- What happens when I apply for an offer?
- What are the eligibility questions?
- Why has the offer I wanted disappeared?
- I took out an offer you recommended, so why has my score has dropped?
What happens when I apply for an offer?
The bank or lender will carry out a search of your report (we call this a hard search). This is to work out how risky you are as a borrower, by looking at your report and financial situation.
This search will stay on your report for one year and anyone that looks at your report can see it. Read more about how hard searches affect your credit score.
Before you apply, make sure all the information on your credit report is accurate and up to date. There might also be small changes you can make to improve your credit score and give yourself the best chance of being accepted.
What are the eligibility questions?
We need you to keep your details up to date so we can show the right offers for you. So every 30 days, we ask you to confirm:
- Your income
- Your work status
- Your residential status
- Your address
- How many people depend on you financially
- How much you pay in mortgage/rent
- How interested you are in being able to take out cash.
Why has the offer I wanted disappeared?
We update our offers regularly to show you some of our latest credit cards, loans, etc.
If an offer disappears, it’s most likely because:
- Your report or the lender’s criteria have changed
- The offer has come to an end
- Your personal details have changed
- You’re no longer eligible or unlikely to be approved.
Before applying, check all your details in ‘my account’ are correct. Your chances of acceptance and the rates you’re offered depend on this information being up to date.
I took out an offer you recommended, so why has my score dropped?
It’s normal to see a drop in your score when you apply for a new credit card or a loan. This is related to the lender’s search on your report (we call this a hard search).
This shouldn’t last long. If you make your repayments on time and there isn’t anything else on your report affecting your score, it should go up. Read more about what can affect your credit score.