Denied Halifax Clarity Card

Silvafox

izools wrote: »

I'd be very interested to discuss this in more detail.

I, personally, can see no sense whatsoever in a branch using a different scoring model to online. It's all one bank, the bank want a certain type of customer, and if you're privvy to this information I'm sure you know how much credit scoring models cost especially ones that work well - so to pay for two is a great expense that, to me, is seemingly nonsensical.

Without saying of course who the information pertains to I would welcome more info from you as I'm finding your claim hard to believe... but potentially fascinating

izools - I think JasX may be on to something. I have no inside knowledge whatsoever, but recently I applied for a certain type of Natwest current account online and it got rejected outright. I was completely surprised as it was a standard current account and my credit rating is decent these days. This was about 2-3 weeks ago.

When I was in branch last week - they asked me if I wanted to upgrade my account and I said I'd already tried and it was declined. The person looked at their screen and said they could see no reason why it would be declined, and went away to speak to someone (no idea what info they were looking at as this was just someone sat on the banking desk). I then sat with someone and went through the exact same application that I did online and got accepted instantly. Even with the other search only a few weeks before.

So, I think JasX may be on to something as it has just happened to me. I can't for the life of me understand why there'd be a difference between the online method and in branch - but there clearly was for me.

Edited to add: I too watched the whole process on screen and I treble checked the info I entered online too. There were no 'errors' on either.

izools

Silvafox, you, too, are indeed correct.

I had no idea this would happen and had never considered the reasons as to why a bank or financial instituton would operate like this but JasX has enlightened me with a very useful PM.

So; a bit wiser today Thanks guys!

Mp32

I have, I was extremely annoyed

nzseries1

Not directly related to Halifax Clarity, but... I was denied the Halifax One card just over a year ago.

A few months later, they called me up, and asked me if I was interested in their "guaranteed acceptance" Halifax One card. Nothing had changed in my circumstances in that time (except, of course, the length of time I'd been with the bank). I said yes I was interested, and they sent me out the card. Therefore I too believe things must be scored differently depending on how you apply.

jinkster

Just been accepted.

Dr_Cuckoo3

opinions4u has stated that Halifax score in favour of existing customers (not for easycash upgrades though)

opinions4u wrote: »

Do you have any accounts with them? Their scoring systems were always weighted in favour of existing customers.

JasX has mentioned that the channel used makes a difference

JasX wrote: »

1- Believe me the channel you apply via can make a marked difference,

Halifax online banking does not pre-fill credit card applications , unlike Lloyds TSB who will open an additional current account with a few clicks

therefore I suggest that Halifax do not blend in existing customer conduct in respect of online applications and branch applications may blend this information

The existing customer info may include pre-approval overrides when the data is blended

callum9999

Dr_Cuckoo3 wrote: »

opinions4u has stated that Halifax score in favour of existing customers (not for easycash upgrades though)



JasX has mentioned that the channel used makes a difference



Halifax online banking does not pre-fill credit card applications , unlike Lloyds TSB who will open an additional current account with a few clicks

therefore I suggest that Halifax do not blend in existing customer conduct in respect of online applications and branch applications may blend this information

The existing customer info may include pre-approval overrides when the data is blended

That's interesting, I may go into the Branch tomorrow and give it another go - the Nationwide thing was really annoying, I did all my travelling outside of Europe while only Europe was commission free, then now I'm doing a lot within Europe the charges have gone up!

I did assume my rejection was down to a high income to credit ratio though so if I get declined again it doesn't prove anything. At the time my £2k limit card was maxed out but it's pretty empty now (as is my other £800 card), would that make a difference or are they just interested in my potential credit?

Dr_Cuckoo3

callum9999 wrote: »

I did assume my rejection was down to a high income to credit ratio though so if I get declined again it doesn't prove anything. At the time my £2k limit card was maxed out but it's pretty empty now (as is my other £800 card), would that make a difference or are they just interested in my potential credit?

Depends on how bothered they are about "responsible lending" :idea:

callum9999

Dr_Cuckoo3 wrote: »

Depends on how bothered they are about "responsible lending" :idea:

Hopefully not too bothered! Though I know I'll use it responsibly, and my credit record does show I do, on paper my income to credit ratio must be dreadful!

But wouldn't the difference between the 2 just be a quirk in their policy? I could apply with the card empty then as soon as they approve go and spend the lot.

Dr_Cuckoo3

callum9999 wrote: »

I could apply with the card empty then as soon as they approve go and spend the lot.

Indeed they issue credit cards in anticipation that you will spend on them