Just removed CIFAS MARKER, am I in the clear to make a new account?

ZHTM516

Hi after a month of trying to get the bank (nationwide) to remove a wrongfully placed cifas 6 Marker I have been successful and they have removed it. I just wanted to know if I’m now in the clear to go and make another bank account elsewhere, because after my nationwide accounts were closed I was rejected at 2 other banks (whilst the marker was still on) and quite frankly I don’t want to risk getting blocked by other banks if there’s a potential waiting/ cool off period I don’t know about. Any one with thoughts or previous experience would greatly appreciate it if you gave me your opinion!

[Deleted User]

There's no reason you can't apply for an account, although I wouldn't try at a bank where you've been recently rejected.

cymruchris

When you look at your free credit reports - is the marker still showing? If so, and if you're not in a mad rush to get yourself an account, I'd wait until it's taken off your free reports. Your free reports are usually updated less frequently than your live report (the ones that the banks see when you apply for something) so if it's gone from your free report - you know it's gone from the live report - and yes - apply for banks outside of the 'groups' you have already applied for (some banks are part of a larger group of banks - for example HBOS owns:

• Bank of Scotland
• Birmingham Midshires
• Halifax
• Intelligent Finance
• Saga

ClioScott

cymruchris said:

When you look at your free credit reports - is the marker still showing? If so, and if you're not in a mad rush to get yourself an account, I'd wait until it's taken off your free reports. Your free reports are usually updated less frequently than your live report (the ones that the banks see when you apply for something) so if it's gone from your free report - you know it's gone from the live report - and yes - apply for banks outside of the 'groups' you have already applied for (some banks are part of a larger group of banks - for example HBOS owns:

• Bank of Scotland
• Birmingham Midshires
• Halifax
• Intelligent Finance
• Saga

A Cat 6 CIFAS marker won't show on a Credit Report, only Protective Registration shows.
Aslong as the op has done a SAR to CIFAS and there's nothing showing then apply for a new account but just don't apply with the bank that loaded the marker in the first place.

[Deleted User]

Yea, I'd do a SAR to CIFAS to confirm the marker is definitely off (and/or ask Nationwide to supply proof they've removed it). Only then can you apply elsewhere.

It'll still be subject to credit scoring, and it sounds like you've had a few apps recently, so it could fail on credit scoring grounds, but bank accounts are generally fairly easy to open. Don't request overdrafts etc. if it asks you (that'll mean your required pass score with the lender will be lower, so you're more likely to get it).

You should have a right to appeal those declined applications - I know you do for credit score declines, so I'd guess a CIFAS decline would be similar. Appeal them, with a copy of Nationwide's final response/removal letter, and you should avoid any new credit searches if they reverse their decline to an accept.

MallyGirl

I will break this out into its own thread