Natwest current account - hard search

nb0825

Beware of opening a current account online. Recently opened a basic account, with no overdraft facility and they've done a hard search on my file/ Have sent a complaint through, but upon looking at their forums, it seems to be the rule rather than the exception. Not sure what the outcome will be, but to avoid the situation completely, I would perhaps apply in branch.

glentoran99

Whats the problem with a search?

Helvetica_Van_Buren

nb0825 wrote: »

Not sure what the outcome will be, but to avoid the situation completely, I would perhaps apply in branch.

How do you know that applying in branch would 'avoid the situation completely'?

MEM62

And your complaint is......????

* You would have agreed to the search in the T&C's.
* You are not disadvantaged of negatively impacted by the search
* Most banks will do a search, even for current accounts, in order to verify/confirm your identity.

I don't think your complaint is going anywhere.

GingerBob_3

If CRA reporting wasn't so dysfunctional and anti-consumer you'd perhaps expect a hard search only to be carried out if/when you're granted an overdraft facility, not on basic account opening. Seems like it doesn't work like that - unsurprisingly.

Anthorn

nb0825 wrote: »

Beware of opening a current account online. Recently opened a basic account, with no overdraft facility and they've done a hard search on my file/ Have sent a complaint through, but upon looking at their forums, it seems to be the rule rather than the exception. Not sure what the outcome will be, but to avoid the situation completely, I would perhaps apply in branch.

Can't say this will be true for everyone but I applied to Natwest in a branch and I was credit searched. Actually via an email form on their website as a result of their online application system being down.

takman

Well considering that you are opening a basic account then you must have a pretty poor credit history already so a credit search won't make any difference!.