Phone deals with bad credit
EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and iD Mobile run a hard credit check on every phone contract, so a poor credit history can mean a refusal or a bigger upfront payment. The dependable route is to buy the phone outright and pair it with a SIM only plan that needs no credit check, such as giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara, VOXI or Asda Mobile.
Last checked: · Reviewed by the billsqueeze team · Prices update daily
At a glance
giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara, VOXI and Asda Mobile run no credit check on SIM only.
Checked 24 Oct 2026Talkmobile checks your ID rather than your credit file.
Checked 24 Oct 2026EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and iD Mobile check every phone contract.
Checked 24 Oct 2026giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara and VOXI don’t raise SIM only prices mid-contract.
Checked 24 Oct 2026Phones to buy outright (SIM-free)
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Three ways to get a phone with bad credit
SIM-free + SIM only
Buy the phone outright and use a SIM only network without a credit check. Nothing to pass, and you can leave a 30-day plan any time.
Compare SIM only →Bigger upfront payment
Some networks accept applicants with a weaker history if more of the phone is paid upfront. The credit check still applies.
Compare contracts →Rebuild, then switch
A SIM only plan paid on time for a year helps show you can manage regular payments before you apply for a contract.
Start with SIM only →Which networks raise prices in April, and by how much?
Since 17 January 2025, Ofcom has required networks to state mid-contract rises in pounds and pence before you sign. On O2 and Vodafone the rise applies to the airtime plan, while the device plan for the phone stays the same.
| Network | Rise each year | Applies to | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| EE | +£4/mo | Phone plans | 31 March |
| O2 | +£2.50/mo | Airtime plan; device plan frozen | April |
| Vodafone | +£2.50/mo | Airtime plan; device plan unchanged | April |
| Three | +£1.80 to £2.30 | Airtime, by data allowance | April |
| iD Mobile | +£1.80/mo | Phone plans (from 11 March 2026) | April |
| Tesco Mobile | about 6% | Set as a fixed £ amount; Clubcard Price deals frozen | April |
| Sky Mobile | +£1.50/mo | Not written into the contract, so you can leave within 30 days without a fee | From 14 February 2026 |
Signed in 2026 after the rise date? Your first rise lands in April 2027 (31 March 2027 on EE). Every April price rise, in pounds →
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Bad credit questions
Can I get a phone contract with bad credit?
Possibly, but EE, O2, Vodafone, Three and iD Mobile run a hard credit check on every phone contract, so you may be refused or asked to pay more upfront.
Which SIM only networks don’t credit check?
giffgaff, SMARTY, Lebara, VOXI and Asda Mobile run no credit check on SIM only. Talkmobile checks ID only (checked October 2026).
Does a refused application hurt my credit score?
A hard credit check is recorded on your file whether you’re accepted or not, so avoid several applications in a short time.