Halifax says my credit file is locked but I don't know why

niallmckenna

I'm in the process of waiting to complete on a house purchase in the coming weeks. My broker called Halifax to make a change to the house price and mortgage etc. and was told they couldn't access my credit file because it's been locked. 

The only thing that I have changed on my credit file is that I opened a dispute with Transunion about 1 missed payment that my bank agreed was their fault as the banking app was offline delaying my payment to my credit card. My credit score is excellent and I have never missed a payment other than this one in February which is why I disputed it and wanted it removed from my file. 

However I have spoken to Transunion and they have said that a dispute wouldn't put a lock on my file. That a lock would only be added if a victim of fraud or if I added a lock or freeze with another credit ref agency. I only have another free account with Experian and there is no lock on this. 

Transunion have said the dispute will be resolved or removed within 28 days, that is about a week away from now and when I raised the dispute. However I can't tell if this is what is actually causing the lock on the file. Transunion don't seem to think so. Halifax are unable to send my application to the underwriters until the lock is removed. 

To make matters worse, our original broker has left the brokerage, so I'm dealing with their superior and he has had me ring Halifax's brokerage line to deal with them. The whole thing is a bit of sh1tshow and I don't know where I am with things. 

How do I find out where the lock has been added and why are Transunion saying there isn't one on their file and my Experian account doesn't show anything either. Do I just wait a week and hope the lock is removed once the dispute has been closed?

jayc1905

Iv just had a call from my mortgage advisor saying Halifax can’t access my partner and my experien credit report either despite both being unlocked…

niallmckenna

@jayc1905 really, my broker, solicitor and Halifax staff are saying they've never come across anything like this. 

I used the MSE credit club for my credit report when applying for the mortgage. At the time it was an Experian report but credit club now use Transunion also. My broker wondered if there could be a lock set it on it or something but it doesn't seem plausible. 

jayc1905

I’m wondering if there’s something wrong Halifax’s end? Seems strange that this is happening and nobody knows why. I’ll keep you updated, my mortgage guy is going to phone Halifax and see what they say…

niallmckenna

Yeah I have said to my broker that you replied with the same issue, and have forwarded your message. Thanks for the reply and I'll keep you posted of the outcome.

jayc1905

Excellent. Let’s hope it’s something simple and will be resolved quickly! Good luck.

jayc1905

Just a quick update…Halifax seem to have access to our credit scores now. Not sure what the issue was though. Hope you manage to get yours sorted soon!

ukman2012

I am faced with the same issue, I've called all the report companies and all reporting no lock on file. I have switched on experian credit lock and taken off and still I am being told of said lock, wonder if its halifax systems.

MincePies_123

We have the same issue - applying for a mortgage with Halifax and they can't access mine or my husband's credit report.  We haven't locked them and Experian have checked our reports and all is fine there end.  This is so frustrating and delaying our mortgage offer.  Anyone who had this issue, was it resolved and if so do you know how?  Thank you!

lewisblain88

Did you guys manage to sort this? I am getting the same issue...

MincePies_123 said:

We have the same issue - applying for a mortgage with Halifax and they can't access mine or my husband's credit report.  We haven't locked them and Experian have checked our reports and all is fine there end.  This is so frustrating and delaying our mortgage offer.  Anyone who had this issue, was it resolved and if so do you know how?  Thank you!

ukman2012 said:

I am faced with the same issue, I've called all the report companies and all reporting no lock on file. I have switched on experian credit lock and taken off and still I am being told of said lock, wonder if its halifax systems.

elak6

Hello

Pls anyone of the previous posters let me know the resolved this issue? We are currently facing the same problem , lewisblain88 said:

Did you guys manage to sort this? I am getting the same issue...

MincePies_123 said:

We have the same issue - applying for a mortgage with Halifax and they can't access mine or my husband's credit report.  We haven't locked them and Experian have checked our reports and all is fine there end.  This is so frustrating and delaying our mortgage offer.  Anyone who had this issue, was it resolved and if so do you know how?  Thank you!

ukman2012 said:

I am faced with the same issue, I've called all the report companies and all reporting no lock on file. I have switched on experian credit lock and taken off and still I am being told of said lock, wonder if its halifax systems.

lewisblain88 said:

Did you guys manage to sort this? I am getting the same issue...

MincePies_123 said:

We have the same issue - applying for a mortgage with Halifax and they can't access mine or my husband's credit report.  We haven't locked them and Experian have checked our reports and all is fine there end.  This is so frustrating and delaying our mortgage offer.  Anyone who had this issue, was it resolved and if so do you know how?  Thank you!

ukman2012 said:

I am faced with the same issue, I've called all the report companies and all reporting no lock on file. I have switched on experian credit lock and taken off and still I am being told of said lock, wonder if its halifax systems.