How does a poor credit report affect your ability to pass a background check?

Question

I have received an offer from an insurance co as a customer svc rep in their call center. I accepted their offer and now have to pass a drug test (no problem) and a background investigation. I presume it will be a criminal record check (no problem) and employment record (no problem) but my credit isn't great. I have a bankruptcy from 2005 but all of my current credit is on time and good.

If all of the other items are in order and I was already given an offer, will that one thing cause them to rescind their offer?

Answer 1

They might be thinking it's because, if you have poor credit you are subject to stealing, bribery and a poor decision making.  Someone I knew in the military had the same problem and they wouldn't let that person sign on for more years until the problem was resolved.

Answer 2

I would not think that a bankruptcy would affect your job in a call center. A background check could include a criminal and credit check. They are primarily looking for inconsistencies and to see whether you are honest.

Answer 3

This isn't really my area of expertise but as a practical matter, I can't see why they would particularly care about a bankruptcy.  I mean they are paying you, not expecting money from you, so why do they care if you have had trouble paying your bills.  Best guess - they won't care.

Answer 4

If the company cares enough to pull a credit report, then the results matter to them.  It could impact the offer.  However, they may not be pulling a credit report.

Answer 5

A lot of companies look at that. Like when buying insurance, people with certain credit scores fall within a risk matrix. For example, if you have a credit score of 500, your risk of an accident is 40% higher than if your score is 650 (I am making this part up, I don't the actual matrix). It applies the same to hiring someone. Are you reliable in your life (pay bills on time, etc)? Can you be trusted to show up (constantly fired or laid off)?

All in all, my hubby and I filed in 2005 as well. We are doing much better, and though it has still effected some long term loan processes, it is no longer an issue for the housing market or employment issues.

Answer 6

Not necessarily. Sometimes this can affect a job offer, but not always. It depends on the type of background check the business chooses to do, and even then it is up to their personal discretion. About background checks: