First Direct

ayeaye

never-in-doubt wrote: »

woah - I do not want them contacting my HR dept - that is not on (embarrasing)

But thanks for info - helpful.....

I happened to be doing a bit of travel with my HR rep, and asked her about this - apparently it happens all the time though normally when people apply for mortgages but not often for opening new current accounts. So it's pretty standard for them just to confirm your employment and such like.

Although maybe HSBC/FD are taking a more cautious view these days given they're the one bank who haven't had to cap in hand to the taxpayer - so make more rigorous checks on all applications. Who knows.

never-in-doubt

wonder what they'd ask my employer LOL (quite scary the response they'd give)....

Job title: stoner / useless / waste of space / high risk / alcoholic tendancies

Salary: not much really cos you get monkeys, you pay em peanuts

How long he work for you?: Who said he's ever worked? Have I missed something...?

never-in-doubt

*** update ***

still not heard anything - no emails no snail mail so if i'd not rung then i'd be 3 days in the cold by now (brrr)

never-in-doubt

Got forms today to sign and return - it does say on the back of the app form that they reserve the right to decline any application so I wonder have they even run a credit search as yet or is this done at the time they get my forms back?

The credit card form is simply a CCA to sign; again it is very basic which makes it look like a formality, i.e. sign and it;s yours - but I somehow doubt life is that easy.....

anyone know how the 1st direct process works - should I bother to return forms just to be declined.... I am thinking they provisionally approved me the card etc due to my internal score with hsbc - maybe this is all relevant on credit search?

anyone got any idea's

mrmajika

never-in-doubt wrote: »

anyone got any idea's

The way banks run their credit scoring and application processes is all a bit of a mystery; even to those who work in them.

You're best to return the application form, sit it out and see what happens.

FD had a very quick turnaround on my application. If you post it first thing tomorrow, you should be able to phone them the following day and find out what's happening.

Good luck.

never-in-doubt

mrmajika wrote: »

The way banks run their credit scoring and application processes is all a bit of a mystery; even to those who work in them.

You're best to return the application form, sit it out and see what happens.

FD had a very quick turnaround on my application. If you post it first thing tomorrow, you should be able to phone them the following day and find out what's happening.

Good luck.

thanks - so my point remains that they check you after you return the forms then, its not guaranteed just cos they sent them? seems a waste of money lol

mrmajika

never-in-doubt wrote: »

thanks - so my point remains that they check you after you return the forms then, its not guaranteed just cos they sent them? seems a waste of money lol

I have heard of people being delined AFTER receiving the forms and sending them back.

I have also heard of people NOT receiving the forms and being declined straight off.

I can only assume that they do some form of credit score provisionally, then dig a bit deeper once they have the signed agreements back. You have already agreed to the credit search electronically and so I assume that they credit score you at this point.

never-in-doubt

mrmajika wrote: »

I have heard of people being delined AFTER receiving the forms and sending them back.

I have also heard of people NOT receiving the forms and being declined straight off.

I can only assume that they do some form of credit score provisionally, then dig a bit deeper once they have the signed agreements back. You have already agreed to the credit search electronically and so I assume that they credit score you at this point.

Ok that helps and kinda answers my point. Its cos I have an incorrect linked address registered with CRA and usually get declined because of it so didn;t want to ruin my chances with HSBC who I bank with.... however if 1st direct have based original decision on behaviour score then i'd not return forms as it would be a straight no!

never-in-doubt

Returned forms about half hour ago so they can have them to dwell all weekend lol

will keep you posted on progress

CoolishLime

Hi never-in-doubt,

I applied for a FD 1st account last Monday night, got email Tuesday morning to say the forms would be posted.

Forms arrived Thursday and I sent them back Friday. Yesterday I received a 'welcome to Text banking' message to my mobile and when I got home a welcome pack had been delivered with a covering letter asking my to ring to activate my account.

Rang up (phone answered after one ring with no automated messages - very impressive!). The guy went over the account Ts & Cs and my security questions and phone / internet banking details were setup. Was also given the date for my direct debits to be switched and told cheque book and debit card were in the post.