M&S Credit Card Application

jackjones01

I’ve recently applied for a M&S credit card. I did an eligibility check and it said I had a 80% chance of approval (I know this isn’t guaranteed). I got an email suggesting a decision would be made within the next 5 days. I was wondering if anyone had any recent experiences of applying for a M&S card. 

norm_

Don't waste your time, they wanted a ridiculous amount of ID verification when I applied a few months ago. Photocopies of IDs with signed verification from a lawyer/doctor etc.

I have a long standing credit history, no reason to doubt my legitimacy. I read they've done similar to their existing customers even.

NoodleDoodleMan

If it wasn't for the Premier Club membership benefits that are available to M&S credit card holders for £10 monthly we would have closed the account years ago.

Getting anything straightforward actioned is a challenge.

martinbainbridge1975

would not bother with M&S card the application process is a shambles,  there are better deals off halifax/natwest to name a couple 

ASmallHotel

Thanks for your interesting question.
And to others for the helpful replies.
ASH

jackjones01

norm_ said:

Don't waste your time, they wanted a ridiculous amount of ID verification when I applied a few months ago. Photocopies of IDs with signed verification from a lawyer/doctor etc.

I have a long standing credit history, no reason to doubt my legitimacy. I read they've done similar to their existing customers even.

Oh that’s harsh. I don’t mind getting a solicitor to verify documents luckily for me I work in a team with solicitors at work. 

jackjones01

martinbainbridge1975 said:

would not bother with M&S card the application process is a shambles,  there are better deals off halifax/natwest to name a couple 

Yes I’m sure there is - it’s not a big deal really I’m a big M&S shopper so I was looking to collect the points etc. I’m not looking to carry a balance on the card. 

jackjones01

I called them today for an update and they said I’ve been accepted and I’ll get an email in the next 48 hours with an agreement for me to sign and return. 

NoodleDoodleMan

jackjones01 said:

norm_ said:

Don't waste your time, they wanted a ridiculous amount of ID verification when I applied a few months ago. Photocopies of IDs with signed verification from a lawyer/doctor etc.

I have a long standing credit history, no reason to doubt my legitimacy. I read they've done similar to their existing customers even.

Oh that’s harsh. I don’t mind getting a solicitor to verify documents luckily for me I work in a team with solicitors at work. 

Presumably you don't have a fee to pay the solicitors for such a service ?

That benefit won't apply to the ordinary public though.

In Scotland copies of certain legal documents can be verified by applying to the local Sheriff Clerk who arranges it at no cost. I think it's a Justice of the Peace that he "sub contracts" the request to - I did it some years ago but can't remember the precise details.

Is there no similar option in England & Wales ?

jackjones01

NoodleDoodleMan said:

jackjones01 said:

norm_ said:

Don't waste your time, they wanted a ridiculous amount of ID verification when I applied a few months ago. Photocopies of IDs with signed verification from a lawyer/doctor etc.

I have a long standing credit history, no reason to doubt my legitimacy. I read they've done similar to their existing customers even.

Oh that’s harsh. I don’t mind getting a solicitor to verify documents luckily for me I work in a team with solicitors at work. 

Presumably you don't have a fee to pay the solicitors for such a service ?

That benefit won't apply to the ordinary public though.

In Scotland copies of certain legal documents can be verified by applying to the local Sheriff Clark who arranges it at no cost. I think it's a Justice of the Peace that he "sub contracts" the request to - I did it some years ago but can't remember the precise details.

Is there no similar option in England & Wales ?

In England & Wales you have to pay a small fee. 

Nebulous2

NoodleDoodleMan said:

jackjones01 said:

norm_ said:

Don't waste your time, they wanted a ridiculous amount of ID verification when I applied a few months ago. Photocopies of IDs with signed verification from a lawyer/doctor etc.

I have a long standing credit history, no reason to doubt my legitimacy. I read they've done similar to their existing customers even.

Oh that’s harsh. I don’t mind getting a solicitor to verify documents luckily for me I work in a team with solicitors at work. 

Presumably you don't have a fee to pay the solicitors for such a service ?

That benefit won't apply to the ordinary public though.

In Scotland copies of certain legal documents can be verified by applying to the local Sheriff Clerk who arranges it at no cost. I think it's a Justice of the Peace that he "sub contracts" the request to - I did it some years ago but can't remember the precise details.

Is there no similar option in England & Wales ?

I'm not sure if it's still the case, but also in Scotland councillors used to do it. 

I've a relative who was a councillor and they were on a rota for signing responsibilities. One councillor had to be at the council headquarters every morning to fulfil any requests to sign documents. 

I suspect COVID may have played havoc with that, and don't know if f it was subsequently reinstated.