Variation of address and applying for Nationwide CC - what should I do

firsttimestudent

Hi,

I've previously mentioned that after moving to my new flat, I am having problems with credit applications because of the way my address is listed (electoral roll version and Royal Mail version is different).

I've contacted Experian to add a "variation of address" to my electoral roll, such that if the lenders search the post office version, they can still see my credit report. They wrote back saying it is done, but doesn't seem so when I checked my report today.

Now, I have a Nationwide Flexaccount (Cashcard) back before I moved to this new address (Sep 08). Went to branch back then, and typing in my postcode, they used the Royal Mail version of the address. Applied for their credit card in Jan 09, declined. Applied in Feb 09 for their Flexaccount, got accepted with their Debit Card and chequebook. On both occassions, no credit searches were seen on my credit report.

With my Halifax One card promotional period coming to an end in late July, I'm thinking about applying for Nationwide's CC in late June to do a BT. But I still remember that Nationwide's online CC application insists that my address be the one that I'm currently registered with(the Royal Mail version). If I want to change it, I need to go to a branch to change it.

But I'm also wondering, if I were to change it now, it will affect my internal scoring with Nationwide (will this change in address variation cause some 'instability' problems, i.e. I will be perceived to be in this address for a much shorter period than I do)

Or should I pursue Experian again and insist that they put things right?

Really appreciate any advice I can get here, thanks!

Moggles_2

Irrespective of the version used by the Royal Mail, I would make sure your name and current address matches the details as they appear on the electoral register. You can inspect the electoral roll at your nearest public library.*

Pay particular attention to the way first name(s) as well as surname are recorded. Also an extra line may be inserted/omitted or the order reversed, where new build, a house name or a block of flats is involved. You'd be surprised how often this happens.

When you apply for credit facilities, bank accounts or to the credit reference agencies, ensure your address matches the details as they appear on the register.

* If you opted out of the edited register (which is sold to anyone who wants to buy and which may be viewed in a public library), you can check the full version at your local electoral registration office

withnell

If the electoral roll has your details wrong, maybe you should contact them to get them corrected?

Moggles_2

withnell wrote: »

If the electoral roll has your details wrong, maybe you should contact them to get them corrected?

There's unlikely to be a right and wrong version. Usually, it comes down to a difference of opinion as to how an address should be formatted.

firsttimestudent

Thanks for your replies!

Moggles, I understand what you've told men and I know what my electoral roll version is. It's just that I remember when going to bank branches, they just type in my Postcode, and then ask for a number. Some banks result in me having the electoral roll version (e.g. Natwest and Halifax), whereas some result in me having the Royal Mail version (e.g. Nationwide).

I can't change my address format when I apply for Nationwide's CC (because that's the address my Nationwide account is registered to). If I want to change it, I need to go to a branch or send in a form.

I am thinking about sending in a change of address form with a cover letter telling them about my problems - I was just concerned Nationwide's computer systems will interpret "ahh, this person has just moved in 1 month ago - as opposed to 8 months ago".

What would you do in this case? Send in the form as I think?

Thanks!

Trying_to_be_good

Moggles wrote: »

There's unlikely to be a right and wrong version. Usually, it comes down to a difference of opinion as to how an address should be formatted.

There are two versions of my address, the electoral roll use a different address to everyone else, so I'm in the same position as the OP. And to make matters a bit more complex, my last address also had two variations. And I've got married, so two surnames are associated with me at each of the two variations of the two addresses.

I've asked Experian to add the variations of the address and they're in the process of doing that. I show on the electoral roll, but in my maiden name, and the Council are supposed to be updating that at the moment.

Give Experian another call - it showed overnight when they did the change for me. And keep checking and amending as you go!

Does anyone know - do I need to tell all three credit reference agencies, or just Experian?

Moggles_2

firsttimestudent wrote: »

I can't change my address format when I apply for Nationwide's CC (because that's the address my Nationwide account is registered to). If I want to change it, I need to go to a branch or send in a form. I am thinking about sending in a change of address form with a covering letter telling them about my problems. I was just concerned Nationwide's computer systems will interpret "ahh, this person has just moved in 1 month ago - as opposed to 8 months ago". What would you do in this case? Send in the form as I think?

Yes, definitely. In the long run, you'd be better off, IMO

Moggles_2

Trying_to_be_good wrote: »

There are two versions of my address, the electoral roll use a different address from everyone else and, to make matters a bit more complex, my last address also had two variations. And I've got married, so two surnames are associated with me at each of the two variations of the two addresses. I show on the electoral roll, but in my maiden name and the Council are supposed to be updating that at the moment. Do I need to tell all three credit reference agencies or just Experian?

The most important thing, IMO, is to make sure you're on the electoral roll under your married name at your current address. Everything else should fall into place, but check that these details - electoral status and married name - are recorded correctly on your Experian and Equifax reports before you apply for new credit facilities

Jemma-T

Something dodgy about Nationwide's address database.

I got a new account from them last week and for the first time ever I had a problem with my 60 year old never changed address. Looking at the paperwork (letters through the post) it looks like one part of the Nationwide likes to use whatever people put in ie "Old Tree Brook Cottage" when it should be "1 Pig Bum Lane" and then another part only uses the "1 Pig Bum Lane".

I tried to register online and it failed saying I'd entered an address not registered. I noticed the error immediately and went off to the local branch (no choice really) and pointed out the difference. The 'girl' was pretty thick and mumbled something and fixed the problem (when I say she fixed it she wrote something on a PostIt® note and stuck it on the side of her desk -online registration worked the next day). She amended some of the account details to what the Royal Mail show.

Check what the Royal Mail have and stick with it http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/postcodefinder?catId=400145&pageId=pcaf_pc_search&gear=postcode I remember my Sister had a problem with the RM database and she emailed them and they fixed it (took 3 weeks to reply but they fixed a problem which had been going on for decades).

Moggles_2

Jemma-T wrote: »

Something dodgy about Nationwide's address database. I got a new account from them last week and for the first time ever I had a problem with my 60 year old never changed address. Looking at the paperwork (letters through the post) it looks like one part of the Nationwide likes to use whatever people put in ie "Old Tree Brook Cottage" when it should be "1 Pig Bum Lane" and then another part only uses the "1 Pig Bum Lane".

If you're absolutely consistent when form-filling, this shouldn't arise.

For instance, if a house name isn't strictly needed because you have a house number, I would omit the name altogether on your correspondence. This will save you a lot of grief

custardy

Moggles wrote: »

If you're absolutely consistent when form-filling, this shouldn't arise.

For instance, if a house name isn't strictly needed because you have a house number, I would omit the name altogether on your correspondence. This will save you a lot of grief

not always that simple
eg on my old duty i had 2 flats which for council tax purposes had their flat numbers reversed
but nothing else
these were written 1F1 and 1F2 (standard layout for tenement flats) so the council for some reason had revesed these flats in a street with 30 buildings only these were like this.