Even if your credit score isn’t the best, broadband with no credit check could still let you access the internet without worrying about your finances.
Compare no credit check broadband deals to help your household get online no matter what your credit rating.
Ideal for those with poor credit history or who prefer not to undergo a credit check when signing up, no credit check broadband provides accessible internet without you having to worry about financial scrutiny.
There are many reasons why someone might want broadband with no credit check, including:
Broadband providers carry out credit checks mainly to ensure that potential customers can keep up with their payments.
By conducting a credit check, the provider hopes to reduce the risk of customers defaulting on their payment obligations, thereby helping them reduce the losses from unpaid bills.
Most broadband plans involve a contract where the customer agrees to pay over a specific period of time, typically 12, 18 or 24 months.
A credit check helps ensure they can honour this agreement.
Credit checks can also help verify customer identities, proving that names and addresses provided are legitimate.
However, while credit checks help broadband providers manage their financial risk, they can pose an obstacle for certain customers, especially those with poor credit history or no established credit.
No credit check broadband helps these individuals access the internet without undergoing a financial assessment.
Use our postcode checker to see if you can get no credit check broadband in your area.
Getting broadband with a bad credit score isn’t as difficult as applying for:
This means you have a better chance of being accepted, and some providers might not even check your credit rating at all.
However, providers like Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk often credit-check new customers.
Some have also been known to ask for a deposit to cover the cost of bills if you can’t pay. [1]
Like any broadband deal, no credit check broadband has its pros and cons:
Despite having a poor credit score, great-value tariffs could still be available to you, like unlimited broadband deals.
If you’re on a low income, entering into a no credit check broadband deal is a good sign that you won’t be paying for something a provider doesn’t think you can’t afford.
You’ll be able to get short-term and no contract broadband deals , which almost never require a credit check.
Currently, only two or three internet service providers (ISPs) in the UK offer broadband with no credit check as standard, meaning there’s not much choice.
Depending on your chosen provider, you could end up paying more each month to avoid a credit check; for instance, if you choose mobile broadband instead of a fixed line connection.
Although you might want to bundle other products into your no credit check broadband deal, options will likely be limited due to the added financial risk.
There are several types of no credit check broadband:
While ADSL broadband uses copper wires from your phone line to connect to the internet, fibre broadband employs fibre optic cables (either partly or exclusively). These can deliver faster, more reliable speeds.
According to Ofcom, full fibre coverage is now at 18.7 million homes in the UK (62%), representing a 5% increase between September 2023 and January 2024.[2]
Superfast (part fibre) broadband coverage across the UK overall remains at 97%.[3]
Broadband only deals are typical when it comes to no credit check broadband because you don’t have to pay for any expensive add-ons or unused bundles.
At the moment, broadband and home phone deals are still an option if you haven’t undergone a credit check because lots of packages still include line rental.
However, this ultimately depends on your provider’s infrastructure at the time of purchase.
A TV package that’s part of your no credit check broadband deal seems unlikely, but some providers might accept alternative proof that you can pay your bills, including:
They may, however, ask you for a deposit to cover the cost of your bill if you ever miss a payment.
Use our speed test to see how fast your current broadband is performing.
Regardless of which no credit check broadband tariff you pick, your internet speed won’t be affected if your credit score is low.
Other factors, such as the distance between your device and the router, and even the weather, could affect your broadband speeds, but the same is true for everyone.
Also, if your provider doesn’t run a credit check, they won’t know what your credit score is and therefore can’t penalise you.
If you’re on Universal Credit or any other UK Government benefits, you might qualify for social tariff broadband.
Often much cheaper than regular broadband deals, these are a more cost-effective alternative to no credit check broadband and could save you a lot of money each month.
Keep in mind, however, that social tariff broadband typically has slower download speeds than regular broadband. Ultimately, though, this will depend on the provider and plan you choose.
Check out Ofcom’s list of available social tariff providers and plans .
Compare no credit check broadband deals from the likes of:
A free Wi-Fi router is included with most broadband deals, so you should get one with no credit check broadband.
Depending on your chosen tariff, you may have to pay postage for the delivery of your new router.
Broadband deals with no credit check and no upfront costs are available, but always check if any waived fees are recouped through:
All no credit check broadband deals from Plusnet and NOW Broadband waive the upfront costs, but nevertheless, check the T&Cs of your chosen plan for any hidden charges, such as for activation and/or equipment delivery.
An easier alternative to customers with bad credit, mobile broadband lets you get online via:
You can also tether your smartphone to other devices, such as laptops and tablets, and use its 4G/5G connection to get online that way.
Mobile broadband is available through:
However, even the current fastest 5G speeds aren’t as reliable as fixed line broadband.
Also, the cost of data coupled with the fact that activities like streaming and online gaming can struggle over a mobile connection means you might be better off comparing no credit broadband deals from fixed line providers.
While no credit check broadband can be good for individuals with poor credit histories, it does not directly improve your credit rating.
To improve your credit score, ensure you:
[1] Virgin Media Standard terms and conditions
[2] Connected Nations update: Spring 2024
[3] Ibid