Is this false advertising by Abbey? - Resolved

abinanthanb

firsttimestudent wrote: »

Hello! Thanks again for your replies. I hadn't gone to the branch yet, but did have a word again with the complaints team person.

Basically my main point is to see if I can get a higher limit. I believe a credit search now, with the 'reduced debt' will be of benefit to my application.

My main thing to get out of her is: will I get credit searched? She said no I won't. But she doesn't seem to be sure if it means I will not be searched at all; or it means I will be searched but then it will be removed.

I did ask her if I can try a normal application first, then only if it is declined, use the 'trump card' to get the guaranteed one. She said yes I can, but did stress that she won't be able to remove that credit search then if I do decide a 'normal application' in the first place.

I wonder if you think my plan is a good one? To do a 'normal one' first then only use the guaranteed one if it fails.

Thanks for any input!

I thought your application was actually rejected and you are just using the promise "to be approved automatically" to get a credit card!! Why would you want to apply again and get rejected and get a footprint on your credit report?!!!

firsttimestudent

In my case, I had 3 credit cards. A LTSB one with £1400 limit, a Halifax one with £2300 limit and Natwest one with £1200 limit. Only the Halifax one was maxed out at about £2250 (as it was in promotional 0% period), the others are all cleared monthly.

I noticed since I had the Halifax one - I seem to be declined for any further credit cards. I think I was at the saturation point, based on my income.

I applied for the Abbey Bank Account when my Halifax card was still not cleared. The Bank Account was approved without any problems at all, but the credit card was declined. As it was promised/guaranteed, that was the basis of my complaint. This was upheld.

Now my point is - with my Halifax card cleared - I believe I am now under the saturation point again and hence could get a higher limit.

In view of what I said, would you think it's good to do a normal application (and hence the search) first, and only use the guarantee when needed; or would you say, don't bother - just get the guaranteed one?

Thanks!

Innocent_Guy

Hi Guys, in exactly the same situation as the OP. Have appealed CC descion and will let you all know the outcome.

Really glad that I was pointed towards this thread.

firsttimestudent

Hello, just an update.

I went to an Abbey branch today, and showed them the letter.

So the branch staff started by starting a new application, this time, my application was "Referred" as opposed to "Awaiting Appeal/Decline". (I guess it means my credit card closure recently has 'improved' my ratings somewhat!)

They called the underwriter listed on the letter. I showed the branch staff a closure letter from Halifax and asked her to convey it to the person. The underwriter said, I was told, that as I'm going through the 'guaranteed' route, she really can only give me a £250 credit limit. She also confirmed with me that my credit search will be removed.

On reflection, I guess if I never shown them the letter in the first place and waited for the referral, I may be able to get a higher limit.

But I guess it's okay - the next 'overseas' trip for me is 10 months away anyway! A credit limit increase should be on the cards soon - I had been maintaining my Nationwide accounts well too (I guess) and that will be the next one for my application!

score

firsttimestudent wrote: »

Hello, just an update.

I went to an Abbey branch today, and showed them the letter.

So the branch staff started by starting a new application, this time, my application was "Referred" as opposed to "Awaiting Appeal/Decline". (I guess it means my credit card closure recently has 'improved' my ratings somewhat!)

They called the underwriter listed on the letter. I showed the branch staff a closure letter from Halifax and asked her to convey it to the person. The underwriter said, I was told, that as I'm going through the 'guaranteed' route, she really can only give me a £250 credit limit. She also confirmed with me that my credit search will be removed.

On reflection, I guess if I never shown them the letter in the first place and waited for the referral, I may be able to get a higher limit.

But I guess it's okay - the next 'overseas' trip for me is 10 months away anyway! A credit limit increase should be on the cards soon - I had been maintaining my Nationwide accounts well too (I guess) and that will be the next one for my application!

Hi there I just wanted to know how many credit searches were undertaken was it 1 as you applied for both products together initally or is it 2?

firsttimestudent

score wrote: »

Hi there I just wanted to know how many credit searches were undertaken was it 1 as you applied for both products together initally or is it 2?

The CSA helped me to apply for the current account first, and then applied for the credit card. She informed me that as the searches are done in the same day, it will only report as one. She does seem extremely competent in what she was doing, so I did not really doubt her.

I haven't applied for a new Credit Report recently so won't be able to confirm for sure.

Innocent_Guy

I was only searched for the CC. Not sure if the used my internal score to open current account although she did say she was going to search

score

Innocent_Guy wrote: »

I was only searched for the CC. Not sure if the used my internal score to open current account although she did say she was going to search

Hi, which credit agencies was used in your application? Did you apply for the current and credit card together?

Innocent_Guy

score wrote: »

Hi, which credit agencies was used in your application? Did you apply for the current and credit card together?

Hi,

I had a search on Experian....
They applied for current account and then applied for CC the next day.

I only had a search for the credit card tho?

maybe this is because I already hold an Abbey bank account

dfh

If you use it sensibly,credit limits are usually reviewed once every six months.