First Direct - old HSBC debt - is it worth it?

scott1358

Though I am happy with my current bank I have read a lot of good things about First Direct and was considering applying for an account with them.

However, I realise they are owned by HSBC. I had a £1k student overdraft with them when I was a student and, like many, just ignored the debt not realising the longer term impact. The debt, which was sold on to several DCAs, fell off my credit file last April.

My question is, if I apply for a FD account will it just be a straight reject because of this (even though no longer on my file), and if they do say yes am I at risk of them invoking offset for the £1k debt? I have been told that as the debt was sold HSBC no longer own it but in my mind there does seem to be a risk involved here!