Barclaycard Account Flagged - Do Not Raise Credit Limit

allinsonp

I am currently 18 and a student, I have held my Barclaycard since turning 18 and was issued with a miserly £260 limit which I was told on many occassions could only be increased after 6 months which I could understand as I was completely new to credit.

So 6 months pass, I've made all my payments on time and usually in full, going over my limit once in December. I called Barclaycard to request a credit limit increase which was rejected. I couldn't believe it and the CS operator recommended I wait another 3 or 4 months before trying again!

I told my father about this, who happens to work for an IT company that is currently dealing with Barclaycard. He then told me that due to knowing the right people, he had organised a flag to be put on my account stating "Do Not Increase Credit Limit" which apparently will remain on my account until I am 21.

I'm not looking to increase my limit by much, just enough so that it covers my monthly spending so I don't have to make frequent payments to my card throughout the month. However at the same time, I do not wish to get my dad into trouble as I know he's just looking out for me.

Any advice would be really appreciated

Pete

tinkerbell84

If that is true then Barclaycard have broken the Data Protection Act by discussing your account with your father.

I guess it depends how desperately you want more credit - if you do, then a strongly worded letter should get that removed from your account. I don't think it would get your dad into trouble - Barclaycard were in the wrong by accepting the request - unless he actually gained access to your account by way of his job, in which case that is serious.

If you're not bothered about your credit limit, then i'd just leave it alone or take your business elsewhere (where your father doesn't know people on the inside).

daveboy

Personally, I think you're Dad is talking utter nonsense. No-one else other than the lender can affect a decision to increase a credit limit.

I'd press him on it, if he persists in saying it is true, get him to pay for the things you can't pay for as he will be the one to 'blame' for you not being able to yourself.

allinsonp

I didn't even think there was such an option for lenders, however I find it baffling that I have a £260 limit, my credit score has increased from 685 to 816 over the last few months and I have never missed a payment. However my friend at university has also had a Barclaycard (Student, not Initial) since I got mine, has not made any payments and has about 3 missed payment penalties over a small purchase and his limit is £500.

HeadInSand_2

So 6 months pass, I've made all my payments on time and usually in full, going over my limit once in December.

You went over your credit limit? If that's the case then that is the reason they are refusing to increase your limit, you have to be squeaky clean in that 6 months or you'll not get any credit raise.

UK007BullDog

If what your dad says is true then he could get fired if they found out. Do you want your dad to lose his job?

Is he supporting you financially? Could you get a job or a further job to supplement your lifestyle?

M_Thomson

I think your dad is having you on.