Natwest Credit Search

ps10006

Just checked my equifax credit report (as i always do) and have noticed an enquiry / search from 'Natwest Sls & Acc'

I have not applied for ANYTHING in over 12 months so have no searches on my report, exept now for this. I bank with Natwest but have not requested an overdraft, account, loan etc

Any ideas why they have done this? Are they alowd to without my permission?

Confused.

Gordon_Hose

What did Natwest say when you called them?

ps10006

Nothing, just trying to gather some info before i do phone them

YorkshireBoy

Banks take a monthly feed from the CRAs (which doesn't leave a footprint).

It's possible something has 'spooked' them about your financial circumstances and they felt they needed to formally take a look at your file.

The search will almost certainly be an unrecorded enquiry (is it?), so won't affect your credit rating at all.

And finally, you did give them permission to search your credit file on an ongoing basis when you applied for the account and/or agreed to continue using the account after receiving any notice of variation to the account T&Cs. See their privacy policy/T&Cs.

Gordon_Hose

How would anyone here know why Natwest have searched you credit file? It'll be speculation. Best to go direct to the source.

ps10006

the enquiry is recorded.

I have tried phoning natwest and i cant get through after 40 minutes on hold! and there is no automated key dial for this kind of thing.

I have phoned equifax and the unhelpful lady basically said natwest have recorded an enquiry, so i must have applied for something. i think i would know if i did. she said only other option is to raise a dispute and let them investigate.

This sounds like hassle, what problems will this cause?

lisyloo

Do you have a type or seach reason.
I have
"credit search"
"Identiity check to comply with anit money laundering regulations"
"autentication"
"My equifax report"

I have never heard of "recorded".
If you can tell us the type then we can tell you whether it's important.

Did you apply for any insurance via comparison sites?

what problems will this cause?

Depends on the type of the check.
The only real problem is if it's a real "credit" search and you have too many.
Even if it is a credit search it won't be a problem if you aren't needing to apply for credit right now.
Too many make you look desperate so whether it's a problem depends on how many other you have.

So what is type?

Gordon_Hose

1 search isn't going to make the slightest bit of difference anyway.

ps10006

hi, thanks for reply. the search is noted as a 'credit search'. The lady at equifax says it has been recorded as an official enquiry.

To answer and clarify, i have not applied for anything in the past 12 month (and longer). Have not used any comparison sites for anything and before this search, my credit report shows no searches against me in the past 12 months - apart from me getting my own file which i know doesnt effect it.

I was planning on applying for a small personal loan in the next couple months with natwest, so i could have done without this.

ps10006

i understand that 1 search wont make much difference as i have none in the past 12 months, but i fear it will make a difference as i was planning on applying for a loan in the next couple of months.

mtm103

Oddly enough, I have exactly the same things with Barclays, I have a current account with them, and they did the same thing.. They also search my credit file every single month for "anti-money laundering"