A survey of 2,000 UK adults by loan, mortgage and credit card provider Ocean Finance found that almost four million people have delayed or missed a mobile phone payment.

Under new mortgage rules, which mean lenders carry out stricter affordability tests, a late phone payment could be a red flag.

“Mobile phone contracts are a form of unsecured credit, and having as little as one late payment in the past three years can dramatically affect people’s chances of getting a mortgage,” said Gareth Shilton, a spokesman for Ocean.

“Lenders are now scrutinising every detail of an applicant’s finances, stress-testing their ability to manage a budget and withstand potential interest rate increases.”

Half of those questioned put late payments down to unexpectedly high bills while a further third said they prioritised other bills.

Those in the 18 to 24 age group are most likely to suffer problems with their mobile bills, with nearly a quarter admitting to delaying or missing payments.

“If you plan to apply for credit, make sure you tidy-up your bank statement in advance. Put in place direct debits and set aside the money to pay them, and then cut back on unnecessary spending. It’s crucial to get ‘mortgage fit’ or you may risk losing a house you’ve set your heart on,” Shilton added.

Click here for more on how to get your bank statements mortgage-approval ready

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