Credit Checks for new Passport???????

rainbowsandflowers

Hi all,

Does anyone know anything about the above. I am wanting to apply for a replacement passport and noticed on the application form and their little help booklet that they check details with equifax and share information with them.

I'm worried that I won't get a passport now because of problems with by credit file caused by my ex. Can anyone clarify??? :eek:

Thanks

xx

SuzySu

Sorry I don't know about this really, but I don't see why they would refuse to replace your passport simply because you have a bad credit history. I would think they must be interested in other things rather than how much money you owe and to whom.

I'm sure someone much more knowledgeable will be along soon.

debrag

well my credit is crap and I get a new on in 2006 though can't remember seeing anything about a check then

mooomin

Hello!

I work in financial services and for some of our accounts where you don't have credit facilities and would therefore not have a credit check, we have a similar paragraph in the application forms.

It normally means that they will do an identity check on you to see if you are who you say you are. I think it checks the electoral register etc. It's a way of verifying who our customer is without asking them to provide all of the documents they own.

I would think it's a similar thing.

It would also be discrimanatory to not allow people with poor credit ratings to leave the country...wouldn't it?

rainbowsandflowers

Thanks for that. I was worried that it would make a difference. I think it is a new thing that has just come in, something to do with that ID Scheme and National Identity Register from what I've been reading. I don't understand what my finances have to do with a passport. Surely if they were wanting to check my identity they could do it from government bodies like inland revenue etc. Seems strange.

mooomin

rainbowsandflowers wrote: »

Thanks for that. I was worried that it would make a difference. I think it is a new thing that has just come in, something to do with that ID Scheme and National Identity Register from what I've been reading. I don't understand what my finances have to do with a passport. Surely if they were wanting to check my identity they could do it from government bodies like inland revenue etc. Seems strange.

Yup, you would think so!!

I think that a lot of companies use these sorts of checks, as I have opened online savings accounts without having to visit a branch to provide ID, so I assume they checked me in some way.

rainbowsandflowers

flying_fresian wrote: »

Hello!

I work in financial services and for some of our accounts where you don't have credit facilities and would therefore not have a credit check, we have a similar paragraph in the application forms.

It normally means that they will do an identity check on you to see if you are who you say you are. I think it checks the electoral register etc. It's a way of verifying who our customer is without asking them to provide all of the documents they own.

I would think it's a similar thing.

It would also be discrimanatory to not allow people with poor credit ratings to leave the country...wouldn't it?

Thank you, so will I need to get my address history details together do you think? On the application it doesn't ask for previous addresses. I'm going to the Passport Office on Thursday anyway cos need the passport urgently to get my disclosure for work updated x x

xgingerx

Dam, I was going to go to the Dominican Republic in August and Ive got to renew my passport but looks like I wont be going cos Ive got a bad credit history and wont be allowed to leave the country ever again !!!

lol - only kiddin, I would agree it may be just a Identity Check

SuzySu

Maybe they have to list it in the booklet even if they don't do it for everyone. Security is so hot these days that they are probably just covering themselves.

rainbowsandflowers

xgingerx wrote: »

Dam, I was going to go to the Dominican Republic in August and Ive got to renew my passport but looks like I wont be going cos Ive got a bad credit history and wont be allowed to leave the country ever again !!!

lol - only kiddin, I would agree it may be just a Identity Check

LOL :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: I take it that is completely different from a full credit check then? x x

Head-Out-Of-Sand

Hi there,

I'm the same as you...not been so sensible with my credit in the past, so any time a credit check is mentioned my blood freezes!!!

I would imagine it's just a way to check your identity - possibly they get your permission but dont use it most of the time, but do further checks if someone looks a bit dodgy, as the credit file may show someone with history of fraud or something like that? Or I guess a false identity would have no credit file?

Either way, I strongly doubt it's anything to worry about - you don't have to be credit worthy to get a passport!