Newbie query

BikerMooFromMars

Hi all,
sorry if this is a stupid question, but I’ve not had a credit card in nearly a year, and I just wanted to see what was out there - so I tried the eligibility calculator on here and it says I’m not eligible for 2 of the top 0% credit cards despite me fitting the criteria (I thought!); M&S and Virgin Money...


I thought I met all the criteria below. I have a mortgage, live alone, no dependents, earn £21.5k... not sure what the problem is and a bit afraid to apply properly in case I get rejected, although I have a v high credit score according to Experian...

Am I worrying for no reason and should I just apply? 

Any advice appreciated, thanks!

adamp87

Have you tired the checker direct on the website of the creditors? I. E Marks & Spencer’s. That will give you more accurate odds.

https://creditcardeligibilitycheck.marksandspencer.com

Credit is tight and many have tightened up their criteria.

Remember even if you meet the criteria it doesn’t mean they’ll accept you. 

If the direct eligibility checkers on the creditors website also give you 0% then I’d suggest looking at your credit files in case there’s something untoward there.

MSE Credit Club/Credit Karma/Clearscore will check the big 3 CRA’s

Ignore the score it’s fictitious. It’s your credit report history that’s important.

cymruchris

Have you run the eligibility checker - the green button on your second image?

Just because you meet their listed criteria - it doesn't mean you'll get the card - there are lots of other factors taken into account, like how many other accounts you have, their limits, the amount you owe, how long you've been on the electoral register etc etc. 

I would start by using the eligibility checker - if it says no - then you know it's a no.

If it says 'likely to be accepted' - there's still a chance they'll say no.

If it says 'you are pre-approved' - you will most likely get it - but there IS STILL a possibility they can say no. 

It doesn't matter what your score is in Experian - as nobody sees that except you. It's a marketing tool. 

BikerMooFromMars

Wow, thanks both of you for your advice. I’ll ignore Experian and delve a bit deeper. Really appreciate it!