she will be allowed to make a note on the rating.

you are credit checked on both yourself and your address. so moving out will help although where she moves to especially if rented could also effect her if any previous owners or tennents have ran up a bad history to the house.

i work for a phone company and can sometimes opt out or in for the address. if you opt out it credit checks you and not the address, but if you opt in it does both and if you have low or no credit history a good credit history of the house can benefit you and they sometimes give you the benefit of the doubt.

Originally Posted by chriszzzzzz

You could get the contract in your name and DD from her bank account. Just give those details when asked for the account. You will however, be liable for anything on the Orange account. Depends on how well you know/trust her.

you could on orange do this but they have now changed this T&C. you could alternatively ring them and ask if this is possible. This would have reprocussions on you though if she fails to pay and rings up a big bill as its still in your name. after 3months she can apply to change the details to her but this will require a credit check on her and the place she lives, so if she cant get one in her name in the new place i doubt the decision will change in such little time.

experian or equifax will help her to find out why she gets declined and whether its solely the house or maybe a combination of her too.

if shes a good friend and trust her then be a mate and do it in your name some people need a break, but let her know that she better pay the bill or set up a standing order to your account.

hope this helps Jay