It used to be impossible to get one of the latest contract mobile phones without a stellar credit score, but things are changing and there are more and more options available to consumers.
There are two ways that you can get your hands on one of the latest contract phones without having to be credit checked.
SIM Only Deals
SIM only deals are becoming a very popular choice for people who don't want to be tied to expensive contracts for 48 months and that also require a good credit history.
SIM only deals mean you are only signing up to get a contract SIM card account (no free handset). In 2020, SIM only deals made up 24% of all mobile contracts. Some of them start at just £10 a month. However, you will need to source the phone of your dreams on your own.
If you can't afford the very latest iPhone, you could try and get a second hand one from one of the many online marketplaces or auction sites.
Mobile Networks don't package second hand phones with their contracts
SIM only deals are much cheaper than contracts but they do still cost a fair penny, because you have to source the phone yourself.
Use a no credit check broker website
There are lots of websites on the web that promise to get you accepted for the latest smartphone deals with 100% approval, no matter what your credit score and most importantly no upfront payments.
You just have to pop your details into one of these sites and select the phone you want and they try and secure you a deal from their list of major UK networks.
These companies have exclusive deals with networks and brokers so you don't have to go direct. However, you may have to pay a bit of a premium to get the dream phone you are after.
One thing to look out for on those sites, is that they deals they show you are with major networks such as Vodafone, BT, O2, Three, EE, Tesco Mobile and so on.
Look for deals from Mobile Networks that sell unlocked phones
Another great tip is to make sure you give special attention to the deals from the following networks, O2, Sky, Three and Virgin because all their handsets are unlocked, which means that when your contract is up, you can easily switch your network provider by signing up for a SIM only deal.
From December 2021 all UK's mobile networks will be forbidden by law from selling phones locked to their services. Until then, buy smart!
