Have you ever applied for a cell phone contract and were turned down because you have a low credit score? The mobile networks in South Africa have become more stringent when deciding who to approve or [decline](https://www.mondo.co.za/tech-news/article/-why-was-my-application-for-a-cell-phone-contract-declined-?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=Can_you_Get_Phone_bad_credit) for mobile contracts, so if you have a poor credit score or have been “blacklisted”, chances are you may not qualify for most mobile contracts.
In 2015, a whopping 80% of cell phone applications were declined by the major SA networks due to low credit scores. Put simply, only two out of ten people were successful in applying for a mobile contract, even though they may have had a job or even paid their bills on time.
Each network has their own credit score cards with requirements that need to be met before being approved for a cell phone contract. The good news, however, is that people with bad credit have options available to them, depending on their individual credit scores. For example, you may apply for a Samsung S10 deal but, due to your score, you may only qualify for a deal bundled with a Samsung A10 smartphone or even a [SIM-only deal ](https://www.mondo.co.za/tech-news/article/the-benefits-of-a-sim-only-deal?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=Can_you_Get_Phone_bad_credit), that gives you the benefits of a contract without the subsidised handset or router. Mondo carries a wide range of mobile deals from Telkom, Vodacom and MTN to give customers more choice and a better chance at qualifying for a cellular deal.
If your application is declined, the other option you have is to obtain your credit score from local credit bureaus such as [Trans Union ITC](https://www.transunion.co.za) and [Experian](https://www.experian.co.za/consumer-services/index). Thereafter, you need to [work on improving your credit score and profile](https://www.mondo.co.za/tech-news/article/-how-to-improve-your-credit-scores--get-a-mobile-contract-?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=Can_you_Get_Phone_bad_credit). Make sure you pay all credit instalments that are due at the end of the month, in full and on time. If you can’t make your minimum monthly repayment, ensure you contact the company you owe money to and arrange a more affordable payment plan to keep you from being blacklisted.
If there are no judgements against your name and you have a decent credit record with banks or businesses such as clothing stores, you have a good chance of being approved for your next mobile contract.
Need more credit advice? Check out this helpful article:
- [Why Was My Application for a Cell Phone Contract Declined? ](https://www.mondo.co.za/tech-news/article/-why-was-my-application-for-a-cell-phone-contract-declined-?utm_source=Website&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=Can_you_Get_Phone_bad_credit)
