BMI application declined, but no search on my credit file

Its_a_secret

Hi everyone, apologies if this is a silly question, but this is the first time I've applied for a credit card as I have finally realised I ought to build a credit history (which may be part of the reason I was declined given that my experian file has no open accounts as my mobile contract is with virgin mobile who report to equifax according to another thread I read on here).

I applied for the BMI Amex card (MBNA) online at the weekend and I was not approved and was emailed a letter suggesting I view my Experian credit file. I already have access to this, but it currently only shows three previous searches - one generic ID check from March 2010 and two credit report application types from experian limited, which I think are me now and me 6 months ago. i.e. all three shouldn't be viewable to anyone else anyway. This suggests to me that MBNA didn't search my file? Am I misunderstanding something, as I would have thought they would have searched it to go with my application? The reason I ask is that I'm wondering if I input something incorrectly on the form and received a standard automated response (e.g. their system's address format for one of my previous addresses didn't match the format on my experian file), or if there is something I'm not seeing, as a lack of credit history is the only reason I'd expect to be declined and they'd need to search to see this wouldn't they? Additionally a colleague was recently declined for this card and joined experian for a trial - upon cancelling it someone told him that there was something he couldn't see about an address which they would change on his file and he was then accepted when he applied the next day, so this has made me suspicious.


Thanks in advance for any help, it's much appreciated!

Typhoon2000

May be what you put down on the application form was not enough to fit in with the criteria for the product, so your application did not get as far as a credit search. The 'have a look at your credit report' response is a pretty standard one to every enquiry I think.

lisyloo

I suspect they have internal criteria for the card.

Perhaps length of time at address, min time in job, min salary etc.
I suspect you failed one of these internal criteria before they got to the credit cheking.

In a way this is good as you will not suffer any ill-effect from the search on your record.

ironlady2022

If it is the first credit card you've ever applied for, then applying for an AMEX is the worst option, they are very picky with their clients, yo arebetter off trying to apply for a basic credit card like the capital one, build up your credit rating and try for rewards cards later.

Its_a_secret

Thank you all for your help - I hadn't thought that I might not have met some other criteria, but it sounds good really as I don't get the search on my record and I didn't need that particular card, just fancied the airmiles!

Would the Santander zero card be basic enough as a starter do you think, as I have banked with them for a few years now?

PNPSUKNET

could try them, but think you will be best with say a barclays initial as you need to walk before you can run

Degenerate

Its_a_secret wrote: »

Would the Santander zero card be basic enough as a starter do you think, as I have banked with them for a few years now?

That's a prime card, not a credit builder, but might be worth a shot as you've banked with them.