False entry on my credit file by Metro Bank

[jims45]

I recently went to my nearest Metro Bank to open a business account.

After about 30 minutes waiting I was seen by a member of staff and explained I needed a basic account without overdraft or borrowing facilities.

 

I was then told I needed to produce ID and she would perform a credit check to establish my identity.

I wrongly presumed this would be a "soft search" as carried out by my previous Bank.

My credit file is not perfect having had dealings with good old Cabot in the past so the account was refused...fair enough.

 

However a few weeks later upon checking my credit file I see that Metro Bank have performed a "hard credit check" and marked it as "credit application".

 

I did not apply for any form of credit but Metro Bank refused to correct the entry on my file.

No apology just a letter informing me that was standard Metro Bank procedure.

 

Is there a complaints procedure to get this changed or do I just put it down to experience?

[fkofilee]

Actually - They have done the correct process. Any current account being opened can and will do a hard search. 

 

A) Anti Money Laundering Regs

B) Identification Verification (CIFAS ID Reg For Bank Accounts As Well)

 

No dice on this one. 1 Search wont hurt... 

 

[fkofilee]

These are KYC (Know Your Customer) Checks...

[jims45]

Thanks for the reply.

Strange thing is my previous Bank does not show up as a hard search it is listed as anti money laundering and appears in the section marked as ‘will not harm your credit score’. Maybe the free credit check websites  are not 100% accurate.

[fkofilee]

For new customers - Bank Policy varies. 

Honestly dont worry about it - Its not going to kill you