Credit searches and charity accounts

funnymama1974

Good evening,

Im not sure if I'm posting in the right place but I'm new to the forums here and looking for advice.

I have been asked to be a signatory on a charity account and I don't know if I'll be credit searched. The account is an existing and established account (not a new charity account) with a healthy balance. The account requires 2 signatures so I wouldn't be solely responsible for writing the cheques - they would need to be countersigned (or I would be countersigning.)

The reason I ask is that I'm currently in a pickle with some old debt and although I'm not doing anything like an IVA, I am paying reduced payments by agreement of my creditors. I am however up to date with mortgage etc. I did an Experian check last night and i got a score of 990 and it came back excellent, although there was a negative registered on my account.

I do hope someone can help me. I've been searching for the answer online with little success. I'd really love to help this charity but I'm scared to death that having agreed to do the job in question, the founder would get told of my history and I'd be mortified. Like most people in debt, no one knows my situation and I want it to remain that way.

Thank you.

Asbestross

Hi Funnymama,

I would first ask for the T&C's which you are signing acceptance of. Within there, check with a fine toothcomb for any sections which detail identity checks or consulting a credit reference agency.

I'd assume that unless you're dealing with key financial information, or transactions the only search that they would potentially perform could be an identity check (the likes of which would not show up to lenders on your credit file).

Hope this helps

Ross

Experian_company_representative

You have to give your permission for a credit check and this should be very obvious on the application - not hidden away in the T&Cs. There will be a Data Protection box near where you sign and in there you'll find details about exactly how your data will be used/stored. If the account includes an overdraft facility then it is likely they will carry out a credit check before opening it.

James Jones