Can you get a broadband deal with no credit check?
If your credit rating isn’t that great, it could still be possible to find a broadband deal. While it’s always best to try and improve your credit score, there are some deals that don’t require a credit check.
The good news is that broadband credit checks aren’t as strict as they would be if you were applying for a new credit card, loan or mortgage.
The not-so-great news is that your choice of broadband providers might be limited.
Why do you need a credit check for broadband?
Broadband is a financial product, so providers want to make sure you’re capable of making the monthly payments on time. By checking your credit file, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will be able to see how you handle your finances and decide if there’s a risk of non-payment based on your financial history. They’ll do this through one of the three main credit agencies: TransUnion, Equifax or Experian.
Do you need a good credit rating to get a broadband deal?
Not always. In fact, there are some providers who won’t do a credit check at all. This means that they won’t look into your financial records before you can sign up. If you’ve got a low credit score, no credit history or a County Court Judgement, you could still get a new deal or switch your existing broadband provider.
Can I still get broadband with bad credit?
Having a bad credit rating doesn’t automatically rule out your chance of getting a broadband deal. Even if you have to undergo a credit check, you might still be able to prove you’re a reliable customer if you have a long-term employment history, a long-standing bank account or a fixed landline phone, for example.
But if you are knocked back because of bad credit, there are alternative ways to get broadband:
Put down a deposit – some broadband providers will ask you to pay a deposit. If you don’t pay your bill on time, the provider will use the deposit to cover the payment instead.
Mobile broadband – rather than a fixed line router, you’ll receive broadband via a 3G, 4G or 5G mobile network. There are plenty of pay-as-you-go options that don’t need a credit check including mobile WiFi, data plans and MiFi dongles. A MiFi dongle is a wireless device that acts as a mobile hotspot, so the whole family can use the internet at the same time. Just be aware that mobile broadband can be more expensive than paying for a fixed line service. It can also be slower and less reliable.
How do I compare broadband with no credit check deals?
You can compare broadband deals for bad credit in the same way you would with any other broadband package. Use our postcode checker to see which broadband deals are available in your area.
FAQs
Will getting a broadband deal harm my credit rating?
If you choose a broadband provider that runs a hard credit check, it’ll be marked on your credit file. But as long as you don’t keep applying to lots of providers over a short period of time, it shouldn’t do much harm to your credit rating.
Where can I check my credit rating?
You can get a free credit check from one of the three credit reference agencies:
Experian
Equifax
TransUnion
Even if you’ve found a cheap broadband deal that you’re happy with, it’s always a good idea to check your credit score every now and then. Even a simple spelling mistake on your credit report could bring down your credit rating. If you spot any errors, you can contact the credit agencies and ask them to correct the mistakes.
Top tip
If you want to check your credit rating, it could be a good idea to use all three credit reference agencies – they all offer a free checking service. Each agency calculates your score in a different way, so it might not be the same across the board.
How can I improve my credit score?
There are few ways to improve your credit score:
Make sure you’re registered on the electoral roll – providers and lenders use this to confirm your ID and address
Pay your bills on time
Close any unused bank accounts and credit cards
Break financial bonds with an ex-partner by closing down any old joint accounts – if they have a poor credit rating it could be harming yours
Get yourself a credit-builder credit card – used responsibly, it can help build up your credit score over time
Looking for something else?
Over the past decade, Kate has worked in various industries, including company secretarial, small business support and property investing.
Her move to financial services in 2022 not only helped her find her niche in personal finance writing, but also just how alienating finance can be. She’s now motivated by making everyday money a piece of cake for everyone, helping her readers feel informed and in control.
Kate now specialises in savings and current accounts as well as broadband, mobile and energy products.
Ele Clark is an award-winning editor who has held leadership roles at Which? and news-stand publications in London and Dubai. She’s appeared across the press and media, including BBC’s Panorama. With almost 20 years’ experience in personal finance, insurance and consumer journalism, she leads a talented team at Compare the Market, creating insightful, accessible content to help people make informed financial decisions.
With the UK racing towards gigabit speeds and our phones more integral to our lives, Matt wants to make sure you have great packages that can keep up. And with more than 10 years' experience working with digital brands, he’s shaping our broadband, TV and phone comparison journeys.
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