Compare broadband with no credit checks
Most people assume that credit checks are just for mortgages, loans, and credit cards. In reality, many broadband providers also want to find out if you’ve got bad credit before signing you up as a new customer.
If you’re looking for a new broadband deal and are worried about your credit score, we’ve taken a look at the credit check policies of some of the UK’s most popular and cheapest providers. This page will also show you how to avoid credit checks altogether.
Can I get broadband with bad credit?
Yes, it’s possible to grab a great deal, even if you have bad credit.
The broadband market in the UK is very competitive, and providers are keen to sign up as many new customers as they can. This means that even the big players will consider taking you on as a customer if you have a poor credit record. There are also some providers in the UK who don’t run credit checks at all for new customers.
The first step is to use our postcode checker to find out what deals are available in your local area.
Check your area
Which providers offer broadband with no credit check?
There are three popular UK broadband providers that don’t run credit checks on new customers: NOW Broadband, Plusnet and Direct Save Telecom.
Plusnet: Plusnet’s motto is ‘great-value broadband for everyone’ and the brand stays true to this promise, with no credit checks on new customers as standard. Deals are affordable and speeds are good, with contract lengths of either 12 or 18 months.
Direct Save Telecom: Generally a little pricier than NOW TV or Plusnet, Direct Save Telecom doesn’t credit check its new customers. All you have to do is pay your first invoice before your internet service goes live - this consists of your line rental and call or broadband changes for the partial days in the month of activation, plus the next month’s charges (so it will be a little bigger than your usual monthly bill).
NOW Broadband: Now Broadband’s standard and fibre broadband packages are available without a credit check, making them a great provider for WiFi with bad credit. It’s worth noting, however, that you’re liable to pay a set-up fee when you sign up for its one-month broadband packages.
BT Home Essentials: If you have a low income or are on benefits, you may be able to get BT Home Essentials. You can sign up to the service via their website or calling BT on 0800 800 864. For just £15 per month, you can enjoy average speeds of up to 67Mbps.
If you’re looking for broadband with no credit check, our reviews page will tell you everything you need to know about these providers, so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Compare deals
What about Sky, BT, Virgin Media and TalkTalk?
TalkTalk, BT, and Virgin Media all routinely credit-check new customers. Sky won’t reveal its credit-checking policy, but says it will always notify customers in advance if it’s going to credit-check them.
Having a poor credit history won’t necessarily exclude you from signing up with one of these big-name providers, however. Providers are keen to attract new sign-ups, so it’s worth taking a punt on a deal with one of the bigger companies, even if your credit rating is poor.
TalkTalk, for example, says only a ‘small number’ of customers fail the credit check. For those that do, it will explore ‘other options’ with them.
Some companies, such as BT and Virgin, might accept customers with bad credit ratings if they can pay a deposit for their broadband service. This involves putting down a small sum of money (negotiated and agreed with your provider) before your service is installed. In the event that you don’t pay your bill, the company can take this money instead, which lessens the risk.
If you pay your bills in full and on time for the length of your contract, you’ll get your deposit back at the end. Some companies will also release your deposit earlier than this if you’re making your payments regularly.
Compare deals
Will I get good broadband if I have bad credit?
Yes. You’ll receive the same service as any other customer if your credit history isn’t perfect. Plus, your provider won’t have a clue what your score is if they don’t run checks!
Compare deals
Will I get a free router with no credit check broadband?
Most WiFi deals include a free router, and deals without a credit check are no exception. You may be asked to pay a small postage fee to have your router delivered, but this applies to all customers.
How do I check and improve my credit history?
You can check your credit rating online and for free at any time, using Experian, Equifax and Credit Karma. These sites also allow you to see what’s had a bad effect on your credit rating, so you can take steps to improve it. Besides, the primary way to have a good credit rating is to pay your bills on time regularly.
Simple things you can do to get a better credit score include:
- Registering to vote so you’re included on the electoral roll.
- Pay all your bills in full and on time, using direct debit if possible.
- Avoid sharing your finances (doing things like taking out joint accounts or sharing bills or mortgages) with anyone who has a worse credit score than you.
- Check your score regularly and get in touch with the site you use if you notice any errors.
- Keep your credit utilization as low as possible.
- Monitor your credit file for fraudulent activity and act immediately if you notice any.
Is mobile a good alternative broadband?
If you struggle to secure WiFI for bad credit, mobile broadband is a useful alternative. Payment options are either pay monthly (which may not be an option if you have poor credit) and the more flexible pay-as-you-go, which doesn’t require a credit check.
Compare deals
