It is estimated that in 1 in 4 Brits have experienced problems in obtaining credit or finance in the last 5 years. Applying for a pay monthly credit catalogue will usually require a credit check and some catalogues tend to have better acceptance rates than others.
Different catalogue companies have their own criteria for what is their ‘ideal customer’ and retailers such as Littlewoods, Very and Grattan tend to require an excellent credit score in order to be approved.
The recommended retailer is DialaTV who will consider all applications even for customers with bad credit history. This is because they operate a rental service and do not provide finance like other catalogues on this site.
If you have a poor credit score you can still buy items using a catalogue, but your choices are limited compared to someone with an excellent credit rating.
Easiest catalogues to get?
DialaTV specialise in affordable rental of household appliances and electronics. Dial a TV are a rental firm, rather than a traditional credit catalogue and allow you to rent a wide range of household items on a pay weekly basis.
You will find they are much more sympathetic to your situation compared to the other credit catalogues listed on this website. All applications are welcome even if you have a poor credit score. No deposit is required and the signup procedure is simple with a no fuss credit checking application.
They are part of the Hughes Electrical Group, which is one of the largest retailers of electrical goods in the UK.
They boast a huge range of TV’s to choose from including LED, LCD and Plasma TV’s with screen sizes ranging from 19-50 inch. Prices for TV’s start from just £1.90 per week!
What can you rent?
- LCD televisions
- Home cinema systems
- Tablets
- Consoles
- Laptops
- Fridges
- Washing machines
- Dishwashers
- Cookers
If you are on a low income or your credit rating is not perfect, Dial a TV will still consider your application.
How do I apply?
Applying is easy and everything is done online. Simply choose the items you want and register your details upon checkout. You will be given an instant decision on whether you have been approved.
Your items will usually be delivered in seven days. If you need a more urgent delivery, then Dial a TV may be able to offer an express delivery on request.
Free installation
Dial a TV will install your complicated new DVD recorder, TV, HiFi system, or whatever you have ordered. This is especially useful for those who either do not have the time, or the knowledge, to get this done themselves.
Free delivery
Unless you have a large vehicle, such as a truck or van, it can be a nightmare to transport larger electronics to your home. Some companies will deliver for you – but they also charge a ridiculous fee. Dial a TV includes free delivery as a standard part of all of their rental plans. You will simply need to organize a date, and they will call in the morning to choose an appropriate time for delivery.
Free repairs
You will not have to pay for repairs to your products. If they cannot repair the unit in your home, they will allow you to use a similar replacement product while they take yours away to be fixed.
To see if you qualify, you can apply online at DialaTV.
Applying for a catalogue
This may seem obvious, but when applying, make sure you pay attention when entering your personal information. This is an important step to getting approved, so be sure to double check your details so everything is completely accurate. Any incorrect information can cause you to be immediately disqualified and you will not get an account.
Customers who are on the electoral role are more likely to be accepted for credit than those who are not. Many people assume they are already registered to vote, but this is not always the case. Contact your local electoral council and make sure you are registered to vote at the correct address.
Your credit score
Credit scores can be affected by many different factors but are mostly related to the types of debt you currently have and your repayment history in the past. You can view your personal credit report from the main agencies such as Experian and Equifax. The typical score for people in the UK somewhere between 300 and 850. Of course, higher scores are better, and lower scores are worse.
A score in the high 600’s is considered about average, but it will be harder to get credit at 680 than it will at 720. With most types of finances products, the worse your credit score, the more you have to pay. This is typical with products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
Improving your credit history
Pay monthly catalogues are ideal for this. You can repay your items with a small affordable payment each month and each time you do so, the transaction will be noted on your credit file . This will help strengthen your chances of getting finance in the future.
No credit check catalogues
If you have a bad credit history or no credit rating at all, the concept of a no credit check catalogue probably sounds quite tempting. Unfortunately, they do not really exist. All companies which offer credit facilities will perform some type of check on your personal details to guard against any fraudulent applications.
Guaranteed acceptance?
Note that there are no such things as no credit check catalogues with guaranteed acceptance and your best bet is to apply with the above companies and hope for the best. You may have a smaller credit limit to start with, however, once you have made regular repayments on time, you may be offered a higher credit limit and better payment terms in the future.
Littlewoods, Very & Gratten
These are some of the most popular shopping catalogues in the UK and they are often the first place people apply with. However, if you have a poor credit rating, it is best to avoid applying with these companies. Many people with bad credit, have had difficulties in getting approved with these retailers and if you know your credit rating is low, then it is best to apply elsewhere.
Buy Now Pay Later
Once you have been accepted, remember it is very important to make your repayments on time. Using a buy now pay later catalogue can greatly improve your credit rating, but only if you can demonstrate that you are able to meet your credit obligations. When you take out finance, your payment history will be reported to credit reference agencies such as Experian and Equifax so make sure that when you buy now, that you remember to pay later.