Unexpected Hard Pull

[User11]

Hello folks,

I'm planning to open a checking account with Citizens Bank and before doing so I tried to find out whether this results in a hard pull on my credit file. Unfortunately different customer agents give me different contradictory information about this: some say there will be no hard pull, others say there will be one. The branch office representative told me that they will not make a hard pull since this is not a credit line. Recently I came across this sad story http://www.justanswer.com/consumer-protection-law/7u3a2-opened-checking-account-citizens-bank-boston... which is very relevant to my case. In short, the guy there was told there will be no hard pull but in the end there was one and now he cannot do anything about it at all.

So here is my question: is there anything I can do beforehand to protect myself from an unexpected hard pull and have grounds to dispute it if it appears? I'm thinking of writing a short statement on the application form, something like "a credit inquiry shared with others on my credit file is not authorized" or maybe asking them to give me a written response indicating there will be no hard pull for opening the checking account. However I'm not sure if any methods like these are sufficient to succesfully dispute an inquery according to FCRA. Any ideas of what can be done here are highly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Shogun]

Actually, I don't think there is.  I know some CUs are automatic with doing a HP for an account, some banks do too.  It's permissable.

[User11]

So even if they claim there will be no hard pull and then make one it is still legitimate and the consumer cannot do anything about it at all? Could this be viewed as a misrepresentation to solicit an account application?

[user5387]

I don't think the issue is worth pursuing very far.

There are bigger issues with credit reports than the number of inquiries, and I'd focus on those.

[bettercreditguy1]

My credit union created a hp for myself and one for my wife. This cuts down fraud/theft/false identities for them and gives them a base of which services they can offer you based on that information. For example, my wife and I each applied and received a Visa card with very nice clis on our initial visit with the same pull. As we were going auto shopping, it also pre determined our borrowing limit, term, and interest rate.

[bigblue7722]

why not freeze all of your credit reports? This way no HP can be done. 

[Loques]

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@bigblue7722 wrote:

why not freeze all of your credit reports? This way no HP can be done. 

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+1.  My exact thought!

[User11]

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@bigblue7722 wrote:

why not freeze all of your credit reports? This way no HP can be done. 

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This is an interesting idea! Never occured to me. I researched the topic a little and unfortunately it turns out in my state each bureau charges a $10 fee each time the freeze is initiated or lifted. Also, if I understand correctly this may get in a way if I seek a new employment (which may happen soon). Placing a freeze would only allow soft pulls from the existing creditors, right?

[d170]

Honestly, to me, 30-60$ is worth dropping than to take the HP.  I also believe, you can advise your employer of the freeze and advise you're concerned about identity theft.