Declined Halifax reward account

onetimeatponycamp

So I applied for this account last week so that I could take advantage of the switch offer. Initially I got a response of them needing to verify my details so I needed to take in my ID to a branch. At this point I was issued with a sortcode and account number. I took my ID in and then a few days later got an email to say my application had been declined.

Firstly, I'm not sure why it would have been declined, they did not give a reason. I wonder if it is likely to be to do with verification (I already have 2 Halifax credit cards), or if it is on credit scoring (in which case why did it only come up after I took the ID in). I don't suppose anyone has any ideas on this?

Secondly, I'm not sure what to do next. If it's a credit score thing is it worth reapplying and asking for no overdraft? (I had requested £100). Or, can I apply to someone else for an account - but is it too soon for another credit search?

Thanks in advance.

Tragen

Have you looked at your credit history?

jacques21

I've just been turned down by the TSB! don't know if you've read the info about credit score on the site but one of the reasons Martin talks about for being rejected is if the bank views you as not a very profitable customer for the future. So in my case, I don't have debt, I own my own house and am unlikely therefore to be looking for a mortgage, or to fail to pay off my credit card, so they don't see me as a very good bet I would guess. Maybe you are similar?

bobobski

jacques21 wrote: »

I've just been turned down by the TSB! don't know if you've read the info about credit score on the site but one of the reasons Martin talks about for being rejected is if the bank views you as not a very profitable customer for the future. So in my case, I don't have debt, I own my own house and am unlikely therefore to be looking for a mortgage, or to fail to pay off my credit card, so they don't see me as a very good bet I would guess. Maybe you are similar?

Much more likely to be to do with OP's credit history, based on a couple of hints dropped in the first post. For a start, why apply for an overdraft on an account which only pays you while you are in credit?

onetimeatponycamp

Yes it could be credit history, although I only got the second card (Clarity) a couple of months ago so didn't think it would be an issue for them. I did get a TSB account with £100 overdraft in December so it might be that?

I only applied for the overdraft because it came up as an option so I applied for just £100 as a "just in case". I wasn't intending to go overdrawn on this account. If I had thought it would have a significant effect on my application I wouldn't have done so.

So now I'm not sure if worth re-applying with no overdraft, or not to bother? And whether due to the searches I should wait before applying for any more?

KJSmith

You would only be prompted to visit a branch with ID if they couldn't verify you using the electoral roll.
Any chance you mis-typed some of the details when filling in the application.

It could be that your ID didn't match your application details and that's why it was declined.
You can call their online applications team on 0800 056 0035 to find out if this might be why.

bobobski

onetimeatponycamp wrote: »

Yes it could be credit history, although I only got the second card (Clarity) a couple of months ago so didn't think it would be an issue for them. I did get a TSB account with £100 overdraft in December so it might be that?

I only applied for the overdraft because it came up as an option so I applied for just £100 as a "just in case". I wasn't intending to go overdrawn on this account. If I had thought it would have a significant effect on my application I wouldn't have done so.

So now I'm not sure if worth re-applying with no overdraft, or not to bother? And whether due to the searches I should wait before applying for any more?

Do you have an up-to-date copy of your credit file? If you do, and you're sure it's all in order, and that you don't have too much credit available to you, I'd think the next step would be to book an appointment at your "local" branch and discuss the matter face-to-face with a human. Take a copy of your credit file with you and request they don't make another search unless they're going to open your account.

pinkdalek

Why don't you ring the actual bank you did you application with?

as others have pointed out it may be because the ID wasn't correct, they've not advised you and as a result the application may cancel after a set number of days.

metrobus

Anyone know when the £5 monthly reward shoes up on the online banking?
Thank you.

societys_child

metrobus wrote: »

Anyone know when the £5 monthly reward shoes up on the online banking?
Thank you.

If it doesn't shoe up by tomorrow, give 'em the boot

It's the second working day of the month, I believe

System

The OPs "local" branch is just going to phone the same department that you'd phone up from home.

If the OP wishes the application to be looked at by a human, they are actually better writing to the details on the rejection letter

bobobski wrote: »

Do you have an up-to-date copy of your credit file? If you do, and you're sure it's all in order, and that you don't have too much credit available to you, I'd think the next step would be to book an appointment at your "local" branch and discuss the matter face-to-face with a human. Take a copy of your credit file with you and request they don't make another search unless they're going to open your account.