topic Re: Home security requires 750??? in General Credit Topics

Home security requires 750???

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 02:41:39 GMT

In the process of buying a home, we started looking into home security systems. Today my BF contacted Protect America and they stated they required a credit check in order to "qualify" to use their system. They couldn't answer whether it would be a hard or soft inquiry, he agreed anyway. After pulling his credit they proceeded to explain that he wouldn't qualify because his score was less than a 750! They then asked him if he had anyone that could "co-sign" for the system. My BF explained that I was at work and he would have to check with me. They responded by saying they would be happy to call him back in 15 minutes and if I had agreed they would run MY credit.

Is this standard procedure to require such a high score to have a home security system? Does anyone know if this is a hard or soft inquiry? Isn't it illegal for them to run my credit without at least getting verbal consent directly from me first? How is it that my 725 can qualify to buy the home but not to protect it?

Re: Home security requires 750???

llecs — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:30:05 GMT

If buying a home, I'd wait until close to get the system just in case inquiries do appear.

I don't have any experience with that company, but DW and I ordered ADT shortly after moving in. It was a hard inquiry and the score was a TU or EQ FICO, but I can't remember the detail though. So, is it standard to have a hard inquiry? I guess so. You'd have to pull your report to see if that was the case.

Not sure on the legality.

It does seem that their credit standard was a bit tight.

Re: Home security requires 750???

Anonymous — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 05:49:30 GMT

@llecs wrote:
If buying a home, I'd wait until close to get the system just in case inquiries do appear.

I don't have any experience with that company, but DW and I ordered ADT shortly after moving in. It was a hard inquiry and the score was a TU or EQ FICO, but I can't remember the detail though. So, is it standard to have a hard inquiry? I guess so. You'd have to pull your report to see if that was the case.

Not sure on the legality.

It does seem that their credit standard was a bit tight.

Thank you for the input. Does anyone know of any home security systems companies that do not require an inquiry? I avoid inquiries like the plague, especially if they will not result in the desired outcome as in this case.

Re: Home security requires 750???

cdtotten — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:03:17 GMT

The only way I can see you getting around not having your credit run is if you were willing to prepay for everything and give a deposit for the equipment. They are not going to install expensive equipment in your home and provide monthly services if they can't verify that you are likely to pay. I know all major security companies will run your credit.

Re: Home security requires 750???

mocha82 — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 20:37:26 GMT

+1 I have ADT and I don't recall them doing a credit check. Maybe my salesperson got around that part somehow because if it was based on credit, last year I wouldn't have my system. That's for sure.

Re: Home security requires 750???

laz98 — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:53:32 GMT

we have a local security system, & they don't ask for anything like that. good to know, in case i ever consider ADT or the likes.

Re: Home security requires 750???

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:20 GMT

@laz98 wrote:
we have a local security system, & they don't ask for anything like that. good to know, in case i ever consider ADT or the likes.

Local security system? How does that work? What is the name of the company? Perhaps I should look into that.

Re: Home security requires 750???

laz98 — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:24:50 GMT

that should say "local security system company" it's called security dynamics, but i don't think they have a website. anyway, it's a local company, so i don't think you would be able to get service with them. it has the same monitoring services that the larger companies have.

Re: Home security requires 750???

mocha82 — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 01:05:59 GMT

Contact ADT. See what they have to say. They are a great company and have great specials.

Re: Home security requires 750???

cdtotten — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:54:01 GMT

Just remember that most home security packages that offer no installation/equipment costs, etc. will typically require a three (3) year contract. That is a LONG time to lock yourself into an expensive monthly service.

Re: Home security requires 750???

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:56:35 GMT

Yes they require 3 years and I agree that is a very long time. However, I've been shopping around and even if I do my own installation and pay for the equipment outright they are still asking for a minimum of two years and the monthly charge is still the same! If they aren't giving you the equipment the price should go down. It doesn't make sense.

RRe: Home security requires 750???

ladana — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 20:19:51 GMT

I work for ADT corp we dont require a 750 credit score, we dont do credit checks. Adt authorized dealers require a credit check in order to get their system. And yes contracts are 3yrs but we do offer relocation if the customer moves within the 3yr years.

Re: RRe: Home security requires 750???

mocha82 — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 23:37:07 GMT

Re: RRe: Home security requires 750???

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 01:18:55 GMT

@ladana wrote:
I work for ADT corp we dont require a 750 credit score, we dont do credit checks. Adt authorized dealers require a credit check in order to get their system. And yes contracts are 3yrs but we do offer relocation if the customer moves within the 3yr years.

Excellent information! Thank you.