Why can't I get a current account?

[Diggy]

Apologies if this is in the wrong section.....

I have banked with Halifax for about 15 years now. A few years back I had some money troubles and as a result Halifax withdrew my current account and gave me a cardcash account instead. My money problems never went beyond late payments on credit cards/loans and bounced cheques etc.... Although I was late paying people, they always got paid, I never incurred a CCJ. This was all cleared up at least 2 years ago.

I recently applied for a copy of my credit file from Experian and could not see any thing listed that should give me bad credit still.

I can get mobile phone contracts easy, I have just signed up for a mortgage through Northern Rock, who along with my partner, gave us a medium credit rating, I have also been given an MBNA credit card with a limit of £1500.

I am employed full-time, permanently, as is my partner, jointly we deposit £2000-£2500 per month. Our bank accounts have been conducted faultlesly for 24 months.

Halifax, however still will not upgrade me to a current account. My partner has a Barclays current account, I asked to be added to this and was told I can be but the account will be downgraded to the same level I have with Halifax.

Can anyone give me some advice on what I can do to get a current account? Is there a high street bank that are perhaps more aproachable and may be able to help? Whenever I ask why I can't get an account I get the same answer, my credit file. But I can't see anything on it?

Thanks all.

[Gruffle Gaw]

Credit scoring is done differently by different companies. Basically your credit report is a list of information, and each organisation you apply for credit from decides what value to put on some or all of the information from your report. They may also take other things into account - for example, even if there is nothing on your credit file, Halifax no doubt have internal records on your account conduct, which they may place a high value on.

If I were you I'd just change banks. I don't think you'll encounter the same problems at other places.

[Ruthie P]

try A&L they have given me a current account with cheque book etc and my rating is shocking I cant even get a credit card anymore! The other thing is that a lot of banks like to see you manage your account for three months before they give you a better account, i found this was the case with lloyds tsb, my boyfriend has banked with halifax years and still only has an electron card.

[Gruffle Gaw]

In any case, changing from Halifax will save you a lot of hassle generally. In my experience they offer the worst customer service of all the high street banks.

[powelll]

The other thing to bear in mind ( in addition to the above posts ) is that any missed or late payments or defaults ( as well as CCjs ) will show on your credit ref. file for 6 years. So while you cleared most things up 2 years ago this could also be the reason you're having a problem with the banks in particular.

[dellydaisy]

My stories same as yours with halifax and on asking firends and family looks like Im not alone with my electron rubbish card.

Im moving banks there not worth the hassle.

[Diggy]

Thanks all for the replies. Going to try a different high street and see if I have any better luck.

Thanks again all.

[Movingon]

Also, don't forget that there are THREE major Credit Reference Agencies, and they may hold wildly differing records for you. Look for Equifax and CallCredit alongside Experian.