Married name affecting credit score

Mel_D

Hi, first post- hope you can help!
I'm trying to get a money transfer credit card cos currently being charged £56 a month for always being in my overdraft.
When doing a soft search, i was surprised to find I was rejected for all credit cards except a barclaycard which was odd to me as I already have a barclaycard credit card (with a pretty low balance).
I realised it's cos the barclaycard is in my maiden name and I was searching under my married name.
But I get rejected for the ones I want under my married name because I have no credit history under that name.
When I do a soft search under my maiden name, I'm accepted for them all!
Sooo, I was advised by MBNA to update my credit file. I have an experian account so I've changed my maiden name to my married name. Will this solve the problem? How long is it likely to take because the soft searches under my married name are still saying ineligible.
Thanks

[Deleted User]

Once you've raised the dispute - and make sure you do it with all three CRAs, not just Experian, it will pull all your data and history together, giving lenders a more complete picture. Ignore the changes in score, which have nothing to do with lending.

It should be done fairly quickly once submitted.

jackieblack

Probably quicker and easier change the name on your existing credit card and bank account, then the systems will make the connection.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

I don’t normally come into this part of MSE.

OP. I would look into why you are needing an overdraft and deal with that in the next three months. Just getting a card is ignoring the underlying cause.

DCFC79

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth wrote: »

I don’t normally come into this part of MSE.

OP. I would look into why you are needing an overdraft and deal with that in the next three months. Just getting a card is ignoring the underlying cause.

This bit concerns me OP, should out out the od issue.


Phone any banks who you have an account with and tell them of the change in name.

Mel_D

Thank you, I'll get onto the other 2 and make sure my details are correct.

Mel_D

Yes, I do need to change the name on my credit card. Been meaning to do that. My bank account has my married name already.

Re the overdraft issue, it's built up over years and I've been in it for years, paying charges. This is the only way I can see out of it. Hopefully getting a 0% card for 27 months & using the money I've been paying for charges to clear it. And never going in it again!

[Deleted User]

You can’t change your name with Experian yourself.
They have to get instructed to do it.
The same with Equifax and TransUnion.

Change the name on your existing bank etc. and this will make them show under the correct name as well with all the history.

Mel_D

Oh, I went into my experian account and updated my details- thought that would do the trick. Ok, I'll contact them all.

My bank is in my married name and has been for a while now.