First Direct, interesting dilemma!

TheEffect

I'm 18, and applied for a 1st account, savings account and credit card in March for First Direct. I didn't have much on my credit file, so got declined.

I wasn't aware you had to wait 6 months before reapplying, so I reapplied yesterday for a 1st account and savings.

I phoned First Direct up an hour after my application, and they said nothing has shown for an application today, however you applied 2 months ago and we require you to wait 6 months between applications.

I got an email today from First Direct saying

''Thank you for your recent request to join first direct.

Full details about a first direct 1st Account, along with an application form containing the information you have provided, are now on their way to you. When you receive your application, please check that the information it contains is correct, then sign and return it to us.

Subject to our final checks, we will be happy to open your 1st Account for you as soon as we receive the signed application form.

If you have any queries regarding your application, please contact us on 0800 24 24 24.

Regards''

I phoned them and just explained to the lady who said I had been accepted so far, and that I must sign the application form they send me and return it.

I then told her that I was unaware that you must wait 6 months between applications. She had a look at all my application details from march and now and she just said that she's not quite sure whats happened and that she'll ring the applications department tomorrow at 1pm when she starts her shift and find out whats happening, and possibly get them to destroy the application or take appropriate action.

I said to her does this mean your going to decline me, even though you're now saying I've been accepted, and she just said she'll explain my circumstances to them tomorrow and try and see what she can get sorted out.

I'm gutted really. Wished I didn't phone, and just left it to sign and return and maybe they wouldn't have noticed.

They seem such a good bank and the lady was so polite and helpful.

So do you think they're going to destroy my application tomorrow?

ShelfStacker_3

I got the same thing about a year ago and was declined after sending back the forms, despite being given card limits and such over the phone.

To be honest, you'd be lucky given your age and lack of a credit history to get an account with FD (I'm not much older and got accepted, probably because of my history with HSBC). But hey, if the woman wants to put a word in for you, maybe she can pull some strings? I dunno.

Doshamento

It sounds as if it will go to manual underwriting by the description of your post and the feedback that you got from FD representative plus her intervention may help.

However, it appears that the computer system has picked up a second application within the required 6 months eligibility.

Fingers crossed!

TheEffect

Doshamento wrote: »

It sounds as if it will go to manual underwriting by the description of your post and the feedback that you got from FD representative plus her intervention may help.

However, it appears that the computer system has picked up a second application within the required 6 months eligibility.

Fingers crossed!

It already went to manual review who accepted it. This is why she said 'We may to be having words with the person who accepted it'.

I'll keep you updated and let you know what they say tomorrow.

TheEffect

Lady from First Direct phoned back. She said 'We have canceled your application and sent you a letter about this'. I told her it's very unfair that I was honest with you, and you've thrown it back in my face. She just said they would have realized once I returned the application anyway and that I must wait 4 more months before applying again.

Thinking of sending a letter to them... is it worth it?

simax

No. Not worth it at all. They've told you to wait. Save the paper

TheEffect

Spoke to supervisor and manager today. The only reason it was sent out to me as an application was because I put the wrong account number in the application for my old account. They said it would have been declined straight after I sent the application back anyway. I now have to wait 6 months before applying with them again. Just going to stick with Lloyds TSB.

Extant

It's their policy. The fact that you were honest about breaking it doesn't entitle you to anything.

Aspiring

Very unfortunate, but, that is how they work.

Despite your integrity, it would have been picked up when you sent the forms back and if you think about it, that would only have extended the 6months further.

This way, you've saved yourself a few days.

If you prefer Lloyds, then that's fine and dandy - good luck.

never-in-doubt

Did they ring your employers mate? As part of their checks...?

p.s. I started a new 1st Direct thread for my questions lol: http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1682195

TheEffect

I hope not. I only work part-time at a cinema, and I just put the main film number, rather then my local private work number for my branch. That way, it's much harder for them to get in contact with my employer. I don't want credit companies ringing my work. That'd definitely not be acceptable in my eyes, at least not without ringing me and asking first.