I have an interview coming up with a payment processing (digital card) giant.

9 Comments

1. Samantha EdstromSeptember 9,2022 at 12:56PM UTC

   We do credit checks in the banking industry too. I’ve had potential candidates express their credit isn’t that great but it has never been an issue. I believe that as long as you don’t have multiple recent collections etc.. you should be just fine. A few late payments shouldn’t be an issue for employment. Of course take this with a grain of salt as every company is different.

   if it does come up, simply say “while I have had a few late payments in the past, I have implemented xyz plan to be more diligent with on time payments. “ the plan could be a planner with payment schedule or outlook reminders

2. AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 1:03PM UTC

   Thank you. I never thought this would be a criteria for gaining employment.

3. SMHSeptember 9,2022 at 1:36PM UTC

   I don't know about banks, but in government jobs where you have access to sensitive information they want to make sure you aren't going to be easily compromised because you are desperate in some way. They aren't looking for flawless credit.

4. SMHSeptember 9,2022 at 1:35PM UTC

   Well said. I've never worked for a bank or finance company, but I have been involved in government clearances. They do credit checks for those too, but as long as your credit isn't like completely devastated by an active bankruptcy and you take ownership / show you have a plan to prevent it in the future, they're fine.

5. AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 12:56PM UTC

   If you are concerned about your credit score, I would first look it up on Credit Karma or Credit Sesame or the credit bureaus so you can get a clear idea of your score and when missed payments were reported. That will allow you to speak about it if you are asked. Is a certain FICO score required to have this job?

6. Damie WilsonSeptember 9,2022 at 2:17PM UTC

   They generally see what is called in HR an employment report but not the score.

7. AnonymousSeptember 9,2022 at 3:54PM UTC

   We usually just looked for bankruptcy or someone who owes alot late. A "good" score wasn't required. We were just trying to make sure you weren't at risk of stealing company money to pay your own bills.

8. AnonymousSeptember 10,2022 at 7:57AM UTC

   Thanks all. Feeling a lot more positive and ran a credit check as suggested in the comments and wow, actually have an excellent credit score. Guess I did improve my punctuality in terms of payments. Although I must admit, the credit report does show that I hardly use credit ( a lesson from that single experience). I will post another question regarding the type of questions that I can expect. I really want this position.

9. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistSeptember 11,2022 at 1:18AM UTC

   Pretty much all financial institutions do credit checks as part of the onboarding process. I don't think some overlooked payments should torpedo your candidacy.