Why are credit applications turned down?

Why might an application be turned down?

When you apply for an MBNA credit card or loan, a lot of things are taken into consideration to make a fair assessment of your circumstances.

You're more likely to be approved by us if you:

  • Are aged 23 or over (although you can apply from the age of 18).
  • Are on the electoral register.


To be eligible to apply, you must:

  • Be a UK resident, aged 18 or over, with a regular annual income.
  • Provide up to 3 years’ address history, an email address and phone number.
  • Provide your main bank account number and sort code.
  • Be free of County Court Judgements (CCJs), individual voluntary agreements (IVAs) or bankruptcies.
  • Not be unemployed or a student.
  • Not have been declined by MBNA for a credit card or loan within the last 30 days.

 

Also considered are things like:

  • Your current and previous credit history, including full credit searches.
  • Affordability based on your income.


As responsible lenders, an assessment is made of what you can reasonably and sustainably afford to repay, taking into account your income, and the total amount of credit already available to you.

About your credit record

Your credit record is used to assess the risk of offering you credit. It shows how well you’ve managed your past and existing financial commitments. The better your rating is, the better chance you'll have of being approved for a credit card or loan.

Things that can affect your rating:

  • High outstanding credit card and loan balances compared to your income.
  • Missed or late repayments to existing/previous lenders.
  • High levels of available credit.
  • Credit or repayment history not well established enough.
  • Bankruptcy, CCJs or IVAs.

 

Things you can do to improve your credit file:

  • Make existing credit repayments on time.
  • Register on the electoral roll.
  • Settle outstanding defaults and CCJs.
  • Check your credit report regularly and ask the relevant credit reference agencies to correct any inaccurate information.

 

What’s the best way to borrow?

As with any financial decision, consider:

  • Whether this is the right option for you.
  • The risks of taking on too much debt.
  • The cost and time it’ll take to repay anything you borrow.
     

Compare borrowing options from MBNA

Learn more about healthy credit

Decided on a credit card?

Take an eligibility check to see which MBNA credit cards you’re eligible to apply for, your estimated credit limit - all without affecting your credit rating. We'll only complete a full credit search if you go on to complete a full application.

Credit Card Eligibility Checker

I’ve been declined for a loan or credit card

Your application history can be seen by anyone reviewing your credit file. Be aware multiple applications in a short period can negatively impact your credit rating, which might stop lenders from offering you credit.

The main credit reference agencies used in the UK are:


We might consider another application from you if your circumstances change, but we’d suggest you wait at least 6 months.

Appealing our decision

All applications are processed based on the information we have, but if your full application wasn’t successful, you’re entitled to appeal our decision.

To do this, please to write to us at the address below. You can also post any additional information to support your application to the same address.

Personal Lending Decisions,
Three City Park,
The Droveway,
Hove,
East Sussex,
BN3 7AU.

You’ll need to include your contact number in your letter. Appealing your decision might mean another credit search being carried out, which could be recorded on your credit file.

Important: the content of this page is not intended to be taken as financial advice or recommendation from MBNA. You should seek independent financial advice if you're unsure about your financial needs.

Understanding credit