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Avoiding hard credit checks when opening a bank account?
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Chris4
Posts: 179 Forumite


Is it possible to avoid a hard credit check when opening a bank account? Is a credit check done because you've included an overdraft (and therefore credit) and so not requesting an overdraft would avoid a hard check? Or are hard credit checks done regardless of overdraft?
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Comments
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A credit check is normally done as part of the application process for most current accounts.
Different banks will have different policies on this, Monzo for example, will give an account to virtually anyone able to prove their identity, however if you want an OD, then a full credit check is done.
It can also depend on the account your applying for, most basic accounts are available to everyone without a credit check, as no OD or borrowing is allowed.
If you dig deep enough into individual banks T`s & C`s, it will tell you there policy on this.I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter0 -
sourcrates said:A credit check is normally done as part of the application process for most current accounts.
Different banks will have different policies on this, Monzo for example, will give an account to virtually anyone able to prove their identity, however if you want an OD, then a full credit check is done.
It can also depend on the account your applying for, most basic accounts are available to everyone without a credit check, as no OD or borrowing is allowed.
If you dig deep enough into individual banks T`s & C`s, it will tell you there policy on this.0 -
If you don't mind online only, Starling Bank don't perform a hard search for their account (just a soft search).They will, however, hard search if you ask for an overdraft.0
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