How many is too many credit checks?

VegQueen

Hi everyone

I am trying to sort out my finances and know that there will be about 4 credit checks to get the services I want but I am unsure how much I should space them out as I know lots in a short space of time look bad

I got a 0% balance transfer credit card in January so I know that there will be a credit check from then on my file.

I also want to apply for the following
1) Switch to Halifax for bonus (keep account for 6 months)
2) Apply for interest free overdraft for my existing first direct account
3) Switch Halifax to Nationwide after 6 months to get good interest rate

Would it look bad to have checks on my file something like the following
Jan - 1
Feb - 2
Aug - 1

I am guessing the one in August would be fine, but maybe to have 3 in 2 months is bad - would it make a difference for First Direct that I have had account with them for over a year paying in salary and don't go overdrawn?

I know that these kind of decisions will vary but a rough idea on what is considered "too many" would be really useful

Thank you

[Deleted User]

Current and savings account are a lot less onerous to get. Apply for them, and if declined, leave it for a while.

If you're about to apply for a mortgage, don't apply for anything.

PRAISETHESUN

A few searches here and there isn't going to be a deal breaker, unless applying for something big like a mortgage. The searches will only impact you for a few months afterwards at most so I wouldn't stress.

Some banks don't need to credit check existing customers when applying for overdrafts (Lloyds for example I know doesn't) so you might want to see if FD does or not - otherwise you'll have another search to factor in.