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Halifax Clarity Card

Hi,

I tried applying online and on the phone for the Clarity Card from the Halifax (to use abroad next month), and each time it comes up with a screen saying something like 'I'm sorry but you're application has been unsuccessful'. It also states that this has nothing to do with my credit rating and since the decision only takes a few seconds I'm guessing not much is being checked.

My wife tried getting one in her name too, and it had the same outcome. I did it quite a few times and it was rejected each time. All it asks for is my personal details, such as name, DOB and previous addresses, employer, salary and a couple of optional questions like bank details. I've tried it with and without bank details and it makes no difference.

We've both got a good credit record, have had an Egg cashback credit card for a couple of years now so it's not as if we're new to credit cards. Does anyone know why we can't get one? It's frustrating that there is no reason given, even on the phone (I just had to listen to a prerecorded message saying that I don't meet the criteria). So what are the criteria?! Frustrating!

Comments

  • I applied for this card over the phone and was told I had to be checked out by their underwriters - we don't have any debt! So, eventually was accepted, took ID into Halifax branch as going abroad soon (didn't want passport getting lost), didn't get card within 7-10 days as told. Phoned up told everything OK, phone again in a few days. When phoned again few days later told account not even set up as branch didn't do their job properly. Total !!!!-up. Don't know now if we'll get card before we go away. Halifax don't know what they're doing! If you are applying for this card because you are going abroad, give the Halifax at least 30 working days to get it to you as they seem to be totally inept.
  • stephane_2
    stephane_2 Posts: 3,076 Forumite
    Halifax do not have to give you any reason whatsoever, you just don't fit their profile or maybe considered as a risk for them, the issue is that if you've made several applications that will be recorded against you on your credit file and will not look good. Halifax does not have to give you a card if they don't want to
  • andyj941
    andyj941 Posts: 33 Forumite
    Well it's their loss I suppose, I don't see how it can look that bad as all it shows is that I want the best card for spending abroad that I can possibly get, not that I have bad credit. They may not have to give a reason but it would surely be helpful and informative to give advice rather than just simply say no.
  • System
    System Posts: 178,224 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    You probably don't fit their profile for some reason, I had that recently with Santander.

    Why not try Saga (if your old enough) or even the Post Office?
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • andyj941
    andyj941 Posts: 33 Forumite
    I'm 24 so I doubt I'm old enough! Does anyone use the Post Office credit card abroad and how does it compare?
  • SamBee
    SamBee Posts: 22 Forumite
    I had exactly the same issue with the Clarity card, and the same statement that it had nothing to do with my credit rating, and hadn't left a negative mark on my credit record. Which is good, I suppose, and presumably means they don't search your credit record at all, merely use the details you give them.

    Guess I just didn't fit their profile. Frustrating!
  • hippey
    hippey Posts: 849 Forumite
    Not sure what thier profile is but I applied for it last week and was accepted online, form has come and returned.

    It estimated a credit limit of £9800, but this hasn't been confirmed anywhere else other than after I applied online. So we shall see.
    These are my thoughts and no one else's, so like any public forum advice - check it out before entering into contracts or spending your hard earned cash!

    I don't know everything, however I do try to point people in the right direction but at the end of the day you can only ever help yourself!
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