Virgin credit check. PGmobile

5hane · 04-03-2016, 20:18

Hi

I'm trying to get my mum sorted out with a new phone contract.

She's been with Virgin mobile for a few years but desperately needs a new phone as her current one is almost unusable now. She is due a free upgrade from Virgin but tonight they told her she failed a credit check, so no-can-do with them

. The stupid thing is they will still happily let her carry on paying for the piece of cr*p she has now. Guess that's Virgin for you though.

Anyway, she can't afford to buy a new handset, so now has to go elesware to find a contract.
Apparently a company called PGmobile offers contracts to people with bad credit ratings, but I wondered if anyone here knows what they're like. According to www.pgmobile.co.uk they offer a good network service, but I honestly know nothing about them.

Thanks

d123 · 04-03-2016, 20:33

Someone else asked about them recently, I've nothing good or bad to say, they are an MVNO on Three.

The guaranteed pass option is extortionately expensive.

You could try Life Mobile on EE who also offer a no credit check service but as they are wholly owned by EE are probably a safer option.
Pair it with a cheapish phone bought on PAYG from somewhere like CPW.

https://lifemobile.co.uk

5hane · 04-03-2016, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Someone else asked about them recently, I've nothing good or bad to say, they are an MVNO on Three.

The guaranteed pass option is extortionately expensive.

You could try Life Mobile on EE who also offer a no credit check service but as they are wholly owned by EE are probably a safer option.
Pair it with a cheapish phone bought on PAYG from somewhere like CPW.

https://lifemobile.co.uk

Hi. Thanks for replying.

Whats a guaranteed pass option?

My mum is use to Samsung phones, and believe me, she isn't going to be able to use anything else. It took long enough to train her to use a Samsung Galaxy Young.

PGMOBILE have a very good price on the Samsung A3, which is perfect for her use.
I see they offer 4G on all contracts too.

d123 · 04-03-2016, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

Hi. Thanks for replying.

Whats a guaranteed pass option?

My mums used to Samsung phones, and believe me, she isn't going to be able to use anything else. It took long enough to train her to use a Samsung Galaxy Young.

PGMOBILE have a very good price on the Samsung A3, which is perfect for her use.
I see they offer 4G on all contracts too.

You need to click the "gauranteed pass" drop down at PGMobile to see the no credit check option, they aren't going to be handing out very expensive handsets with that extra risk.

It's under "Mobile Phones" -> "Gauranteed Pass" from the drop down menu.

https://www.pgmobile.co.uk/handset_mobile#month12

There are only 3 Samsungs in that section, the S3 neo, S4 mini and J5. All are around £100 up front (so virtually the whole cost of the phone) and then £15 a month for a 1GB plan.

Very expensive, and really not worth it.

Maybe she should just try for another credit check contract, Virgin might decline on an internal check if account conduct has been less than perfect and another provider might have a lower threshold.

Though just remember, more expensive handsets generally need to meet a higher pass threshold these days.

swb1964 · 04-03-2016, 21:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

You could try Life Mobile on EE who also offer a no credit check service but as they are wholly owned by EE are probably a safer option.
Pair it with a cheapish phone bought on PAYG from somewhere like CPW.

https://lifemobile.co.uk

Regardless of credit rating, those prices look very good. 1500 minutes and a gig of data for 7.95 a month isn't bad at all.

swb1964 · 04-03-2016, 21:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Y

Maybe she should just try for another credit check contract, Virgin might decline on an internal check if account conduct has been less than perfect and another provider might have a lower threshold.

My thoughts exactly. Multiple failed applications can affect your credit rating but if the other options really are guaranteed pass, she has nothing to lose.

5hane · 04-03-2016, 21:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

You need to click the "gauranteed pass" drop down at PGMobile to see the no credit check option, they aren't going to be handing out very expensive handsets with that extra risk.

It's under "Mobile Phones" -> "Gauranteed Pass" from the drop down menu.

https://www.pgmobile.co.uk/handset_mobile#month12

There are only 3 Samsungs in that section, the S3 neo, S4 mini and J5. All are around £100 up front (so virtually the whole cost of the phone) and then £15 a month for a 1GB plan.

Very expensive, and really not worth it.

Maybe she should just try for another credit check contract, Virgin might decline on an internal check if account conduct has been less than perfect and another provider might have a lower threshold.

Though just remember, more expensive handsets generally need to meet a higher pass threshold these days.

Strange, when I Select guaranteed pass, I don't see any extortionate prices. Maybe its because I am using a tablet.

d123 · 04-03-2016, 21:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

PGMOBILE have a very good price on the Samsung A3, which is perfect for her use.
I see they offer 4G on all contracts too.

I've just gone through the checkout for the Samsung A3 and there is definitely a credit check, it leads to a page for all the details needed for the credit check and the attached terms you need to agree to say:

Quote:

You agree that both PG Mobile and our Network Provider are authorised to process your personal data which is collected or submitted during any sales or registration process. This processing can take the form of any of the following activities; opening and managing an account for services, for the delivery of products and services ordered by you, for credit checking and fraud prevention, for product analysis and direct marketing activity (subject to your preferences) as set out in our Privacy Policy

But as I said, just because she failed her Virgin credit check doesn't mean PG Mobile will definitely fail her as well.

5hane · 04-03-2016, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

I've just gone through the checkout for the Samsung A3 and there is definitely a credit check, it leads to a page for all the details needed for the credit check and the attached terms you need to agree to say:

But as I said, just because she failed her Virgin credit check doesn't mean PG Mobile will definitely fail her as well.

Ok cool. Worth a try then. I'm just use to dealing with more mainstream familiar mobile companies, so just wanted to be certain pgmobile had a good reputation and aren't dodgy.

Cheers

d123 · 04-03-2016, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

Strange, when I Select guaranteed pass, I don't see any extortionate prices. Maybe its because I am using a tablet.

I'm using a tablet as well.

You open the home page and click guaranteed pass:

http://s19.postimg.org/4xcbfsm37/image.jpg

You then get the choice offered to the "credit challenged"

http://s19.postimg.org/ipqqbfcur/image.jpg

Check the prices.

Anyone who doesn't think around a £100 up front on contract for an s3 neo or s4 mini must be very rich...

d123 · 04-03-2016, 21:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

Ok cool. Worth a try then. I'm just use to dealing with more mainstream familiar mobile companies, so just wanted to be certain pgmobile had a good reputation and aren't dodgy.

Cheers

You still have no guarantee of that, they have no reputation to speak of, and are reselling Three airtime, so at least you know the network it's connecting to, but not much else.

Always worth a try though, distance selling gives you reasonable protection.

preecey · 05-03-2016, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by swb1964

Regardless of credit rating, those prices look very good. 1500 minutes and a gig of data for 7.95 a month isn't bad at all.

That tariff is actually £6 if you purchase via uSwitch. They also have 3GB for a tenner, and 6GB for £13.45, again via uSwitch, and again with no credit checks.

Edit: Oops, the 6GB tariff for £13.45 is through Broadband Choices, not uSwitch.

preecey · 05-03-2016, 10:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

Hi

I'm trying to get my mum sorted out with a new phone contract.

She's been with Virgin mobile for a few years but desperately needs a new phone as her current one is almost unusable now. She is due a free upgrade from Virgin but tonight they told her she failed a credit check, so no-can-do with them

. The stupid thing is they will still happily let her carry on paying for the piece of cr*p she has now. Guess that's Virgin for you though.

Anyway, she can't afford to buy a new handset, so now has to go elesware to find a contract.
Apparently a company called PGmobile offers contracts to people with bad credit ratings, but I wondered if anyone here knows what they're like. According to www.pgmobile.co.uk they offer a good network service, but I honestly know nothing about them.

Thanks

Seriously Shane - as d123 and others have mentioned, it will be far better if you just purchased a new Galaxy J5 from Carphone Warehouse for example, and stick a cheap SIM only in it from LIFE Mobile. LIFE Mobile don't credit check you and are owned and run by EE so you're in safe hands. Their £6 tariff via uSwitch is insane value for money, too - with 1500 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of data.

5hane · 05-03-2016, 10:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by preecey

Seriously Shane - as d123 and others have mentioned, it will be far better if you just purchased a new Galaxy J5 from Carphone Warehouse for example, and stick a cheap SIM only in it from LIFE Mobile. LIFE Mobile don't credit check you and are owned and run by EE so you're in safe hands. Their £6 tariff via uSwitch is insane value for money, too - with 1500 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of data.

Thanks for your input. Sadly buying phones outright is not affordable for everyone, however better it might be in the long turn.
It's a choice between a contracted Samsung A3 that she wants or a no-name 20 quid pay as you go device.

swb1964 · 05-03-2016, 10:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

Thanks for your input. Sadly buying phones outright is not affordable for everyone, however better it might be in the long turn.
It's a choice between a contracted Samsung A3 that she wants or a no-name 20 quid pay as you go device.

If money is that tight, I'd be going with the 20 quid device all day long. You can even get a smart phone for that now http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/pho...lourCode=BLACK . Just check it is unlocked before you buy it.

Or if it has to be a Samsung, what about an Ace 2 off ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Samsung-Ga...oAAOSwG-1WygJw

Any second hand phone is obviously a punt, but I've had some quite good ones. This is no-ones dream phone, but it is a step up from a Galaxy Young, and one of the better budget Samsungs.

How much is mum paying with Virgin now?

EDIT- also try a *polite* request on your local freecycle, No sob story, just a nice friendly request. You never know what people have got in a drawer somewhere.

5hane · 05-03-2016, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by swb1964

If money is that tight, I'd be going with the 20 quid device all day long. You can even get a smart phone for that now http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/pho...lourCode=BLACK . Just check it is unlocked before you buy it.

Or if it has to be a Samsung, what about an Ace 2 off ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Samsung-Ga...oAAOSwG-1WygJw

Any second hand phone is obviously a punt, but I've had some quite good ones. This is no-ones dream phone, but it is a step up from a Galaxy Young, and one of the better budget Samsungs.

How much is mum paying with Virgin now?

EDIT- also try a *polite* request on your local freecycle, No sob story, just a nice friendly request. You never know what people have got in a drawer somewhere.

It's the ACE2 she has trouble with. It was horrendously slow from the off, and now it's almost unusable. I know someone with the A3, and after playing with it can tell its on another level, but at the same time more straightforward than higher end models.

I'll see what she says about for a 20 quid job. From my experience cheap ones often have annoying quirks and just lacking a certain quality.

She pays 13 a month and never goes over on anything. They offered the same deal with the a3.

It's totally nonsensical that she can't get the upgrade due to the credit check but they are happy to carry on taking money each month for her current phone.

d123 · 05-03-2016, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hane

She pays 13 a month and never goes over on anything. They offered the same deal with the a3.

It's totally nonsensical that she can't get the upgrade due to the credit check but they are happy to carry on taking money each month for her current phone.

The risk of allowing it to just continue is significantly less than the risk involved in supplying a new (reasonably expensive) handset on a new contract. Especially to someone who by your own admission can't afford to outlay £100 for a handset.

If finances are that tight the odds are that her credit file is less that stellar, would that be a reasonable assumption?

As I said, if her file is already bad another credit search isn't the end of the world so try the A3 deal at PG Mobile, if it's declined you need to consider a cheap sim only and perhaps she could save up over a number of weeks and buy something like a Lumia 550 for £70 from CPW, It's a good usable phone with a big screen and probably better value for money than any cheap Samsung.

swb1964 · 05-03-2016, 11:47

Not got much to add. My Ace 2 was pretty good but they are getting pretty old now. Try a factory reset. Obviously back up everything you want to save first because it wipes *everything* ,at least in theory.

If nothing else if she does stay with Virgin get them to switch her to a sim only deal so she isn't paying for a phone she can't have.

Their sim only deals aren't too bad although not as cheap as the ones from Life mobile above http://store.virginmedia.com/virgin-...nthly-sim.html

Artmuzz · 05-03-2016, 12:16

I find those credit checks so unfair. I remember quite a few years ago trying to get a contract with Virgin Mobile as I was already a Virgin Media customer and even though I always paid my Virgin Media bill I still failed my credit check and as a result I had to look elsewhere.

d123 · 05-03-2016, 13:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Artmuzz

I find those credit checks so unfair. I remember quite a few years ago trying to get a contract with Virgin Mobile as I was already a Virgin Media customer and even though I always paid my Virgin Media bill I still failed my credit check and as a result I had to look elsewhere.

For a start it's different risk profiles and it's also quite possible that a person's credit file might change over time, so when you signed up to Virgin Media you had a good enough file to pass (with it being a lower threshold needed), with less than good financial conduct or a change in circumstances when trying to get Virgin Mobile a year or more later it's possible that you no longer meet the criteria.

I don't see the unfairness in that.

swb1964 · 05-03-2016, 13:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

For a start it's different risk profiles and it's also quite possible that a person's credit file might change over time, so when you signed up to Virgin Media you had a good enough file to pass (with it being a lower threshold needed), with less than good financial conduct or a change in circumstances when trying to get Virgin Mobile a year or more later it's possible that you no longer meet the criteria.

I don't see the unfairness in that.

Well it does mean the best deals go to the better off, who least need to save money. In that sense it is unfair.

d123 · 05-03-2016, 16:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by swb1964

Well it does mean the best deals go to the better off, who least need to save money. In that sense it is unfair.

Not necessarily the better off, a poor person can still have a good credit file, a rich person can still have a completely wrecked file. You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good credit rating.

The best deals go to those who manage their credit responsibly.

swb1964 · 05-03-2016, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by d123

Not necessarily the better off, a poor person can still have a good credit file, a rich person can still have a completely wrecked file. You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good credit rating.

The best deals go to those who manage their credit responsibly.

True. It's good that the Life mobile deals are open to all, though,. I might be tempted myself.

GreenLantern · 05-03-2016, 17:20

Wasn't Life mobile Phones4U before ?

Did EE buy them ?

Also just because Virgin declined her, doesn't mean EE, Voda, O2 or Three wil.

Companies have ever changing risk and score profiles across different products and depending on how bad their churn is and how low their customer intake is that month even.

Don't instantly discredit her from getting other contracts just because Virgin said no.

Vodafone & O2 score their SIM only deals VERY low, not sure about the other networks.

d123 · 05-03-2016, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

Wasn't Life mobile Phones4U before ?

Yes

Quote:

Did EE buy them ?

Yes

Quote:

Also just because Virgin declined her, doesn't mean EE, Voda, O2 or Three wil.

I have tried to make that point

Quote:

Companies have ever changing risk and score profiles across different products and depending on how bad their churn is and how low their customer intake is that month even.

Don't instantly discredit her from getting other contracts just because Virgin said no.

Agreed

Quote:

Vodafone & O2 score their SIM only deals VERY low, not sure about the other networks.

No good, OP is insistent on a handset contract and wants a midrange Samsung for free with the contract.

04-03-2016, 20:18	#1
5hane Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The sane side of the pond Posts: 1,496	Virgin credit check. PGmobile Hi I'm trying to get my mum sorted out with a new phone contract. She's been with Virgin mobile for a few years but desperately needs a new phone as her current one is almost unusable now. She is due a free upgrade from Virgin but tonight they told her she failed a credit check, so no-can-do with them . The stupid thing is they will still happily let her carry on paying for the piece of cr*p she has now. Guess that's Virgin for you though. Anyway, she can't afford to buy a new handset, so now has to go elesware to find a contract. Apparently a company called PGmobile offers contracts to people with bad credit ratings, but I wondered if anyone here knows what they're like. According to www.pgmobile.co.uk they offer a good network service, but I honestly know nothing about them. Thanks

04-03-2016, 20:33	#2
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Someone else asked about them recently, I've nothing good or bad to say, they are an MVNO on Three. The guaranteed pass option is extortionately expensive. You could try Life Mobile on EE who also offer a no credit check service but as they are wholly owned by EE are probably a safer option. Pair it with a cheapish phone bought on PAYG from somewhere like CPW. https://lifemobile.co.uk

04-03-2016, 20:42	#3
5hane Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The sane side of the pond Posts: 1,496	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Someone else asked about them recently, I've nothing good or bad to say, they are an MVNO on Three. The guaranteed pass option is extortionately expensive. You could try Life Mobile on EE who also offer a no credit check service but as they are wholly owned by EE are probably a safer option. Pair it with a cheapish phone bought on PAYG from somewhere like CPW. https://lifemobile.co.uk Hi. Thanks for replying. Whats a guaranteed pass option? My mum is use to Samsung phones, and believe me, she isn't going to be able to use anything else. It took long enough to train her to use a Samsung Galaxy Young. PGMOBILE have a very good price on the Samsung A3, which is perfect for her use. I see they offer 4G on all contracts too.

04-03-2016, 20:56	#4
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane Hi. Thanks for replying. Whats a guaranteed pass option? My mums used to Samsung phones, and believe me, she isn't going to be able to use anything else. It took long enough to train her to use a Samsung Galaxy Young. PGMOBILE have a very good price on the Samsung A3, which is perfect for her use. I see they offer 4G on all contracts too. You need to click the "gauranteed pass" drop down at PGMobile to see the no credit check option, they aren't going to be handing out very expensive handsets with that extra risk. It's under "Mobile Phones" -> "Gauranteed Pass" from the drop down menu. https://www.pgmobile.co.uk/handset_mobile#month12 There are only 3 Samsungs in that section, the S3 neo, S4 mini and J5. All are around £100 up front (so virtually the whole cost of the phone) and then £15 a month for a 1GB plan. Very expensive, and really not worth it. Maybe she should just try for another credit check contract, Virgin might decline on an internal check if account conduct has been less than perfect and another provider might have a lower threshold. Though just remember, more expensive handsets generally need to meet a higher pass threshold these days.

04-03-2016, 21:05	#5
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 You could try Life Mobile on EE who also offer a no credit check service but as they are wholly owned by EE are probably a safer option. Pair it with a cheapish phone bought on PAYG from somewhere like CPW. https://lifemobile.co.uk Regardless of credit rating, those prices look very good. 1500 minutes and a gig of data for 7.95 a month isn't bad at all.

04-03-2016, 21:10	#6
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Y Maybe she should just try for another credit check contract, Virgin might decline on an internal check if account conduct has been less than perfect and another provider might have a lower threshold. My thoughts exactly. Multiple failed applications can affect your credit rating but if the other options really are guaranteed pass, she has nothing to lose.

04-03-2016, 21:20	#7
5hane Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The sane side of the pond Posts: 1,496	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 You need to click the "gauranteed pass" drop down at PGMobile to see the no credit check option, they aren't going to be handing out very expensive handsets with that extra risk. It's under "Mobile Phones" -> "Gauranteed Pass" from the drop down menu. https://www.pgmobile.co.uk/handset_mobile#month12 There are only 3 Samsungs in that section, the S3 neo, S4 mini and J5. All are around £100 up front (so virtually the whole cost of the phone) and then £15 a month for a 1GB plan. Very expensive, and really not worth it. Maybe she should just try for another credit check contract, Virgin might decline on an internal check if account conduct has been less than perfect and another provider might have a lower threshold. Though just remember, more expensive handsets generally need to meet a higher pass threshold these days. Strange, when I Select guaranteed pass, I don't see any extortionate prices. Maybe its because I am using a tablet.

04-03-2016, 21:23	#8
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane PGMOBILE have a very good price on the Samsung A3, which is perfect for her use. I see they offer 4G on all contracts too. I've just gone through the checkout for the Samsung A3 and there is definitely a credit check, it leads to a page for all the details needed for the credit check and the attached terms you need to agree to say: Quote: You agree that both PG Mobile and our Network Provider are authorised to process your personal data which is collected or submitted during any sales or registration process. This processing can take the form of any of the following activities; opening and managing an account for services, for the delivery of products and services ordered by you, for credit checking and fraud prevention, for product analysis and direct marketing activity (subject to your preferences) as set out in our Privacy Policy But as I said, just because she failed her Virgin credit check doesn't mean PG Mobile will definitely fail her as well.

04-03-2016, 21:28	#9
5hane Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The sane side of the pond Posts: 1,496	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 I've just gone through the checkout for the Samsung A3 and there is definitely a credit check, it leads to a page for all the details needed for the credit check and the attached terms you need to agree to say: But as I said, just because she failed her Virgin credit check doesn't mean PG Mobile will definitely fail her as well. Ok cool. Worth a try then. I'm just use to dealing with more mainstream familiar mobile companies, so just wanted to be certain pgmobile had a good reputation and aren't dodgy. Cheers

04-03-2016, 21:29	#10
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane Strange, when I Select guaranteed pass, I don't see any extortionate prices. Maybe its because I am using a tablet. I'm using a tablet as well. You open the home page and click guaranteed pass: http://s19.postimg.org/4xcbfsm37/image.jpg You then get the choice offered to the "credit challenged" http://s19.postimg.org/ipqqbfcur/image.jpg Check the prices. Anyone who doesn't think around a £100 up front on contract for an s3 neo or s4 mini must be very rich...

04-03-2016, 21:31	#11
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane Ok cool. Worth a try then. I'm just use to dealing with more mainstream familiar mobile companies, so just wanted to be certain pgmobile had a good reputation and aren't dodgy. Cheers You still have no guarantee of that, they have no reputation to speak of, and are reselling Three airtime, so at least you know the network it's connecting to, but not much else. Always worth a try though, distance selling gives you reasonable protection.

05-03-2016, 10:07	#12
preecey Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 146	Quote: Originally Posted by swb1964 Regardless of credit rating, those prices look very good. 1500 minutes and a gig of data for 7.95 a month isn't bad at all. That tariff is actually £6 if you purchase via uSwitch. They also have 3GB for a tenner, and 6GB for £13.45, again via uSwitch, and again with no credit checks. Edit: Oops, the 6GB tariff for £13.45 is through Broadband Choices, not uSwitch.

05-03-2016, 10:10	#13
preecey Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Swansea, Wales Posts: 146	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane Hi I'm trying to get my mum sorted out with a new phone contract. She's been with Virgin mobile for a few years but desperately needs a new phone as her current one is almost unusable now. She is due a free upgrade from Virgin but tonight they told her she failed a credit check, so no-can-do with them . The stupid thing is they will still happily let her carry on paying for the piece of cr*p she has now. Guess that's Virgin for you though. Anyway, she can't afford to buy a new handset, so now has to go elesware to find a contract. Apparently a company called PGmobile offers contracts to people with bad credit ratings, but I wondered if anyone here knows what they're like. According to www.pgmobile.co.uk they offer a good network service, but I honestly know nothing about them. Thanks Seriously Shane - as d123 and others have mentioned, it will be far better if you just purchased a new Galaxy J5 from Carphone Warehouse for example, and stick a cheap SIM only in it from LIFE Mobile. LIFE Mobile don't credit check you and are owned and run by EE so you're in safe hands. Their £6 tariff via uSwitch is insane value for money, too - with 1500 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of data.

05-03-2016, 10:16	#14
5hane Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The sane side of the pond Posts: 1,496	Quote: Originally Posted by preecey Seriously Shane - as d123 and others have mentioned, it will be far better if you just purchased a new Galaxy J5 from Carphone Warehouse for example, and stick a cheap SIM only in it from LIFE Mobile. LIFE Mobile don't credit check you and are owned and run by EE so you're in safe hands. Their £6 tariff via uSwitch is insane value for money, too - with 1500 minutes, unlimited texts and 1GB of data. Thanks for your input. Sadly buying phones outright is not affordable for everyone, however better it might be in the long turn. It's a choice between a contracted Samsung A3 that she wants or a no-name 20 quid pay as you go device.

05-03-2016, 10:34	#15
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane Thanks for your input. Sadly buying phones outright is not affordable for everyone, however better it might be in the long turn. It's a choice between a contracted Samsung A3 that she wants or a no-name 20 quid pay as you go device. If money is that tight, I'd be going with the 20 quid device all day long. You can even get a smart phone for that now http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/pho...lourCode=BLACK . Just check it is unlocked before you buy it. Or if it has to be a Samsung, what about an Ace 2 off ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Samsung-Ga...oAAOSwG-1WygJw Any second hand phone is obviously a punt, but I've had some quite good ones. This is no-ones dream phone, but it is a step up from a Galaxy Young, and one of the better budget Samsungs. How much is mum paying with Virgin now? EDIT- also try a polite request on your local freecycle, No sob story, just a nice friendly request. You never know what people have got in a drawer somewhere.

05-03-2016, 11:08	#16
5hane Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: The sane side of the pond Posts: 1,496	Quote: Originally Posted by swb1964 If money is that tight, I'd be going with the 20 quid device all day long. You can even get a smart phone for that now http://www.carphonewarehouse.com/pho...lourCode=BLACK . Just check it is unlocked before you buy it. Or if it has to be a Samsung, what about an Ace 2 off ebay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Samsung-Ga...oAAOSwG-1WygJw Any second hand phone is obviously a punt, but I've had some quite good ones. This is no-ones dream phone, but it is a step up from a Galaxy Young, and one of the better budget Samsungs. How much is mum paying with Virgin now? EDIT- also try a polite request on your local freecycle, No sob story, just a nice friendly request. You never know what people have got in a drawer somewhere. It's the ACE2 she has trouble with. It was horrendously slow from the off, and now it's almost unusable. I know someone with the A3, and after playing with it can tell its on another level, but at the same time more straightforward than higher end models. I'll see what she says about for a 20 quid job. From my experience cheap ones often have annoying quirks and just lacking a certain quality. She pays 13 a month and never goes over on anything. They offered the same deal with the a3. It's totally nonsensical that she can't get the upgrade due to the credit check but they are happy to carry on taking money each month for her current phone.

05-03-2016, 11:21	#17
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by 5hane She pays 13 a month and never goes over on anything. They offered the same deal with the a3. It's totally nonsensical that she can't get the upgrade due to the credit check but they are happy to carry on taking money each month for her current phone. The risk of allowing it to just continue is significantly less than the risk involved in supplying a new (reasonably expensive) handset on a new contract. Especially to someone who by your own admission can't afford to outlay £100 for a handset. If finances are that tight the odds are that her credit file is less that stellar, would that be a reasonable assumption? As I said, if her file is already bad another credit search isn't the end of the world so try the A3 deal at PG Mobile, if it's declined you need to consider a cheap sim only and perhaps she could save up over a number of weeks and buy something like a Lumia 550 for £70 from CPW, It's a good usable phone with a big screen and probably better value for money than any cheap Samsung.

05-03-2016, 11:47	#18
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Not got much to add. My Ace 2 was pretty good but they are getting pretty old now. Try a factory reset. Obviously back up everything you want to save first because it wipes everything ,at least in theory. If nothing else if she does stay with Virgin get them to switch her to a sim only deal so she isn't paying for a phone she can't have. Their sim only deals aren't too bad although not as cheap as the ones from Life mobile above http://store.virginmedia.com/virgin-...nthly-sim.html

05-03-2016, 12:16	#19
Artmuzz Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 343	I find those credit checks so unfair. I remember quite a few years ago trying to get a contract with Virgin Mobile as I was already a Virgin Media customer and even though I always paid my Virgin Media bill I still failed my credit check and as a result I had to look elsewhere.

05-03-2016, 13:06	#20
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by Artmuzz I find those credit checks so unfair. I remember quite a few years ago trying to get a contract with Virgin Mobile as I was already a Virgin Media customer and even though I always paid my Virgin Media bill I still failed my credit check and as a result I had to look elsewhere. For a start it's different risk profiles and it's also quite possible that a person's credit file might change over time, so when you signed up to Virgin Media you had a good enough file to pass (with it being a lower threshold needed), with less than good financial conduct or a change in circumstances when trying to get Virgin Mobile a year or more later it's possible that you no longer meet the criteria. I don't see the unfairness in that.

05-03-2016, 13:09	#21
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 For a start it's different risk profiles and it's also quite possible that a person's credit file might change over time, so when you signed up to Virgin Media you had a good enough file to pass (with it being a lower threshold needed), with less than good financial conduct or a change in circumstances when trying to get Virgin Mobile a year or more later it's possible that you no longer meet the criteria. I don't see the unfairness in that. Well it does mean the best deals go to the better off, who least need to save money. In that sense it is unfair.

DS Forums

Virgin credit check. PGmobile

05-03-2016, 16:00	#22
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by swb1964 Well it does mean the best deals go to the better off, who least need to save money. In that sense it is unfair. Not necessarily the better off, a poor person can still have a good credit file, a rich person can still have a completely wrecked file. You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good credit rating. The best deals go to those who manage their credit responsibly.

05-03-2016, 16:07	#23
swb1964 Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 2,455	Quote: Originally Posted by d123 Not necessarily the better off, a poor person can still have a good credit file, a rich person can still have a completely wrecked file. You don't need to spend a lot of money to have a good credit rating. The best deals go to those who manage their credit responsibly. True. It's good that the Life mobile deals are open to all, though,. I might be tempted myself.

05-03-2016, 17:20	#24
GreenLantern Inactive Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: London, UK Posts: 178	Wasn't Life mobile Phones4U before ? Did EE buy them ? Also just because Virgin declined her, doesn't mean EE, Voda, O2 or Three wil. Companies have ever changing risk and score profiles across different products and depending on how bad their churn is and how low their customer intake is that month even. Don't instantly discredit her from getting other contracts just because Virgin said no. Vodafone & O2 score their SIM only deals VERY low, not sure about the other networks.

05-03-2016, 17:49	#25
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: Originally Posted by GreenLantern Wasn't Life mobile Phones4U before ? Yes Quote: Did EE buy them ? Yes Quote: Also just because Virgin declined her, doesn't mean EE, Voda, O2 or Three wil. I have tried to make that point Quote: Companies have ever changing risk and score profiles across different products and depending on how bad their churn is and how low their customer intake is that month even. Don't instantly discredit her from getting other contracts just because Virgin said no. Agreed Quote: Vodafone & O2 score their SIM only deals VERY low, not sure about the other networks. No good, OP is insistent on a handset contract and wants a midrange Samsung for free with the contract.