Do the eligibility calculators consider existing cards?

rjmachin

Hi,
Question is as per the title really.
For a balance transfer, suppose I have already had (and still have) a Barclaycard and Sainsburys credit cards. 
If the eligibility calculator comes up with close to 100% or pre-approved of one of those cards, is that assuming that I am a new customer without one already and am likely to be denied when attempting a full application?

cymruchris

Yes - as Barclaycard for example only allow you to have one card at a time.

The multi-card checkers look at your general data - and then match you up to cards that other people with similar gneral data who have applied for a card have been successful. The best way to check eligibilty is not via comparison sites - but via the credit card providers own page. So if you go try the Barclaycard one, you'll see that by answering the first question about 'do you already have a barclaycard' will bring you a big flat no before you even give them your name.

Sandtree

cymruchris said:

Yes - as Barclaycard for example only allow you to have one card at a time. . 

Better not tell them I have three then

rjmachin said:

If the eligibility calculator comes up with close to 100% or pre-approved of one of those cards, is that assuming that I am a new customer without one already and am likely to be denied when attempting a full application?

There is no universal standard or set of rules they must follow so if you used the checker on MoneySavingExpert it may or may not and if it does that doesnt mean the one on Confused.com does the same. You are likely to get the most accurate answer by using the one on the lenders own website, for those that offer them, but still as its not guaranteed there are clearly some undisclosed differences between its checks and the ones done when a full application is made.

cymruchris

Sandtree said:

cymruchris said:

Yes - as Barclaycard for example only allow you to have one card at a time. . 

Better not tell them I have three then

That might have been from a time when their policy was different - I'm sure if you already have them it won't be an issue

It is interesting to note though that until very recently - it was the first thing they checked - and if you said you had an existing Barclaycard they sent you packing - but looking today - the checker no longer asks this at the beginning, and there was another thread recently mentioning they might be relaxing the policy.

If in doubt - as we've both mentioned - use the eligibility checkers on the direct websites of the cards you're interested in to get the best idea of whether or not you'll be accepted. Don't rely on the comparison sites as they all work on different (and less efficient) algorithms. 

funkycredit

Barclays are allowing multiple applications again. I posted a few weeks back that the starter question (do you have a card) was removed. It lets you apply / check eligibility again. 

Not 100% sure what happens if you apply as I've not!