Borrowers slam ‘invasive’ rules

Consumer seeking $10k loan asked by bank for details on eyebrow waxings, parking costs and her social life

MEvery single transaction was analysed and questioned. Loan applicant

ore stories have emerged detailing the effects of strict new loan changes, including one woman who was probed about her social life, her job and her spending down to the dollar.

Changes to the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act took effect at the start of December, which require banks to break down applicants’ spending habits before approving loans.

The changes were intended to protect vulnerable borrowers from loan sharks, but many have found the new processes obstructive and unnecessary.

One woman, who did not want to be identified, said the process for getting a loan was invasive.

She was seeking a loan of less than $10,000 to help with emergency medical expenses.

She went to ANZ, as it had the best rate for her, but was referred to a manager, who decided the loan was not affordable for her, she said.

Nothing but a superficial explanation was given for the denial.

In the past she had received a similar loan with no issue, despite being in a worse financial position.

She next approached The Cooperative Bank for the loan.

She had to break down her spending habits specifically, with the bank requesting explanations for deviations as little as $5. The bank inquired into her social life, hobbies and how much she spent on parking.

“Sometimes I get my eyebrows waxed, I had to explain to him indepth how frequently that happens.

“Every single transaction was analysed and questioned.”

Despite being a salaried worker, she had to show the bank her work contract to prove her employment.

She also had to write an in-depth summary of what her job was to go along with it, she said.

The workers were “apologetic” about it, but she did not feel many of the questions were relevant.

As part of the process, the bank asked if she was interested in life insurance, which she agreed to pay for. She was asked for in-depth detail on her medical history, such as the circumstances that led to her developing post-traumatic stress disorder.

Once that process was complete, she was told the $2 weekly fee for the insurance could mean her loan was no longer accepted.

The loan was eventually approved, but the experience put her off considering a loan in the future and made her think twice about buying a house, she said.

“The entire process has been invasive,” she said.

Others shared their experience on Facebook, saying they were questioned about spending money on doctor visits, prescriptions, charity donations and simple luxuries.

One user said they were told by a financial adviser to cut out all extra spending, such as their Netflix subscription.

Another called the new process degrading and destructive.

Many users spoke up about the importance of using cash, as it was untraceable.

Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs David Clark on Friday called for a planned investigation into new home loan regulations to be brought forward amid concerns banks were adopting too hard a line with the guidelines.