Hi Lisa,
I to had a bad credit history but i went to the t-moble shop picket the mobile i wanted, picked the contract i wanted and got 1 no problems, i paid nothing @ all. If u can get t-mobile i recomend it, t-mobile have a great package at the moment. i get £60 worth of call time or i can use it on anything i like ie: text picture messages, ect, i also have web and walk. i can hook my mobile up to the lap top and surf the internet with it and also surf the net on my phone, this is unlimited all i pay is £21 a month. Have i sold t-mobile to you? good luck, give them a try