Credit check on upgrade?

[rendez2k]

Hi all, have a contract thats due to finish in March next year. If I pay the early upgrade fee, do Three run a credit check? Tried a second line and failed so would have to upgrade but no point if check would be run!

[PeteG]

Hello. 

You can appeal a credit application. To do that, send us an email to credit.checking@contact.three.co.uk 
Please include a recent copy of your credit file, all address in the past 3 years, your date of birth, and a copy/image of your drivers license or passport. 

Once you've sent that info, you should hear back from the team within 1 working day. 

Pete. 

[58warren]

Been a 3 customer since 2008, but want to replace my iPhone 14 Pro Max in the same way I’ve upgraded every 24 months. Not prepared to go through a credit check as I have recently retired early and I’m only withdrawing a small lump sum of my private pension once a year, but have no mortgage on my family home and have the proceeds of a recent house sale saved in various accounts.

My credit score will be unlikely to go through as it dropped hard after paying off the mortgage 4 years ago - go figure!

I’ve never missed a payment on my phone contract since I began, but wanted to upgrade to a monthly plan and phone at £30 a month less than I’m currently paying and will be unable to. Guess you just lost a loyal customer…

[JonathanB]

Hi @58warren,

I'm sorry to hear this. These credit checks are carried out in order to ensure we're acting responsibly and in line with FCA expectations. The option to purchase a phone outright, or to take a SIM only plan are still available if you'd prefer not to be credit checked against the value of a device when you upgrade.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[Antg83]

Been with three for quite a few years 6+ maybe longer and had several upgrades without any problems.... my minimum term ends beginning of June and have been declined on an upgrade is this normal?

[JonathanB · Accepted solution]

Hi @Antg83,

I'm sorry to hear this. Last year we've moved to a new type of plan called Three Your Way. This is an FCA regulated product which includes a 0% APR loan for device plans. This does mean we need to run credit and affordability check with upgrades now.

Thanks,
Jonathan

[JonathanB]

Hi rendez2k,

Welcome to the Three Community.

I've checked this out with a colleague in the Credit Team, as long as you're upgrading an existing handset account, you won't need a further credit check carried out. If it's a SIM only plan you're upgrading we would still need to do the credit check.

Hope this helps. 🙂
JonathanB

[Jtaylor19861]

So if our handset is coming to the end and we have been with three years and fail the credit check this time what are we meant to do???

[Steveo]

Hi

i have tried to upgrade on my account which I have an existing contract about to end which I got a handset and unlimited plan with, was told through my app that I’m eligible but when I place the upgrade through it wanted to credit check and failed which I’m confused as I have already had an upgrade on my account before 

[DMNLJ]

I have also had the same issue. Been with 3 around 8-9 years and when I just tried to upgrade on these new plans I failed the credit check. Seems odd considering the length of time I have been with Three

[JonathanB]

Hi @Steveo,

The new Three Your Way plans we launched earlier this year cover device repayments with a 0% APR loan, so this change does involve a credit check. I've sent you a PM with some info on how to appeal the result of the check in case this decision can be overturned for you.

To view your private messages on the community, click on your avatar image in the top right of any community page, then "Messages".

Thanks,
Jonathan