Your application may have been declined for a number of reasons:
- If you were unable to provide us with a permanent UK address.
- A credit scoring decision where your overall credit score was not sufficient to reach our acceptance pass mark for a current account.
- Specific lending policies. As a responsible lender it is not our policy to offer credit to applicants who may find it difficult to meet the repayments. You will always be advised of the reason where your application has been declined due to a policy rule.
We would stress that if your application is declined it may not be due to information supplied by the Credit Reference Agency but rather due to other details obtained during the application process.
What is a credit reference agency?
Credit reference agencies keep records on individuals. These records help lenders assess credit applications. The records include information such as:
- Electoral roll status
- Bankruptcies and insolvencies
- County court judgements or court decrees
- Many lenders provide information on the performance of previous and existing credit accounts
- Details of previous credit reference searches carried out by other organisations
- Names of people you’re financially associated with
The main credit reference agencies in the UK are Equifax Plc, Callcredit Plc and Experian Ltd.
Can I check the information held about me by a credit reference agency?
You may write to the agencies for a copy of your file, enclosing the statutory fee of £2. The three main agencies are:
- Equifax Plc, Credit File Advice Service, PO Box 3001, Glasgow G81 2DT
- Experian Ltd, Consumer Help Service, PO Box 8000, Nottingham NG51 5GX
- Callcredit Plc, Customer Service Team, PO Box 491, Leeds LS1 5XX
As well as giving information about you, the file will also provide the names of people with whom you are financially associated. When you apply for a copy of your file, the Credit Reference Agency will tell you what to do if you feel you file contains any inaccurate information.
Can I re-apply?
Your circumstances can change over any given period and we will be pleased to consider a new application from you in due course. However, if your circumstances have not changed since your last application it is unlikely that our decision will change. We will not refuse any application just because we have declined a previous one.
Can I appeal against your decision?
Yes, although we cannot give any assurances that our original decision will be overturned. You should support your appeal by providing any additional relevant information that was not taken into account at the time of our original decision. Full details of our appeals procedure can be obtained from your local branch.