What is a bad credit score?
Your credit score has a major impact on your ability to borrow from lenders. But what is a bad credit score and how is it affecting you? Understanding your credit rating is the first step to improving it
Mobile and broadband expert
Joe Minihane
Joe Minihane is a freelance journalist and author with 20 years' experience.
Having worked on staff at Stuff and T3, as well as writing about consumer technology for publications including Wired and Shortlist, Joe is well versed in the latest products and offerings from the biggest names in tech and telecoms.
Joe also writes about travel, with his work appearing in the Mail on Sunday, the Guardian, the Independent and Lonely Planet.
More from Joe Minihane
BT Business broadband review 2026
Looking to sign up for BT Business broadband? Then read our full review to see how it stacks up now.
TalkTalk Business broadband review 2026
Weighing up TalkTalk Business broadband? Let us take you through it with our comprehensive review
View all
News & Guides
- Truespeed review 2026 Truespeed specialises in bringing fast broadband to rural areas. We take a look at its prices, speeds and more to see how it measures up to the competition.
- TalkTalk Fibre 65 broadband TalkTalk's top FTTC fibre-optic broadband clocks in at an average 67Mbps. Here's everything you need to know about the package.
- Vodafone Fibre 2: What you need to know For standard fibre optic broadband with just a little more oomph, Vodafone Fibre 2 is a pretty good call. Here's everything you need to know about it.
- How to cancel Virgin Media broadband Ready to move on from your Virgin Media broadband package? Here's what you need to know.
- How to cancel Sky broadband So the time has come to cancel your Sky broadband plan. Here's what you need to do.
- Economy 7 How does Economy 7 work? And can it save you money? Read on and we'll walk you through what you need to know.
- Which is cheaper: gas or electric? If you're looking to save money on your energy bills, it's handy to know just how expensive gas and electricity are - and how gas and electric heating systems compare. Let's look at the two side by side.
- What are TA forms?
- Are mortgage rates likely to go up or down in 2026?
- What's the difference between joint tenants and tenants in common?
- How much deposit do you need for a house?
- Should I buy a house with subsidence?
- What is a debt management plan (DMP)? Get the inside line on Debt Management Plans (DMPs) and see if they could help you get on top of your debts.
- Three review: Is Three any good in 2026? With cheap deals, an array of cutting edge handsets, and the fastest 5G network, Three has long been a great bet for anyone looking to keep costs down while still getting a plan from one of the UK's 'big four' mobile networks.
- Boiler grants for new and replacement boilers With the cost of a new boiler stretching into thousands, depending on the kind of model you want and any additional work that needs to take place, any kind of financial support is welcome. The good news is that there are numerous grants and schemes run by the government and private providers that offer major discounts, which mean that having a new heating system installed doesn’t have to break the bank.
- How Long Do CCJs or Bankruptcy Remain On My Credit File? If you’re subject to a county court judgement (CCJ), individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) or have been declared bankrupt, removing such details from your credit file can take time. Read on and we’ll explain what you can do to ensure you keep access to credit if you have a CCJ, and how CCJs affect your credit rating.
- Condensing boilers vs combi boilers Understanding how condensing and combi boilers differ is vital when it comes to replacing your existing heating system. By doing so, you’ll be able to work out exactly what you need and how much you’re likely to have to spend to have your old boiler replaced.
- Where can I watch the Champions League? When are the next Champions League games? Where can you watch them? And what's the best way to watch the Champions League for free? We run you through what you need to know.
- Where can I watch boxing in the UK? Your blow-by-blow account of where to watch the biggest bouts and how to catch big-name fights for less outlay.
- How to make your TV smart Not minded to shell out for a smart TV? The good news is you don't have to. Set top boxes, games consoles and streaming sticks can turn your standard TV into a smart TV in no time. And often for a lot less outlay.
- EE broadband upgrade deals for existing customers When your broadband contract ends, it’s vital to either look for a deal with a new provider or try and find a better package with your existing supplier. While switching is easy, staying put can have its benefits too, from a lack of interruption of service to rewards for staying loyal.
- What channels can I get on Sky Glass and Sky Stream? Sold on Sky TV, but not sure which TV package to get with your Sky Glass or Sky Stream set-up? We'll help you make sense of what's available with our one-stop guide.
- Debt-to-income ratio explained What does debt-to-income ratio mean? How do lenders use it to make decisions on your credit-worthiness? And how you improve yours? Read on and we'll fill you in.
- What channels can I get on EE TV? EE TV packages aren't cheap. But you get a lot of channels for your outlay. We take a look at the channels and programming you can expect to watch on EE's key TV packages.
- Where can I watch Formula One (F1) in the UK? Which streaming services show F1 races? When's the next Formula One race? And how much will it cost me to watch the full race season or a one-off race? We answer your questions.
- Warm Home Discount and Social Tariffs Struggling to manage your energy bills? Our guide walks you through your options.
- giffgaff review: is giffgaff any good in 2026? giffgaff is known for low-cost SIM-only plans and customer-focused service. We take a close look at what it's got to offer.
- iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13 review Apple’s iPhone range is evolving. So, does the iPhone 14 do enough to beat its predecessor, the iPhone 13? From camera to display, to performance and battery life, we run the rule over both devices to see which comes out on top. Read our iPhone 14 vs iPhone 13 review to find out now.
- Is the iPhone 14 Plus worth buying in 2026? The iPhone 14 Plus is the big screen version of Apple’s iPhone 14, with broadly the same spec sheet. It has less tech prowess than the capacious iPhone 14 Pro Max, but doesn’t come with the same wallet-melting price tag. Read on to see if it’s worth buying.
- Is the Apple iPhone 14 worth buying in 2026? Apple’s iPhone 14 is part of its latest smartphone range. But with Plus sized and Pro versions of the device, is the vanilla model worth buying in 2022? Read on and we’ll reveal all.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus review: Is the Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus worth buying in 2026? Don’t be fooled by its age. The 2021 Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus is still a superb smartphone with a hugely impressive spec sheet. Read on for the full lowdown in our Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus review.
- Samsung Galaxy A23 review: Is the Galaxy A23 worth buying in 2026? What's Samsung's mid-tier budget phone like to use and own? Well, corners have been cut, but Samsung has kept what's important. Read on for our full review.
- Is the Samsung Galaxy A22 worth buying in 2026? What's to like about the Samsung Galaxy A22? We run the rule over Samsung's affordable smartphone in our comprehensive review.
- Is the Samsung Galaxy A13 worth buying in 2026? The Samsung Galaxy A13 is the Korean tech giant’s 2022 budget device, a simple smartphone designed to do the basics well. Read our Samsung Galaxy A13 review now to see how it measures up.
- TalkMobile review: Is TalkMobile any good in 2026? How does TalkMobile stack up? Are its SIM-only plans the way forward for savvy smartphone owners? Read on and we’ll reveal all.
- O2 Mobile review: is O2 Mobile any good in 2026? As the UK’s oldest network, O2 has plenty going for it. After years in the game, it’s got a solid understanding of what gets customers coming back for more, with a great range of handsets, impressive SIM only plans and plenty of perks too.
- Lyca Mobile vs Lebara: Which is better? Both Lyca Mobile and Lebara offer affordable SIM-only plans with international minutes included, making them great options if you have family living overseas. But which is best for you?
- EE review: Is EE any good in 2026? EE’s rapid 4G and amazing array of phones make it the network to beat in the UK.
- bOnline broadband review 2026 bOnline does the basics well, with good speeds and good prices. It's also highly rated for customer service. Read on to see if it's the right provider for you.
- iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro review Apple’s best ever iPhones, the iPhone 14 Pro Max and iPhone 14 Pro, go head to head. How do they differ? And which one is the best? Read on and we’ll reveal all in our iPhone 14 Pro Max vs iPhone 14 Pro review.
- Where can I watch the Premier League? Watching Premier League games live can be an expensive business. We take a look at what's on offer from Sky, Prime Video and TNT Sports to hep you find a package that lets you see the games you want for the least outlay.
- Vodafone Fibre 1 broadband Vodafone's entry-level fibre optic broadband package clocks in at an average 38Mbps download speed and gives you everything you need for a basic fibre connection. Here's what you need to know.
- Virgin Media Business broadband review 2026 Need business broadband? Virgin Media is fast, affordable and well worth a look. Read on for a more complete picture....
- Sky vs NOW Broadband review: Which is better? Sky and NOW Broadband come from the same stable. So, which is best? The fully fledged Sky offering? Or NOW Broadband’s snappy service without the added bells and whistles? Read our full Sky vs NOW Broadband review to find out now.
- KCOM review 2026 KCOM specialises in super-fast fibre broadband. Originally solely available in Hull, it's now available in surrounding areas, too. We take a look at its key selling points.
- Zen Internet review 2026 Prices aren’t cheap, but with deals only running to 12 months, Zen Internet has plenty to recommend it. Read our full Zen Internet broadband review 2021 for the full lowdown.
- Are new boilers more efficient? If you’re confused about boiler efficiency, what it means and whether your existing boiler is efficient enough, then our guide is here to explain everything you need to know. This includes details on whether new boilers are more efficient, as well tips on making your current boiler more efficient, saving you money in the process.
- Where does my energy come from in the UK
- Who are Ofgem?
- What Are My Rights as an Energy Consumer
- What is a tenants' association?
- What is a reserve fund?
- TalkTalk broadband routers - 2026 Are TalkTalk routers any good? What features do you get? We've weighed everything up...
- Vodafone broadband routers - 2026 What features do you get with Vodafone routers? From signal strength to range, we weigh up the good and the bad.
- All you need to know about Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)
- What channels can I get with Virgin Media TV? Virgin Media TV packages offer 150+ channels including sports, movies, kids TV, international channels, news, and more. Here's what you can expect to watch on Virgin Media's key TV packages.
- What is a good credit score? A good credit score usually means lenders will offer you better deals and lower interest rates. But what is a good score and how can you improve yours?
- The true cost of fixing a boiler It’s everyone’s worst nightmare – a boiler breakdown, particularly in the winter months. It’s not just the inconvenience and the discomfort, but also the expense.
- How to Cancel TalkTalk Broadband
- What is a ground source heat pump? You may have heard ground source heat pumps touted as the future of home heating. But how do they work? And is it worth getting one when your existing boiler reaches the end of its life cycle? Read on and we’ll explain everything you need to know about this eco-friendly heating system.
- What are air source heat pumps? As many of us look to switch to greener, more affordable sources of energy, air source heat pumps may offer the answer. Read on and we’ll explain what they are, how they work and whether you should upgrade now.
- How to Cancel EE Broadband Thinking about cancelling your EE broadband package and switching providers? Here's everything you need to know about how to cancel EE broadband.
- System boilers vs combi boilers: what’s the difference? System boilers and combi boilers differ in one crucial area: while system boilers require a dedicated cylinder to supply hot water, combi (or combination) boilers offer hot water on demand without the need for any separate equipment. There are, though, a few other differences. Read our guide to system boilers vs combi boilers to find out more.
- How long does it take to fit a boiler? Depending on your home and the type of boiler you’re having fitted, installation can take anywhere from a few hours to three days. Read on and we’ll take a closer look so you know what to expect.
- What will replace gas boilers in 2025?
- Sky vs Virgin Media review: Which is best? It’s the battle of the broadband and TV big hitters. It’s hard to pick a winner when it comes to Sky and Virgin, such is the quality of their offerings when it comes to broadband speeds and breadth of their TV offerings. So, which one should you go with? Read our Sky vs Virgin review and we’ll help you decide.
- Is the iPhone SE 2022 worth buying in 2026? It's a small-size, retro-design iPhone with impressively up-to-date specs. But is the 2022-model iPhone SE worth buying?
- Sky Mobile review: Is Sky Mobile any good in 2026? Good value deals and a handy data rollover system make Sky Mobile quite an attractive choice - but is it worth it?
- Three vs Vodafone: Which is better? Three and Vodafone are both well established, big name networks. So, how do they compare?
- O2 vs Vodafone: Which is better? They’re two of the biggest hitters in the mobile world, each offering the very latest smartphones on contract and SIM only deals to entice those happy with their handsets.
- Voxi vs Vodafone: which is better? One is the upstart budget provider. The other is the long standing giant of the mobile scene. So, which is better, Voxi or Vodafone?
- iPhone 12 review | Is the iPhone 12 worth buying in 2026? Apple's iPhone 12 pairs a really good dual cameras with an appealing design and an excellent screen. And because it's no longer a brand new model, it's available for a really good price too.
- VOXI review: is VOXI any good in 2026? VOXI's SIM plans are as basic as they come. But if you like things simple and flexible, then VOXI could well be for you. Read on for our complete VOXI network review.
- Compare Sky Sports packages Sky Sports has been at the top of the table for decades. It has set the standard for coverage of football, cricket, golf and F1, making it a must-have for sports fans.
