Will I have to undergo a hard credit search to switch bank account type, to a student account?

M47

Hi does anyone know if I would have to undergo a hard credit search if I were to switch my standard current account to a student account (as I have recently become a student). Or could they switch my account type with just a simple soft credit search?

I’m fine with soft searches, but want to avoid any hard searches, as they effect credit ratings.

my reasons for wanting to do this is to gain access to an overdraft.


Thank you in advance 

eskbanker

M47 said:

my reasons for wanting to do this is to gain access to an overdraft.

If you don't currently have access to an overdraft but want one, then chances are that'll entail a credit check, as that's the whole point of them, to inform the prospective lender about your credit status and history.

Ayr_Rage

M47 said:

I’m fine with soft searches, but want to avoid any hard searches, as they effect credit ratings.

If you mean the magic numbers reported by the CRAs that only you can see, then they may change anyway, however any decision is not made on those.

Applying for any account with an overdraft will usually result in a hard search.

Banks seeing multiple applications on your credit file may trigger alarm bells though, but they never see those magic numbers the CRAs give us.

maxximus75

The only people that really know is your bank.