Removal of AP Markers - Barclaycard

Hatecreditors.com

My concern isn’t applying for unsecured credit such as store cards and credit cards; it is with the application of a mortgage where (I’m assuming) underwriters will look deeper into your credit file and (again I assume) they won’t be too happy with 5 years worth of AP markers.

Hatecreditors.com

By way of an update, I received an (unsatisfactory) response from Barclaycard which basically states:-

'I note your comments regarding the ICO guidlines however, these are not intended to be interpreted in the way you describe in the example you provide in your letter. The ICO says you should be in no worse state than someone who makes no effort to pay when an agreed repayment plan is in place. A credit file with a repayment plan in place is preferable to one with a defaulted debt. The date at which the debt is removed from your credit file depends on when that debt is settled or defaulted. Etc etc and this is the end of the matter, you do have an option to contact the Financial Ombudsman'.

I contacted the customer adviser and asked her directly how she thought having AP markers for 11 years is better than a default for 6 years to which she replied yes, much better. I went on to state that the default would have dropped off next year whereas the APs will stay for 6 years. So, in 2014 I would have had a clean slate rather than having AP Markers til 2019. The adviser said that having an AP account is much better than having no account???!!! What??

Also, I stated the ICO say you can only apply AP markers for a maximum of 6 months. I had them applied for 4 years. She denied the guidelines stated this.

So, as a final try, do I contact the Ombudsman or the ICO?

Thanks

fermi

What a load of complete horse !!!! :eek:

Next step would be both the FOS and ICO I suppose.

It is pot luck with them as well, but if Barclays are being so stupid then you don't have much choice.

matttye

I would try Barclaycard one more time with your new argument.

They may have provided a final response, but they provided a final response only to your argument that it put you in a worse position.

You could write back to them, explaining that you have already spoken to whatever her name is and ask for a second opinion. Enclose a copy of the ICO guidelines and highlight the part about AP markers only being appropriate for up to six months.

The reason I say this is that you'll get a resolution or final response much more quickly from Barclaycard than if you go through the ICO and FOS.

You could go to the FOS and ICO about your initial complaint, and still go to Barclaycard with your new complaint, and get the ball rolling on all three.

happy_bunny_2

Sigh.......

Hatecreditors.com

Thanks guys.

Think I'll try the ICO and FOS as Barclaycard aren't being rational at all. They won't listen to my arguments and have tunnel vision!

Hatecreditors.com

Just thought I’d provide a little update if anyone wasinterested or is in a similar position!



I logged a complaint with the ICO beginning ofDecember. It was acknowledged and theyrequested a copy of my credit file. Thiswas sent and the complaint was escalated to another level on the 12thDecember. After chasing an update theyhave advised it will be looked at in the next 2-3 weeks. So almost 2 months later!



I read somewhere that the ICO can issue fines of up to£500,000. Where the heck does this moneygo?? It obviously doesn’t get re-invested in staff levels! Grrr

Jubilee76

Thank you for the update, that's really helpful.

I rang B'card only this week to dispute the AP markers on my file. My DMP started in 2007 and I made my final payment to B'card in August 2013. Like you, AP markers all the way which means it will fall off my credit report in August 2019. The lady I spoke to was convinced that an AP is much more preferable to a default and stated that they had been looking after my interests by putting the arrangement in place.

I did quote the bit about 6 months of token payments etc, again not really interested. But she has escalated this to a complaint and I will receive some papaerwork. It seems I may have to take this to FOS and ICO but will continue to try with B'card direct.

Hatecreditors.com

It sounds like you were talking to thesame person as me! My blood pressurewould have been through the roof that day!

I wouldn’t hold out any hope onBarclaycard. They’re a bunch of*******. I’ve even heard horror stories aboutthem applying defaults when the debt is almost paid off to well and truly screwyou for as long as possible.

Oh the wonder of hindsight! If I only knew not to pay them a penny untilthey defaulted me I’d be laughing now!

LittleAoife

Sorry to sound like an idiot but what is an AP marker??