Rejected Halifax Clarity — Existing Infrequent Customer

Jew

I opened a Halifax account a few summers ago because they offered the Visa Electron card — useful to save money on easyJet and RyanAir flights (not anymore).

I used it only to book a few flights a year, and transferred the money over from my main account.

The Halifax Clarity would be great for me for spending abroad, but I applied in branch and the lady was even doubtful from the start. I don't think they even did a credit check but just checked their internal thing (she said I had a score of 0).

Application failed. When I got home, I reapplied online, also got a rejection 2 days later.

My credit score is good. Should I close my (useless) Halifax account to increase my chances for the next application?

Or should I not bother and just get a Post Office credit card, or a Metro Bank or a Norwich & Peterborough current account.

Simon7685

Why not cycle some money through it so it looks like your using it and see if that builds up your score with them. Don't know if that is an option for you, or if it would work but thought it might be an idea for you.

Jew

Thanks. I considered that, but honestly it's too much effort. I heard the Halifax Clarity is offered to really their best customers? So if I'm not a customer...

opinions4u

Open a savings account with them, build up a balance and then reapply after 6 months.

chanz4

how are you a best customer, when you dont even really use their account? If you have the electron isnt that a basic account with no lending?

Jew

chanz4 wrote: »

how are you a best customer, when you dont even really use their account? If you have the electron isnt that a basic account with no lending?

Yeah — I specifically opted for the Electron account. Is that a problem?

Please, quote me. When did I say I'm a "best customer"?

I guess you didn't follow the thought pattern when I said:

"I heard the Halifax Clarity is offered to really their best customers? So if I'm not a customer..."

...was meant to imply that I close my account (as I wrote just before that) and then they wouldn't base their choice on being a good customer but simply credit score and might be luckier?

So should I close it?

(I mean I don't use it anymore and don't see myself needing it ever again. Is it bad to have it sit dormant and unused?)

apt

The electron account won't harm your application and although it's no benefit for Ryanair and easyJet there are still a lot of travel companies - e.g. Thomson, flybe, Travel Republic - where it would save you money.

Jew

apt wrote: »

The electron account won't harm your application

How so? Right now because of it I have an internal rating for 0 with them. And I really doubt they did a credit check as it was immediate...

Windows

I had a very similar problem with Halifax. I have a standard credit card with them which a few months ago I paid off.

About the same time I had to go into branch to pay in a cheque and the personwho served me said that as I had an excellent record with them if I needed a loan or anything like that it was already pre-approved and it could be sorted out very quickly. Not needing a loan I said I would instead like to move to the Clarity Card as I am going abroad in 2 months time.

I was told no problem doing that as the card was empty (having fully cleared it the previous month as the 0% offer was running out) all I have to do I call up a number when I go home and all will be done in 5 minutes.

So I went home and well basically I was turned down (after 30 mins off messing around as it is a brand new card and needs to be applied for from stratch)!!!

10 minutes later I was back on phone to Norwich and Peterborough and they sorted an account out for me quickly and yes I've used it aboard since already; and not a penny of charges for doing so and the exchange rates where excellent. (I'd taken £450 at exchange rate of 184Krona to the pound, and when I used card got 192Krona to pound... not taking travel money again; just my card:-) THANK YOU VISA...

Jew

Interesting! I'm considering N&P.

What currency do you mean? Which Krona? Swedish, Czech, etc.?

Windows

It's Icelandic Krona.

http://www.visaeurope.com/en/cardholders/exchange_rates.aspx

gives the exchange rates used by N&P and all other cards using VISA before fees etc.

So with N&P the exchange rate VISA shows is the rate you pay and it is normally around 3% better than getting the cash in your hands.