Hello out there to everyone on Canadian content,
I have noticed that many forum members have quite a bit of knowledge concerning consumer issues, I was wandering whether anyone might have some helpful suggestions for my problem. I recently applied for a student credit card through CIBC Student Visa (January), I am over 18 and have absolutely no debts to my name. My salary is in 5-digit range and I work for a reputable company. I am also a full-time student planning to attend university this September.
My application was denied however, with no explanation given, other than I had to call a private group called Equifax to resolve the matter. After calling for many hours (February) this happens all the time so it is no bigey for me) I managed to get through to a representative who said that I had an incorrect birthdate and that I needed to send photocopies of my SIN card, passport and driver's license. I did this even though I didn’t feel comfortable in doing so. I had asked that they phone me when they rectify the situation. I received no phone call.
I received a letter a month later (April) stating that it had been corrected HOWEVER after looking over the so-called corrected report I was awestruck to see my brothers name! Both my brother and I are headed to university and thus require positive credit when applying to OSAP (student loan). This majorly screwed up both of our credit reports especially his. Considering we have different names and my driver’s license, passport and SIN all show different names I find it hard to believe such a mistake could occur, yet it did. After calling them and waiting on hold for hours on end I was told that they had made a mistake and that their system only counts first names (which I share with my brother) not middle names. After a lengthy discussion, I was told that they would need to split the files and would again require all the photocopies, regardless of the fact that I had already sent them before.
After sending them again (late April) I again waited until I received a package on May 4 stating that everything had been corrected and that I had a positive credit rating as well as my brothers being ok. I went ahead with another application for VISA this time through my personal banker. He had said a variety of reasons why this was happening (I realized he had absolutely no clue about anything) But I went with him anywayz (my mistake). I received a call today stating that there is a problem with my credit profile and they won’t say whats wrong with it, but I must contact EQUIFAX yet again to rectify it. My personal banker says that my credit is tied to my brother’s one but I doubt it.
Unfortunately, for me I need a good credit rating for OSAP (student loan) and if I keep sending applications and they keep declining, it becomes negative. The due date for applying for my student loan is June 15th barely a month and I can’t get anything to work. Should I pursue legal means? I’m tired of giving into CIBC/Equifax for all sorts of information when im consistently denied for no reason. I tried also with MasterCard through BMO Student services but to no avail. If anything I should, I have instant approval because of my steady source of income and collateral. If I don’t get approved I might have to wait another year until everything gets cleared up which is unfair, if anyone can help I’d be much obliged. Though I despise Equifax to the core if there is somebody who works for them I could go through them, nothing illegal of course just rectifying a problem made by this company and CIBC.
I have noticed that many forum members have quite a bit of knowledge concerning consumer issues, I was wandering whether anyone might have some helpful suggestions for my problem. I recently applied for a student credit card through CIBC Student Visa (January), I am over 18 and have absolutely no debts to my name. My salary is in 5-digit range and I work for a reputable company. I am also a full-time student planning to attend university this September.
My application was denied however, with no explanation given, other than I had to call a private group called Equifax to resolve the matter. After calling for many hours (February) this happens all the time so it is no bigey for me) I managed to get through to a representative who said that I had an incorrect birthdate and that I needed to send photocopies of my SIN card, passport and driver's license. I did this even though I didn’t feel comfortable in doing so. I had asked that they phone me when they rectify the situation. I received no phone call.
I received a letter a month later (April) stating that it had been corrected HOWEVER after looking over the so-called corrected report I was awestruck to see my brothers name! Both my brother and I are headed to university and thus require positive credit when applying to OSAP (student loan). This majorly screwed up both of our credit reports especially his. Considering we have different names and my driver’s license, passport and SIN all show different names I find it hard to believe such a mistake could occur, yet it did. After calling them and waiting on hold for hours on end I was told that they had made a mistake and that their system only counts first names (which I share with my brother) not middle names. After a lengthy discussion, I was told that they would need to split the files and would again require all the photocopies, regardless of the fact that I had already sent them before.
After sending them again (late April) I again waited until I received a package on May 4 stating that everything had been corrected and that I had a positive credit rating as well as my brothers being ok. I went ahead with another application for VISA this time through my personal banker. He had said a variety of reasons why this was happening (I realized he had absolutely no clue about anything) But I went with him anywayz (my mistake). I received a call today stating that there is a problem with my credit profile and they won’t say whats wrong with it, but I must contact EQUIFAX yet again to rectify it. My personal banker says that my credit is tied to my brother’s one but I doubt it.
Unfortunately, for me I need a good credit rating for OSAP (student loan) and if I keep sending applications and they keep declining, it becomes negative. The due date for applying for my student loan is June 15th barely a month and I can’t get anything to work. Should I pursue legal means? I’m tired of giving into CIBC/Equifax for all sorts of information when im consistently denied for no reason. I tried also with MasterCard through BMO Student services but to no avail. If anything I should, I have instant approval because of my steady source of income and collateral. If I don’t get approved I might have to wait another year until everything gets cleared up which is unfair, if anyone can help I’d be much obliged. Though I despise Equifax to the core if there is somebody who works for them I could go through them, nothing illegal of course just rectifying a problem made by this company and CIBC.