Credit Question (mobile phone)

So I know that your credit is checked when you sign up for a contract mobile phone....but do the contract mobile phone payments show up on your UK credit report?  (I'm trying to figure out whether getting a contract mobile would help build my UK credit.)

I believe they do!  I was able to get a contract easily so it should be fine for you.

I believe they do.  My dh seems to think so as well. 

Hi Springhaze,

Definitley shows up on my credit report! and I'd second the 'risk' of getting a mobile contract phone to help build your credit rating. Sign up via Direct Debit too so that you minimise the chances of 'forgetting' to pay one month which of course won't look good on your report.

All you gotta do now is figure out which plan and phone you want!

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Thanks you guys!  I've been thinking about getting one for a while...but the trouble is I'll probably be paying more per month for a contract than I do using PAYG!  But if I build up my UK credit doing it, it's probably worth it.

Thanks you guys!  I've been thinking about getting one for a while...but the trouble is I'll probably be paying more per month for a contract than I do using PAYG!  But if I build up my UK credit doing it, it's probably worth it.

And some of them will give you a reduced rate after the initial contract. 

I got my Orange phone through Carphone Warehouse and they were brillant.  Some plans include a free phone and I got half off of the monthly tariff for a year.  So, I am saving about 200 quid a year.

So I know that your credit is checked when you sign up for a contract mobile phone....but do the contract mobile phone payments show up on your UK credit report?  (I'm trying to figure out whether getting a contract mobile would help build my UK credit.)

They sure do - I just checked my Experian report this morning and my new T-Mobile contract was on there with three shiny months of payment history (as was my current account, for the eight months that I've had a VISA debit card).  I got my contract specifically to help build my UK credit, so I'm glad it's showing up!

I only pay £25 a month.  You can find some cheaper plans if you shop around.  Alternatively, sign up for the cheapest plan with a free phone you can find and then call and reduce the tariff after a month (some can shrink to as low as £5-10!).

Thanks you guys!  I've been thinking about getting one for a while...but the trouble is I'll probably be paying more per month for a contract than I do using PAYG!  But if I build up my UK credit doing it, it's probably worth it.

I got my phone on contract last March and don't use the full amount and pay more than I would as PAYG, but I got a credit card in August and have now periodically been getting offers for more credit cards.     (Never thought I'd be happy to be getting Credit Card offes in the mail.)   

update!  I applied for an O2 Simplicity pay monthly "contract" (just the sim, no upgrades, and you only have to give 30 days notice before canceling!) and I was approved!  I had to pay a £100 bond since I had no UK credit whatsoever, but I'll get it back in three months and more importantly the account payments will definitely go on my credit file.  And the best part is that it's only £15/month, which is about what I pay on PAYG now.  Thanks for all your help everyone!

Cool beans & congrats!   

Maybe we should have that plan listed somewhere for people trying to establish credit when moving over?   

Just a warning, not all mobile providers do report your payment history.  I checked my Experian report in the UK to discover that my Vodafone pay monthly contract is not listed. Experian suggested that I contact Vodafone to have them report it but also said that it is strictly up to the mobile company.