How to get broadband with no credit check

Last reviewed: 24 September 2026

Getting broadband without a credit check is possible, although your options depend on the provider, the broadband package and how you pay. Some providers do not carry out credit checks for home broadband, while others may assess your application differently depending on the service you choose.

If you have a poor credit history, no credit history or simply do not want a credit check, there are still routes worth exploring. This guide explains what to look for, when you may be asked to pay a deposit, and how social tariffs could provide a cheaper alternative if you are on a low income.

Can you get broadband without a credit check?

Yes, although there is no guarantee that every provider will accept you without a credit check.

Whether a credit check is carried out can depend on the provider, the broadband package and how you pay. Some providers may be more flexible if you pay for your service upfront or use a payment method that does not involve taking credit.

It is also important to distinguish between a credit check and an affordability or eligibility check. A provider may still need to confirm your identity, address or ability to take the service even if it does not carry out a traditional credit check.

If you are refused by one provider, this does not necessarily mean you will be refused by every provider. Availability and acceptance criteria vary, so it is worth checking your options rather than assuming you cannot get broadband.

What happens if you fail a broadband credit check?

Depending on the provider, you may be offered an alternative way to pay, asked to provide a deposit, or directed towards a different package. Another provider may also have different eligibility criteria.

If you are refused, ask the provider what alternatives are available before assuming you cannot get broadband. You can also check whether the search they carried out was a hard or soft credit search, as these have different effects on your credit file. A hard search is recorded on your credit report and can be visible to other lenders, while a soft search does not affect your credit score in the same way.

Which broadband providers offer broadband without a credit check?

There are providers that offer broadband without requiring a traditional credit check, although the options are more limited than the wider broadband market.

Direct Save Telecom explicitly states that it does not carry out credit checks for its broadband services. 

Plusnet is also identified by current broadband comparison information as offering broadband without requiring a credit check. However, provider policies can change, so it is worth checking the specific package and terms before applying. 

These are useful options to investigate if avoiding a credit check is particularly important to you, but they are not necessarily the only routes available.

Other major providers may accept customers with poor or limited credit histories, but this should not be confused with offering a guaranteed no-credit-check service. A provider may assess your application differently depending on the package, payment method and your circumstances.

If you are considering a particular provider, check what type of check will be carried out before submitting your application.

Do you have to pay a deposit for broadband?

Not necessarily. However, some providers may ask for a deposit or payment upfront if they are not prepared to offer you the usual payment arrangement.

Before agreeing to a deposit, check:

• Whether it is refundable
• When it will be returned
• Whether it is instead used towards your broadband payments
• Whether there are any other upfront costs
• What happens if you cancel the service

A deposit can make broadband accessible where you might otherwise struggle to meet the provider's usual payment requirements, but it does not guarantee that the provider will accept your application.

Can you get broadband with bad credit or no credit history?

Yes, potentially. Having a poor credit history and having no credit history are not the same thing. Someone with little or no borrowing history may simply have less information on their credit file, rather than a record of missed payments or defaults.

If you have recently moved to the UK, are young, or have never used credit before, you may have a limited credit history rather than a poor one. This can affect how some providers assess your application, but it does not necessarily prevent you from getting broadband.

Could a social tariff be a better option?

If you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, a social tariff could be worth checking before looking specifically for broadband without a credit check.

Social tariffs are cheaper broadband and phone packages available to eligible customers. They are designed for people who may otherwise struggle to afford their communications services. Eligibility varies between providers, but can include people receiving certain benefits such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit or Employment and Support Allowance. However, being eligible for a social tariff does not necessarily mean you will automatically be accepted without a credit check, so check the provider's requirements before signing up.

Ofcom maintains a list of available social tariffs. See Ofcom’s current social tariff information. If you think you might qualify, our guide to cheaper broadband for low-income households explains social tariffs, eligibility and what to do if a provider does not offer one.

What should you check before signing up?

If you are looking for broadband without a credit check, do not focus only on whether a provider carries out a credit check. Check the whole package before committing.

Look at:

• Total monthly cost: Check the standard price as well as any introductory discount.
• Upfront costs: Find out whether you need to pay a deposit, activation fee or installation charge.
• Contract length: A cheaper monthly price may come with a longer minimum term.
• Exit fees: Check what happens if you need to leave before the end of the contract.
• Speed: Make sure the advertised speed is suitable for how your household uses the internet.
• Payment method: Check whether the provider requires Direct Debit, upfront payment or another arrangement.
• Availability: Not every provider or package is available at every address.

If you are unsure which type of broadband is right for you, our guide to broadband types explains the main connection options and what they mean for your home.

Compare broadband options at your address

Once you know what type of payment arrangement you are looking for, you can check which broadband options are available at your address.

Availability and eligibility can vary, so an address check can give you a better idea of what you can actually choose from rather than relying on general provider availability.

Check broadband options at your address

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