i also have this problem! im looking to apply for a loan but have a bad credit rating according to one company and a good one according to another . The bank have advised that every time I apply and am rejected this is marked as refused credit and is something you often have to inform other lenders. I have found that some companies will offer a quote and then ask if you wish to proceed with the application but these tend to be the "less reliable" shall we say lenders with the higher interest rates . I'm not sure if interest rates are affected by your credit rating ???? but obviously the more time you have the loan the greater the interest - the bank have told me this term and condition also features in "subject to status" people with very good credit and higher earnings can also secure reduced rate loans and credit cards again featuring in "subkect to status" have you asked the bank about their current rates ? rather than going through a lender? i am attempting to secure a loan with the bank as i think them easier to approach if something were to go wrong i.e. loss of earnings etc banks tend to be easier on clients that bank with them my friends have found than people that go through lenders have found with the companies in question.