Credit searches

shortbackandsides

just wondered when applying for a credit card how long does the credit card company look back on searches,do they look at the last 6 months of searches or look back the full 12 months,if companies do check only the last 6 months which companies are they please

brians_daughter

credit searches are usually visable for 12 months. Its only 1 part of the process tho, your history, current level of debt and income ratio etc are all a massive factor. What are you looking to apply for?

ElkyElky

Credit searches remain on your file for 12 months, after which they are automatically removed.

It is the opinion of most members here that lenders mainly just look at the last 6 months of searches, however nothing is stopping them from considering every single search on your file when making a decision. Some lenders don't pay much attention to your credit searches, whereas others will decline you right away if you have more than they'd like to see.

It's worth making sure your credit searches are spaced out throughout the year. For example, 10 credit searches, spaced out over the year looks far much better for you than 10 searches made in a single month. I'd probably say any more than 1 search per month may make you look a little desperate for credit.

Lenders can only see actual credit searches. They cannot see quotation searches, identity checks or any other type of search.

shortbackandsides

ElkyElky wrote: »

Credit searches remain on your file for 12 months, after which they are automatically removed.

It is the opinion of most members here that lenders mainly just look at the last 6 months of searches, however nothing is stopping them from considering every single search on your file when making a decision. Some lenders don't pay much attention to your credit searches, whereas others will decline you right away if you have more than they'd like to see.

It's worth making sure your credit searches are spaced out throughout the year. For example, 10 credit searches, spaced out over the year looks far much better for you than 10 searches made in a single month. I'd probably say any more than 1 search per month may make you look a little desperate for credit.

Lenders can only see actual credit searches. They cannot see quotation searches, identity checks or any other type of search.

no missed payments,no defaults or bankruptcy nothing like atall,i have credit cards which i am using 60% of the balances on them.reason i am asking about the searches as on experian i have 10 which they were in the months of december,jan,march,and none in the last 8 months

i was looking to get the egg card but don't know if they will look back the full 12 or search back the last 6 months

ElkyElky

shortbackandsides wrote: »

no missed payments,no defaults or bankruptcy nothing like atall,i have credit cards which i am using 60% of the balances on them.reason i am asking about the searches as on experian i have 10 which they were in the months of december,jan,march,and none in the last 8 months

i was looking to get the egg card but don't know if they will look back the full 12 or search back the last 6 months

60% is considered a little high, lenders usually like to see 50% or less. Again, that is the opinion of many members, I have been accepted for credit cards with 70% or so but it all depends on the lender.

I think it would be safe to apply considering you've not had any searches in the last 8 months. A large number of searches only has a negative effect on your credit file for 12 months, so you really have nothing to lose by applying for an Egg card.

Give it a try and let us know how you get on. The worst that'll happen is they say no.

shortbackandsides

ElkyElky wrote: »

60% is considered a little high, lenders usually like to see 50% or less. Again, that is the opinion of many members, I have been accepted for credit cards with 70% or so but it all depends on the lender.

I think it would be safe to apply considering you've not had any searches in the last 8 months. A large number of searches only has a negative effect on your credit file for 12 months, so you really have nothing to lose by applying for an Egg card.

Give it a try and let us know how you get on. The worst that'll happen is they say no.

thanks elkyelky but wont lenders see that 10 searches in dec,jan,march,look quite negative

brians_daughter

as the searches were a while ago i doubt they will even consider them tbh. i would go ahead and apply if you have had no searches in 8 months

shortbackandsides

brians_daughter wrote: »

as the searches were a while ago i doubt they will even consider them tbh. i would go ahead and apply if you have had no searches in 8 months

thanks brians daughter i know experian's credit score is worthless but thought i would do it anyway and came up as 944 which by previous posts i have read these score do not take in vital information such as income things like that,so yes i have wasted my money but its only 2 pints of larger i suppose.

i really want to submit an application but for some reason still worried about those 10 searches a while back.will let you know if i apply

ElkyElky

shortbackandsides wrote: »

thanks brians daughter i know experian's credit score is worthless but thought i would do it anyway and came up as 944 which by previous posts i have read these score do not take in vital information such as income things like that,so yes i have wasted my money but its only 2 pints of larger i suppose.

i really want to submit an application but for some reason still worried about those 10 searches a while back.will let you know if i apply

Stop being worried and just apply! Really, it will be fine. Even if they did decline you because of your old searches, you can wait another couple of months and they'll all be gone.

shortbackandsides

ElkyElky wrote: »

Stop being worried and just apply! Really, it will be fine. Even if they did decline you because of your old searches, you can wait another couple of months and they'll all be gone.

understand what your saying just thought done so well not applying for anything on experian for months,just dont want to be disappointed if they reject me,are the criteria for these card spread round with the likes of tesco,sainsburys,bos,halifax,mbna

lisyloo

are the criteria for these card spread round

Have no idea what that sentence means.

The criteria for cards can certainly vary at the lenders will - is that what you mean by "spread round".