do all credit cards these days ask for a work number on an application?

ceb1995

My interest-free period is almost up on my card with our bank and every card so far I've looked into insists on my work number, I haven't had to give it when I last did an application two years ago but since it's a company number and not a personal extension or anything I don't feel 100% comfortable giving it out. Is this normal practice these days?

D3xt3r5L4b

Put your mobile number. 

TadleyBaggie

I've never seen an application for a credit card that requires a works number, not sure what I'd put as I'm retired.

dr_adidas01

TadleyBaggie said:

I've never seen an application for a credit card that requires a works number, not sure what I'd put as I'm retired.

Barclaycard ask for it if you put that your employed. 

northwalesd

dr_adidas01 said:

Barclaycard ask for it if you put that your employed. 

I got my Barclaycard last year, I am employed and they didn't ask me for a work tel no. I do have a home and mobile number in my profile.

dr_adidas01

northwalesd said:

dr_adidas01 said:

Barclaycard ask for it if you put that your employed. 

I got my Barclaycard last year, I am employed and they didn't ask me for a work tel no. I do have a home and mobile number in my profile.

blue.peter

I'm retired, so I don't have a work number. I haven't found it difficult to obtain a credit card without one (I've had three new ones since I retired - Virgin, Nationwide and TSB.) I just leave that field blank or, if I can't, just put in my home land line. The banks only want it so that they know that they can contact you if they need to do so.

ceb1995

Thank you for your comments, I'll try putting my mobile number in that section to get around it. 

[Deleted User]

I've never know any credit card company actually contact work unless you default. But I've always had to put in work numbers.

I suppose they could call to verify income etc. - but for unsecured lending they're far more likely to just ask for payslips - Barclaycard are actually known for doing that recently (and probably decline if they still had concerns).

If they really wanted to get hold of the employer (again, I doubt it for unsecured lending), I imagine they'd write/email. If someone phoned 'Dave's motors' and asked to speak to the owner/manager or HR, they could be talking to any old Tom, !!!!!! or Harry - same applies at any company unless they have a "HR" option on the switchboard (and even that's not robust). Having it in writing would give a higher confidence they have reached the correct person/team.

So in short, I wouldn't be worried they'll phone your employer - unless you miss payments and they can't get hold of you first (and even then they shouldn't disclose why (DPA), they'll just ask to speak to you). 

[Deleted User]

They may call and ask for you as an informal check that you work there.

redux

I've never given a work phone number on any bank account or credit card application or account details

My mobile number, but not a landline at work.

Try leaving that field empty on the form