SC security clearance and credit card debt

chris0123

Hi Everyone,

I am currently undergoing SC security clearance and have around 14k in credit cards debts, 0% interest for 2 years.

I have the funds available to clear this now but wanted to pay a chunk of my mortgage off. I know the obvious and safe solution is to just pay the credit card off, but how much credit card debt will ring alarm bells do you think?

Suseka97

I have no idea what 'SC security clearance' relates to - but if you are in a 0% interest period for the whole £14k, then you really ought to be focussing on getting rid of that before reducing your mortgage. In terms of 'ringing bells' in relation to credit card debt - it depends what it is you are seeking to do. I'm not quite following the question.

Ebe_Scrooge

Suseka97 wrote: »

I have no idea what 'SC security clearance' relates to

It's a kind of background check that you have to undergo if you want to apply for the post of James Bond :-)

Well, actually, it's a check done on anyone applying for a job that will give them access to confidential or sensitive information - often Government agencies and the like. A bit like the old CRB check, but more detailed, and there are different levels depending on your job role.

Financial situation is one thing they check - the theory being that if you're struggling, you'll potentially be open to bribery. To answer the OP's question, I wouldn't be overly concerned by what you've described. What they're looking for is substantial levels of debt, or signs that you're struggling to service the debt, which I'm sure you're not. And they've only got to check the CRAs to see that your debt is at 0%, which explains why you're carrying it rather than paying it off completely.

MidsHollie

I doubt that £12000 credit card debt will be an issue with an SC level of clearance. If you were undergoing DV (developed vetting - the next level up), then it might be. Although I am certainly no expert in these matters, I think it probably depends on the role that you are applying for - if it involves finances or there is a risk to you in relation to your job role and your finances, then this may cause a problem with some levels of vetting. Sorry I can’t be of more help.