Does bad credit affect finding a job?
James Williams
Updated on March 20, 2026
Employers that check credit reports do so to assess an applicant’s money management abilities, potential for security threats and responsibility. You can still get a job with bad credit, but some employers may weigh your credit history more heavily for certain positions.
Can I be denied employment due to bad credit?
Some states and major cities have enacted legislation that protects applicants from having their credit histories used against them in hiring and other employment practices. However, the majority of states still allow private employers to use poor credit history as a lawful reason to reject a job seeker’s application.
Does a credit check verify employment?
Employment Information Doesn’t Affect Your Credit Scores The employment history that appears on your credit report is never factored into your credit scores. Your employer has nothing to do with the way you’ve managed credit and debt, so it’s not a factor in your scores.
Do jobs look at credit score?
Can an Employer See Your Credit Score? Employers who run credit checks cannot see your credit score. The report they receive includes information that contributes to your score, like payment history, and frequent late payments could be a cause for concern. But the three-digit credit number is not included.
Why would I fail a credit check?
Some of the most common reasons for failing a credit check might include: There was no way to confirm your identity and address. You have a history of credit problems. Something as small as missing a single repayment on a loan can cause issues when it comes to a failed credit check.
Can you fail a soft credit check?
If you’re worried about your soft credit check failing, don’t be! It can still be worth completing one to see what the outcome is. And remember, your credit score won’t be affected whatsoever.
Can you get a job if you have bad credit?
In fact, some states have laws that prohibit employer credit checks unless a candidate is going to have direct access to company finances or be in a managerial role. Some employers may check your credit after you’ve been hired, even if they did not do so during the hiring process.
Do you have to do credit check when applying for job?
In addition to employment history and criminal background checks, some employers also run credit checks on applicants and use that information to make hiring decisions.
Can a employer use a credit check to discriminate?
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) oversees how employers can use information from credit checks. Employers are prohibited from illegally discriminating when using financial information to make employment decisions. For example, an employer can’t use one standard for female candidates and a different standard for male candidates.
What happens if an employer does not hire you because of your credit report?
If the employer does not hire you because of the report, the company must inform you. The employer also must give you the contact information for the third-party agency used to get your credit report. You can see what is in the report. You have a right to receive a copy of your credit report for free.