Can't Upgrade to Halifax Reward Account

extremelycool

In January 2012 I applied for a Halifax reward account.

I was approved.

I enjoyed the 5 pounds extra each month up until May 2013.

Since then I've had a "current account" - no reward.

I recently learned there was a change in May.

Now to qualify you need to have 2 active direct debits on the account.

I have this.

So I phoned to apply, and was told there was a "debt indicator" on the account. The operator didn't seem to know much more than me.

I did have bad debt years ago, but presently have an excellent experian score and keep all my credit and american express cards up to date payment wise.

What could this indicator be that's preventing Halifax upgrading my current account to their reward current account?

And how can I rectify?

CherlokHomes

I did have bad debt years ago, but presently have an excellent experian score

Move banks if you're not happy with the service as I'm sure another bank would be happy with your custom

Halifax won't give a monkeys what score a credit reference agency scores you as they'd never see it and it's just a worthless number that doesn't mean a thing.

extremelycool

Innovate wrote: »

Move banks if you're not happy with the service as I'm sure another bank would be happy with your custom

Halifax won't give a monkeys what score a credit reference agency scores you as they'd never see it and it's just a worthless number that doesn't mean a thing.

Right.

I would be willing to move if there was another bank offering a 5 pounds reward or equivalent each month I deposit a grand.

As I understand it, only Halifax offers this right now...

Hominu

extremelycool wrote: »

As I understand it, only Halifax offers this right now...

Correct, but it seems that Halifax don't want you as a reward account customer again, and remember that they can decline your application for any reason they choose. They don't even have to say why they are declining you.

YorkshireBoy

Firstly, it's not an "upgrade"...it's a 'redesignation' which is normally quite an easy task to carry out.


However, as per the T&Cs change notified last Jan/Feb (and available on their website for months(!) after this) - both of which you appear to have missed - they've changed your account to the standard one.


I can't remember if the notice of variation (widely publicised last year) gave scope for a reversal, but if you're meeting blocks then maybe the best approach is to apply for a fresh Reward account and, once set up, transfer your DDs across manually yourself by contacting the originators. Or, if you have a dormant account elsewhere, maybe switch this and bag £100 at the same time (obviously read the offer T&Cs first!).

rb10

If it was me, I'd probably phone up again, and hope that a different person is able to give an explanation of what a debt indicator is and why it's there.

opinions4u

Did you try to open a brand new account? If so I can understand the debt marker stopping you.

Re designating an existing account and keeping the same sort code and account number? I'm surprised if they've blocked this.

Guggul

What is a debt marker?

eastanglian1

Guggul wrote: »

What is a debt marker?

At. A Guess I would go for to much debt.

polarization

Have you tried to do it in the branch? I had the same problem before as they change my Reward account to the normal current account as I did not have two DD. I added two DD in the account and went to the branch and ask for an update. They did it straight away.