Marks Spencer

Markssxx1

when I applied for a credit card I was declined they said that I held a card already with them. However that is an old credit card debt I had which was in an IVA which ended in 2016. Surely they can't keep records after 6 years? My IVA started in 2008 which was when their credit card was included. Under data laws are they breaking the laws for holding inaccurate data on me?

[Deleted User]

No, it's fine for them to retain data beyond 6 years.  No laws broken and the data isn't inaccurate.

DCFC79

Markssxx1 said:

when I applied for a credit card I was declined they said that I held a card already with them. However that is an old credit card debt I had which was in an IVA which ended in 2016. Surely they can't keep records after 6 years? My IVA started in 2008 which was when their credit card was included. Under data laws are they breaking the laws for holding inaccurate data on me?

Why is it inaccurate data ?

It sounds like what they have is correct, you had an account, it went into debt, you entered IVA and said debt was included, its 5 years since the IVA ended so they are perfectly ok at the data they hold.
Can banks etc not keep information for longer ?

ratechaser

Variations of this question come up quite frequently on this board.

Yes they can retain information for as long as they like, as long as there is a commercial justification for doing so. In this case the commercial justification is that they don't want to make the mistake of dealing with someone that's defaulted on them before. So basically say goodbye to ever having a relationship with M&S, First Direct or HSBC again.

Markssxx1

Ah that’s the strange think I do have a first direct account and a HSBC card too. Which are all part of the same group. 

Thrugelmir

Markssxx1 said:

 Under data laws are they breaking the laws for holding inaccurate data on me?

They are not holding any data. However you will be on an internal black list ~ commonly referred to as never deal with again customers. No business has to deal with someone that they don't wish too. Defaulting on debt unfortunately has it's consequences.  You might be fortunate that inter group communication isn't great. 

Markssxx1

Yes I guessed so. Anyway I do have a John Lewis card and first direct account all part of same group. I lost my job back in 2008 when my debts got out of hand. Have built up a good credit score now with no missed payments.

DCFC79

Markssxx1 said:

Yes I guessed so. Anyway I do have a John Lewis card and first direct account all part of same group. I lost my job back in 2008 when my debts got out of hand. Have built up a good credit score now with no missed payments.

Although your score is only seen by you.
Your history is whats seen by the banks, lenders etc.

Markssxx1

They can see history over 6 years and missed payments defaults etc. The score varies too between CRA too.

finalfantasist

Markssxx1 said:

The score varies too between CRA too.

Which kinda proves the point about CRA scores being meaningless.

Markssxx1

Yes I agree with you on that.