How smart is the 'smartsearch'?

5limJim

Hi all,
I've just been using the Experian smartsearch tool on another money based website. and was as honest as I could be using my memory of some missed payments in the past few years.

When i clicked on the results it determined my rating as 'Fair' and listed possible Credit Cards I could apply for with a better chance of success. These cards included 0% Balance transfers through Barclaycard, Mint and many others.

Before I appled, I was just curious as to the reliability of the tool. I have approx £1500 on my Lloyds TSB card which is currenltly at 15.9%, I am wary of applying if the tool isn't as Smart as I would not like to have a rejection on my file, which I am just starting to pull round again.

Thanks all

speedbird1973

I came back as fair too.. i think it's a fair summary of my credit rating.

With "Fair" it steers you away from the virgin card and the cap one 0% card which seem to be the most stringent cards...

Probably doesn't do anything you don't really know already.. but i have no complaints

5limJim

speedbird1973 wrote: »

I came back as fair too.. i think it's a fair summary of my credit rating.

With "Fair" it steers you away from the virgin card and the cap one 0% card which seem to be the most stringent cards...

Probably doesn't do anything you don't really know already.. but i have no complaints

Did you make an application for any card? just wondering which one to go for, most of them seem to offer 12months 0% according to smart search, but maybe some are more likely to accept than others...

speedbird1973

I applied (and got) a citi LOB card 5.8%

At the time I was another victim of the MBNA 34.9% gang! so I thought an LOB card would stand more chance of an acceptance than a 0% one.

It gave me enough leverage and now my 5.8% debt is the most expensive one! albeit long term

5limJim

speedbird1973 wrote: »

I applied (and got) a citi LOB card 5.8%

At the time I was another victim of the MBNA 34.9% gang! so I thought an LOB card would stand more chance of an acceptance than a 0% one.

It gave me enough leverage and now my 5.8% debt is the most expensive one! albeit long term

Shame the Citi LOB card is not appearing in the list of cards... am just wondering which has the toughest criteria before I apply...