First Direct Refusal

ErnieCantDance

Hello all, I'm new here so be please nice .

I currently have 3 bank accounts, 2 with Santander (regular and an e-saver) and one with First Direct (Everyday e-Saver).

I opened the FD account so I could store my savings without being able to dip into them easily, but now I've realised the limits of this account. I can't transfer any money out off the account unless it's to another FD account. No problem, I thought, I'll just sign up for the 1st account with FD.

All done, but today I got a letter advising me that I'd been refused and to contact Experian for any further details.

I checked my Experian listing a few years ago, there were no problems, although I think there was an issue with me not being on the electoral roll.

What do you think would be the best thing to do? I'm wary of checking my Experian file again as I read that it somehow goes against you, but I'm really surprised that I've been declined for just a basic bank account because I don't have any debt, I've never even been overdrawn.

If I don't get a 1st account with FD, how do I get my money out of savings, seeing as I have no cash card or cheque book?

Any advice would be great

anselld

FD website states "instant access by internal transfer to your 1st Account. Transfers to accounts held elsewhere may take longer" which implies you can transfer to another bank, presumably via BACS transfer. Phone them, they will tell you how.

However, assuming you are a UK citizen, etc, it is a legal requirement to register on the electoral role even if you dont intend to vote. You will continue to have credit reference problems if you fail to register.

onlypaddy

checking your own credit report does not harm your credit history

izools

onlypaddy wrote: »

checking your own credit report does not harm your credit history

Yes when Experian / Equifax / Call Credit show your file, the search is recorded as an "Unrecorded Enquiry" as such it is not visible to other creditors and in no way shape or form affects your score

Worth checking! Sign up via Quidco to bag a couple of quid cashback and cancel over the phone within 30 days, and it won't cost you a penny (including cashback you'll be up )

ErnieCantDance

izools wrote: »

Yes when Experian / Equifax / Call Credit show your file, the search is recorded as an "Unrecorded Enquiry" as such it is not visible to other creditors and in no way shape or form affects your score

Worth checking! Sign up via Quidco to bag a couple of quid cashback and cancel over the phone within 30 days, and it won't cost you a penny (including cashback you'll be up )

Thanks, I've signed up to Experian (using Quidco, which I'm new to). They're sending a PIN to my address for me to log-in, so it looks like I'm in for a wait.

LeeSouthEast

If they are sending you a PIN, you're still not on the electoral roll. This will result in blanket refusals from almost any credit provider.

ErnieCantDance

LeeSouthEast wrote: »

If they are sending you a PIN, you're still not on the electoral roll. This will result in blanket refusals from almost any credit provider.

They didn't send me a PIN when I checked it 2 ears ago, has the policy changed?

I am not on the electoral roll, but I didn't think this would stop me from getting a basic bank account (especially as I already have an account with them). I'm not asking for a loan or credit card.

stella2009

ErnieCantDance wrote: »

They didn't send me a PIN when I checked it 2 ears ago, has the policy changed?

I am not on the electoral roll, but I didn't think this would stop me from getting a basic bank account (especially as I already have an account with them). I'm not asking for a loan or credit card.

You kep referring to being declined for a 'basic bank account'.

The 1st Account is not a 'basic bank account', it's a full current account with credit facilities.

Crap_with_money.com

The first account automatically carries a £500 overdraft (with the first £250 being interest free) as far as I know, so in that sense it's not just a basic bank account.