The end of balance transfers as we know it? Blog Discussion

It sure is! I lent my son quite a sum of money and with juggling put it all on to 0% cards. I have managed this extremely well over the last couple of years constantly swapping cards without getting transfer fees every 6 or 9 months and my son has dilligently paid me every month. There is just £1700 left and I needed a new 0% in May and applied for an Abbey card (MBNA) - was turned down. Tried another 2 cards that were MBNA Bank - both turned down. Received through the post an invitation to apply for an MBNA Platinum card - turned down! Cross by this time as I knew my Credit Score to be above average, I phoned MBNA and was told that it is now their policy not to issue any 0% cards to people who have held them before! OK, fair enough I have been a 'Tart' and had a good run for my money. However at the same time my husband applied for a Buy to Let mortgage. He applied to two different companies to see which was the best deal and as the property was to be in our joint names 2 more searches were done on my credit! I had to make 3 further applications before I was given a 0% card with a limit of only £1500. On investigation I found that my Credit Score has plumeted due to so many searches! I do think MBNA could have just told me their policy without doing searches. I am glad only a small sum is owing as I think it is going to get more and more difficult. It is also so time consuming, reading all Martin's advice for the best deals and then filling out the forms - and in the meantime I got lumbered with a months interest! Still I have done well, had alot of money at 0%, really due to reading Martin's words of wisdom!