Can a name change mean credit declines?

Wifey2013

Hi all!

I'm hoping that your experience might be able to put my mind at ease... I've just applied for a balance transfer credit card to move £950 of outstanding debt but was declined, something that's never happened before! I do have another card with £2250 on it too (that's joint with my husband) but that's still in the interest free stage with Natwest. Both amounts are wedding / honeymoon from our wedding last December. My wage is good and I've never defaulted on any of the monthly repayments for bills, credit or direct debits.

However, being declined for credit has made me think I am a terrible person and I'm not sure what to do to get to the bottom of it! I did apply for the new card in my married name which I've so far only changed on my bank account (not driving licence, electoral roll etc). Could this be the reason why I've been declined?

Where should I start looking? I don't want to re-apply in my maiden name if that'll just mean another decline

Any help would be gratefully received!!!

fermi

May help: http://www.experian.co.uk/consumer/questions/askjames230.html

Wifey2013

Thanks Fermi

I've just tried to get my Experian credit report but got an auto generated page saying they need another 2 days to confirm my identity. The original credit application didn't ask for my maiden name (actually neither did the Experian one) so maybe I need to go into an actual bank or call someone to discuss it. Looks like that must be it though which is a relief!

Thrugelmir

Wifey2013 wrote: »

I've just applied for a balance transfer credit card to move £950 of outstanding debt but was declined, something that's never happened before!

Lenders are increasingly looking at the amount of available credit facility that an individual has available to them. Longer term this indicates a squeeze on the ability to transfer balances to a new card facility. Bluntly put, lenders are looking at ways of increasing profitability.