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[shinkypink19]

My boyfriend has a bad credit rating due to some debts he has had in the past. He has now paid off ALL his debts (for over a year) and has a clean credit report (we know, we got it).

He has just been turned down for a switch card from Nationwide as he failed their stringent credit check (which will now look bad on his credit report - which won't help grr) - why can't he get a switch card?? How can he get one??!

Thanks a lot,
ShinyPxox

[Mrs_Pegasus]

Being refused a card or loan does not show on his credit history, all that will show is that a check has taken place.

Co-Op and Barclays are the best banks for basic accounts and its worth making an appointment with them to discuss his needs.

Although the debts have been clear for a year, they will still show in his history and if he had CCJs they will show for a number of years. He may still be seen as a liability even though he paid off his debt.

[Richard Spud]

Credit history with Experien, Equifax and Callcredit show the last 6 years as do any CCJs

[shinkypink19]

Yeah I know that about credit reports etc...and he had a CCJ 9 years ago...I don't understand why now he's got nno debts and he has a steady job earning good money he cannot get a Switch card? I think it's crazy - how can he get one?

[antiguru]

No bank is under any obligation to offer your boyfriend anything. We take banks business for granted these days but essentially they assess business as good or bad on risk. Nationwide have set themselves up as a responsible money lender and are perfectly within their rights to reject any new business, as are any bank.

Your boyfriend has shown himself to make bad judgements about money in the past and any bank may consider that he may do so again the future. Banks like people who use overdrafts but not get into unpayable debt.

Incidentally, if you start living together, try to get a mortgage or even get married his credit rating will become your problem too and in some cases if he goes into debt you will be liable too.

[shinkypink19]

Well that seemed a tad negative antiguru
!!
Sometimes people don't choose to get in to debt, but are rendered into situations where unfortunatley it's the only option, my bf's mum had a stroke a number of years ago and bf was left to pick up the pieces...

I do understand that he got into debt and it's his own responsibility, however - it was a blip, he has now paid everything off and doesn't owe anyone a penny, yet he has been tarred with this brush.

Any constructive advice would be greatley appriciated.