I applied for a Reward credit card due to Chase (great bank) discontinuing cashback abroad.

The identity checks and financial documentation that Mitek Nat West required were incredible. It was akin to applying for a mortgage or expensive car loan.

I sent off P60s, pension income, savings income and finally bank statements. They wanted an employment contract or tax return, despite explaining I was retired!

Mitak’s most recent request, duly submitted, was:

‘Please submit at least 1 document(s). Your options are: Payslips, Bank Statements, P60s, Contract of Employment, other Income source.’

I have several credit cards, from far more prestigious companies than Nat West, and never had to submit to these lengths to prove my financial worth.

The staff at Mitak apparently have difficulty working out net income from pensions and savings and determining the gross income. A figure they need to rubber stamp the application. Figures are obviously not their forte.

Needless to say, I informed them that, in the circumstances, I did not feel comfortable having financial connections with Nat West and I withdrew my application.

A close shave, especially now that I have seen their reviews on Trustpilot.