Warning: Lloyds Bank overdraft eligibility checker doing HARD search

Umiamz

I've recently been looking for a new current account and, on the 5th July, used Lloyds overdraft eligibility checker. I don't actually need an overdraft but was curious as to what their checker would report. The checker warns you that they may make a 'soft' search but that it won't affect your credit record.

Today, I've checked my MSE Credit Club Experian report and there is a HARD search from Lloyds on the 5th July. It says:

LLOYDS RETAIL
Application Type: Current Account
Entry Code: P59

I did NOT apply for the account - merely used the eligibility checker and left it at that. Just a warning to anybody else who is thinking of using the checker.

P.S. I've reported this to Experian via the link in the credit report.

adamp87

Doesn’t it specifically tell you on the checker it only does a soft search? I thought it did.

I wouldn’t complain to Experian. Complain direct always to the creditor first. 

Highly likely Experian will contact Lloyds who may not even look into it fully and say it’s correct and Experian will leave it.

CRA should be the last person you complain with

Thrugelmir

Why apply for something out of interest?  Then waste peoples time because it had an unintended consequence that you don't like. Not that it should cause you any issues in isolation. 

Umiamz

Thrugelmir said:

Why apply for something out of interest?  Then waste peoples time because it had an unintended consequence that you don't like. Not that it should cause you any issues in isolation. 

If you read my original post you’ll see that I didn’t apply for anything. I used the eligibility checker which is for checking whether you are likely to qualify before applying, thus avoiding an unnecessary hard check. It specifically states that they may do a soft check only.

Happy to explain the difference between soft and hard checks if you’re struggling…

RBYHS

I used it too for a Halifax overdraft (same bank) and they did indeed a hard search. I’ve contacted Experian to see if I can get it removed. 

[Deleted User]

Umiamz said:

Thrugelmir said:

Why apply for something out of interest?  Then waste peoples time because it had an unintended consequence that you don't like. Not that it should cause you any issues in isolation. 

If you read my original post you’ll see that I didn’t apply for anything. I used the eligibility checker which is for checking whether you are likely to qualify before applying, thus avoiding an unnecessary hard check. It specifically states that they may do a soft check only.

Happy to explain the difference between soft and hard checks if you’re struggling…

Feel free to explain away all you like, a single hard search is largely meaningless in the scheme of things, certainly won't stop someone who meets a lender's criteria getting finance