Credit Card/Bank a/c how far do they check back?

Bosie

I've wondered this before when you apply for a credit product, how far do they go back. On BT's website to get their services it's only 2 years. What about credit card companies? I did read once that A&L bank want 5 years of history!
Reading the forums it seems like HSBC offer a good service and have plenty of branches.

I was surprised to get a few credit offers and think they can't of gone back more than 3 years, as after that it was a big black hole:eek:

never-in-doubt

They go back 3 years if nothing adverse. If adverse data appears they go back 6 years.

No-one ever goes for 5 and similarly, no-one looks beyond 6.

However, the exception to this is that you can, if you pick the right lender, get away with 1yr and this works by having no adverse and a full year payment history but few use this (Tesco do)

savagej

A&L specifically state on their website when applying for a current account they want 5 years of address history.

The facts don't lie.

You are applying for a Current Account

To continue with your application, please make sure the following apply.

• You are at least 18 years of age.

• You live in the UK permanently for tax purposes. We do not accept applications from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands.

• You do not have a history of bad credit (in other words county court judgements or bankruptcy).

You will need the following information when completing your application.

• All the addresses you have lived at for the last 5 years (including postcodes).

• Your existing current account details (if these apply).

• Your e-mail address.

• Your employment or college details.

Before going ahead with your application, you should read the declaration, interest rates (pdf), fees (pdf) and Banking Code (pdf). To read a PDF document, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or above. To download this please visit the Adobe website.
(You may want to save or print a copy of these for your records.)

never-in-doubt

Savage mate - sorry I thought Bosie meant 'go back' as in with adverse data - not addresses! LOL (like how long do they search back on the Credit File for missed payments etc)

Mostly it would be 3 years but a couple (Mint and Tesco come to mind) only ask for last 2 years history. Evidently, A&L ask for 5 years!

Bosie

Thanks for that info, my main reason is I'd like to try for an account with HSBC as they seem a decent bank and plenty of branches.

never-in-doubt

Bosie wrote: »

Thanks for that info, my main reason is I'd like to try for an account with HSBC as they seem a decent bank and plenty of branches.

I love them - they will be easy when you have a few green [0]'s on your file from the other new credit accounts you have.....