Eligibility check?

jay78

How can the 'soft search' be accurate enough if they don't even ask for your current balances?
What are people's experiences with this search facility? How accurate have you found the facility with regards to acceptance for credit cards?

Thanks

Mummyto4kids

Ive applied for two CC in the past year, both went through fine, the MBNA one with a really high limit I think as well. Then a Halifax mortgage AIP which was also then successful on full application. I think theyre looking for things like CCJ, electoral roll, defaults, late payments on a soft search and the further detail comes on a full application but I don't know exactly how they work.


I've not been declined after a successful soft search though

Wilkco123

It's to be used as a guide.

I've only applied for credit cards that I get 85%+ and each time have been accepted and given a decent credit limit.

Then again, I've only applied for 2 credit cards since I turned 18, 3 years ago, so who knows.

Anthorn

I've used these soft searches regularly over the last 7 years and endorse the previous advice that they are a guide to what you can expect. For example, a 9/10 chance of success might well be accurate but the lender might make a 1/10 decision.

My most accurate soft result was the MBNA compulsory soft search which made me an offer of card and APR and stuck to that after a full credit search although I was somewhat shocked by the low limit they applied.