Can you be denied a job if you have bad credit?
Rachel Davis
Updated on February 11, 2026
Yes, you can be denied a job because of bad credit in 39 states and the District of Columbia, while 11 states ban the practice in most cases. In fact, your credit report won’t even necessarily be pulled during the application process. And if it is, the employer is required by law to get your written permission.
Is it illegal to not hire someone because of their credit?
The general rule in California is that an employer may not consider a person’s credit report in making job decisions except for employees in managerial positions, positions that involve access to more than $10,000, law enforcement positions, positions that involve access to private credit information, and positions …
Does bad credit affect government employment?
The government doesn’t have a blanket policy that prohibits the hiring of people with bad credit, but applicants are commonly screened for suitability. This process looks beyond the obvious qualifications, such as experience or education, and assesses an applicant’s character and conduct.
Do banks check your credit before hiring you?
Although many banks perform credit checks on potential employees before hire, some may not. Whether a credit check is performed is based upon the individual policy of the company. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Also be prepared to explain why you would make a great bank teller, in spite of your bad credit.
Can a bad credit score prevent you from getting a job?
Having bad credit can make it difficult to get approved for a loan or a credit card — but in some cases, it can also prevent you from getting a job. According to a 2018 National Association of Professional Background Screeners study, 47 percent of employers run credit or financial background checks…
What kind of job can you get if you have bad credit?
The most common industries that conduct employer credit checks are finance, government and other public service jobs. Though in certain states, other industries will check credit too.
Can a prospective employer not offer you a job because of your credit?
A prospective employer has the right to check your credit and not offer you a job because of what they find. This can be a surprising and disturbing situation to find yourself in, especially if you’re an otherwise solid candidate.
Is it good to check your credit report before looking for a job?
“That’s why it’s a good idea to review your credit reports ahead of your job search.” By checking for errors and fixing blemishes like a high unpaid balance, you can improve your standing and hopefully put yourself in a better position to get the job. Like this story?