Hello folks,
I've searched and read as many threads as I can come up with regarding credit checks done by employers, and if anything, what I've read is completely ambiguous; hence this new thread.
Earlier this week I signed an offer letter for a new job, and as part of the onboarding process, there is a fairly extensive background check. Part of the check is apparently a credit check; I say "apparently" because they've asked me to unfreeze my Experian account. So, my question is two-fold, why ask for the thaw if they aren't going to do a soft pull, and if they are doing a hard pull, does this impact my scores?
Best regards,
'Shoez
@Thomas_Thumb wrote:
Will they be issuing you a company credit card? If so, the issuer may require full access but, you should not get a HP on your personal file since it is a corporate card. The data may be used in setting your card SL.
I think it is a possibility they will issue a card; two years ago the individual I'll be indirectly reporting to was at the same level I'll be coming in as, and he had a corporate card.
@JoeRockhead wrote:According to the FCRA, the only entities permitted to initiate a HP on someones credit are those doing so for the purpose of lending money, or actually extending credit. In the case of an employer pulling credit, it's supposed to trigger as non-permissible/unauthorized, and deny the hard pull resulting in a SP only check (merely getting authorized for a company CC is not included). As Mr. Thumb said, if it does show up as a HP, you can dispute it.
- 15 U.S. Code § 1681b – Permissible purposes of consumer reports
- 15 U.S. Code § 1681a(d) – Definition of a consumer report
As far as lifting the freeze, I'll offer my own experience with credit.com. At one point I kept track of all my VS3, and FICO scores. I got my VS3 EX score from them every two weeks, until I froze my credit. They told me in order for them to give me updated scores, I'd have to unfreeze my EX report... go figure.
Thanks, if a Hard Pull shows up, I'll dispute it.
@Realist wrote:Also take in consideration the type of employment you seek. Some, will require you to jump through certain hoops.
Most employers aren't going to require a credit check at all. Specific employers may. Some employers, specific to the Health field, may require you to submit fingerprints as part of a background check. The levels of requests are determined by what line of work you are applying for.
I have never once, ever submitted to a credit check for employment. I would suspect you are in a specific lineup of work that makes this necessary. As others have said, stand your ground, and dispute what you need. There should never be a hard pull for anything other than lending or financial services.
I'm going to work for Google, and it is my understanding all Googlers have had a full background check, including a credit check, before they onboarded.
@Horseshoez wrote:Hello folks,
I've searched and read as many threads as I can come up with regarding credit checks done by employers, and if anything, what I've read is completely ambiguous; hence this new thread.
Earlier this week I signed an offer letter for a new job, and as part of the onboarding process, there is a fairly extensive background check. Part of the check is apparently a credit check; I say "apparently" because they've asked me to unfreeze my Experian account. So, my question is two-fold, why ask for the thaw if they aren't going to do a soft pull, and if they are doing a hard pull, does this impact my scores?
Best regards,
'Shoez
Congratulations on your new job and best of luck.
