Halifax - application & soft search query

book12

I have two queries:

Soft search / eligiblity checkers

During the application process online, does Halifax perform a soft search, where they'll check my credit history, and give a non-obligation personalised quote which won't affect my credit rating, before continuing onto the 'full' application?

Does it tell you what are the chances of getting the card in terms (similar to what Barclaycard, Nationwide, Natwest, MBNA, for example. I know they have eligiblity checkers or equivalent)?

Application process

If the instant decision is an acceptance, will the credit limit be displayed on the screen? Or do I have to wait for a letter which will tell me it?

Candyapple

1. No
2. Can't remember, although I'm leaning towards had to wait for the letter

MABLE

book12 wrote: »

I have two queries:

Soft search / eligiblity checkers

During the application process online, does Halifax perform a soft search, where they'll check my credit history, and give a non-obligation personalised quote which won't affect my credit rating, before continuing onto the 'full' application?

Does it tell you what are the chances of getting the card in terms (similar to what Barclaycard, Nationwide, Natwest, MBNA, for example. I know they have eligiblity checkers or equivalent)?

Application process

If the instant decision is an acceptance, will the credit limit be displayed on the screen? Or do I have to wait for a letter which will tell me it?

When I applied recently it asked me what limit I would like and then everything went through ok. I logged into my online bank screen and it was all set up within an hour of applying with the chosen credit limit.

andyfromotley

I found the MSE checker was pretty accurate in relation to Halifax. when i paid down a substantial amount of my CC debt the acceptance for the clarity went from 20% to 90% in a month. i applied and was accepted. Not definitive i know but an indication?

20aday

Assuming Halifax run a similar model to Lloyds Bank you could call into a local branch and see what they have on their systems?

If Halifax run a similar band risk scheme to Lloyds (1 through 9) it'll give you a better idea of if you're likely to be accepted of not (in my case I'm a band 2 risk with Lloyds.)

book12

MABLE wrote: »

When I applied recently it asked me what limit I would like and then everything went through ok. I logged into my online bank screen and it was all set up within an hour of applying with the chosen credit limit.

When they ask what limit you want, is that a text box to put an amount in, or a drop down menu of the minimum/maximum amount you can have?

I'm not sure what amount I would choose, but I will choose an amount less than my main credit card to be on the safe side. If I choose a higher amount, I might get declined. How do decide which limit will get a better chance of acceptance?

I would better if they choose the limit for me based on the information from CRAs and details in the application.

I will be using this as a backup credit card.

BlondBoy

When I applied for a Clarity card last year, I put in a requested credit limit of £1k (it was completely freeform for me too choose - not prefiltered at all).

At the end of the application, I was shown the credit limit they gave me - £2.6k.

So they'll define your credit limit. Nothing to stop you reducing it if you feel it's too high...

book12

BlondBoy wrote: »

When I applied for a Clarity card last year, I put in a requested credit limit of £1k (it was completely freeform for me too choose - not prefiltered at all).

At the end of the application, I was shown the credit limit they gave me - £2.6k.

So they'll define your credit limit. Nothing to stop you reducing it if you feel it's too high...

Cool, thanks for your reply.

That means you have been accepted for £2.6k?

I think I will put a lowish limit like you to get accepted.

stclair

If you call up you ask if your eligible for a credit card.

If they say yes ask if its with intervention if they say yes they will credit search you.

976TXoo

Can I jump in with a question to stclair on their response?

What's the benefit of asking for 'intervention'? Would it make it more likely that you'd be given a larger credit limit than just by applying online?

I'm in a similar situation to the OP though I'm after an indication of how much credit limit I'm likely to get (I'm looking for £10k), rather than hoping to keep the one granted as low as possible.

Many thanks.

(info: I'm on a % interest deal on a Virgin card that runs out in Feb 16 and am looking for a replacement to cover the £10k balance.)

stclair

It just means if there's intervention involved a human will access the application.

If you can apply without intervention you would have already been pre-assed for the product.