topic Re: Freeze credit to avoid HP from utility provider? in General Credit Topics

Freeze credit to avoid HP from utility provider?

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:10:36 GMT

Hi all, so I'm trying to avoid hard pulls leading up to a mortgage application in about 1-2 years. I was thinking, what if i were to freeze my credit before signing up for this new utility provider? Do you think they would deny me service? I believe my credit was frozen this time I signed up with a (different) utility provider, and all they did was make me give them a security deposit. Have any of you guys done this?

Re: Freeze credit to avoid HP from utility provider?

barca — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:30:28 GMT

When I wanted to sign for ATT wireless postpay - they wanted to run credit check on me.

However, I already was using ATT Uverse internet and TV, so I had my credit frozen.

Since I figure I already have internal credit with them

They run a credit check , but used my internal credit with them.

I was approved and no issues, not even a deposit was required

As always, YMMV. it will depend on the utility company and thier policy.

Re: Freeze credit to avoid HP from utility provider?

FireMedic1 — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 09:30:00 GMT

It would help if you post who your talking about so there may be someone who has/had the same situation.

Re: Freeze credit to avoid HP from utility provider?

tcbofade — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:15:09 GMT

Try it and see.

I think that you're too worried about a utility inquiry.

IF you apply for a mortgage in the next 12 months, you MAY have to explain the inquiry. That'd be easy and no one would question it.

You're too worried.

Re: Freeze credit to avoid HP from utility provider?

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 03:31:46 GMT

Per Experian, a utility (gas, water) will only do a soft pull. So, I'm in the "you're too worried" camp. They don't even report these types of accounts to the CBs — even if they're deliquent. I don't know why, but probably because utilities are a necessity of life for most people unless you've figured out how to live off grid. They have everyone between a rock and a hard place so they know you'll have to figure out how to get your utilities paid somehow.

Just in case you are, don't get cell phone and internet service providers confused with being utility companies — they are not utilities. Experian offers a product called Boost where you can have your payment history reported to them to raise your credit scores.

Personally, I'd never do that. Knowing that they'd never report you to CB is my ace in the hole. If I need to "rob Peter to pay Paul" as my mom used to say, I can always make a partial payment to the gas or electric company and try to catch up at a later date. I haven't had to do that in a really long time, but still... ya never know.