Your credit history rarely affects job applications. In fact, most employers won't check your credit report at all.
However, some roles do require a credit check before you get an offer. This is more common in jobs like finance, law, or senior positions that involve handling money or sensitive information.
This article explains when employers check credit reports, what they can see, and what it means if you have bad credit.
Most employers don't need to see your credit report. But if they do want to check it, they must ask for your permission first.
Employers usually ask for a credit check when the job involves:
You might see credit checks for roles in:
Note: This list is not complete, and every employer has their own rules.
If an employer checks your credit report, they'll see public information like:
They won't see your credit score. That's only visible to you.
The credit check will leave a footprint on your file, but only you can see it. This is also known as a “soft search”, and it means that lenders won't see it, and it won't affect your credit score.
Employers check credit reports for three main reasons:
Every employer is different. They'll look at your whole application, not just your credit report.
Yes, bad credit could affect your chances of getting some jobs, but it’s rare.
An employer may decide not to offer a job if they believe serious credit problems could affect the role. This usually applies to severe issues like bankruptcy or large unpaid debts, especially in financial roles.
That said, many employers look at the full picture. They may consider:
Missing a few payments in the past is very different from ongoing serious debt.
Having bad credit does not define you, and it does not mean you will never get a job.
Over time, past negative marks on your credit file will matter less — especially if you manage your money well afterwards. Employers also look at your CV, references, and how you perform in your interview.
You can also take steps to understand and improve your credit history by:
Worrying about your credit history is understandable, but try not to let it hold you back. Most employers won't check it, and those that do usually look at more than just numbers on a file.
Your skills, experience, and attitude still matter most. With time and the right steps, it is always possible to move forward.
Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.
Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.
