Why do I have to have a Credit Check to get a BT Line Installed?

Question

I'm moving into a new house next Friday so have contacted BT for a phone line, but they wanted to do a credit check on me.

I am debted up to my eyeballs with credit cards but have never missed a bill or mortgage payment or anything and I'm not very happy about having a credit check.

I didnt have to have one when I was with Telewest so why do I have to have one now?

BTW, Dont want to go back to Telewest as I want to get SkyTV

I never had to have credit checks for telewest, it was all paid a month in advance apart from the call charges. And I have never had to do it with british gas.

The thing is, I am behind on my credit card bills, I am currently using a debt management company. But I'm not late on any utility bills.

Answer 1

actually im finding this a bit wierd. I have been involved in 5 different lines at 4 locations in the last 3 years the latest being last month and BT have never asked myself or the other people involved to do a credit check ? Maybe they did the checks without asking but i somehow doubt it ? Quite strange.

Answer 2

A credit check gives them an indication of how reliable you will be in paying your bills. It's a fair use of your credit report. They deserve that right before extending you a service. If you pay ALL of your bills on time, regardless of your debt, you will probably be okay. They mainly want to see how consistent you are about paying your debts.

By the way -- this might not be so painful for you if you check your own credit report regularly. Everyone should do that at least twice a year.

Answer 3

The consiracy theorists would have a field day. It's a system to keep the riff raff out of the infomation technology. Keeps the lower classes out. But my guess is that they found a black mark against your credit rating probably the Debt Management Company so they are checking if you'r continuing payments. as you are there should be no problem.

Answer 4

At the end of the day all phone companies will do a credit check, after all they are extending credit to you, even if this is in the manner of £30 of phone calls..... The gas and electric companies do it as well so why shouldn't the phone companies?

Answer 5

BT used to be one of the best consumer credit references there was, so you always paid them on time for an A1 rating - I think the likes of Equifax used their payment records for deciding how high a risk you were.

So long as you aren't showing late payments anywhere then your debt level won't be an issue.

Answer 6

Credit checks are commonplace today, for everything from employers to rentals.
They essentially want to see if you've stiffed any other phone companies or other related services (i.e. electric co.). Also if you appear to be overextended in your monthly bills. they probably will never deny service, but , as already indicated in a previous answer, will probably require a higher deposit if they feel there could be a problem.

Answer 7

In the United States they can not legally deny you necessary services gas, phone, electric and water but they may require higher deposit.

If your are behind on this service. You will need to pay them back before they will hook you up.

Answer 8

it is technically a credit agreement, you pay after receiving the service.

they also credit check you for renting a house, but you pay that up front!!!!!

you need to get your credit sorted because it affects sio much more of your life than you realise.

Answer 9

they just want to know if they will get paid

if you have never missed a payment you will be fine

they love people who borrow loads and make all the payments on time as thats how lenders make their money

Answer 10

Coz they're giving you credit by allowing you to make calls before you pay for them.