When a credit check is done, does the credit agency disclose previous name(s) to the retailer?
Asked by
downtide (
23815
)
March 12th, 2012
I applied (and was accepted for) a store-card today, this is the first time I’ve applied for credit in my new name. While the cashier was away doing the credit check I had the horrible thought that my previous (female) name, and thus my transgender status, would be disclosed to the retailer. Do they do this, or not?
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7 Answers
It depends. It’s not likely.
The credit reports we get always show previous names and often include previous addresses.
Maybe you should apply for credit online instead of in person. Not that the people in the stores are likely to pay much attention. They just want the approval and then to make the sale. But if you’re really worried about it, then do it anonymously (in the sense that you are not face to face with a person).
When I worked in retail and opened credit cards for customers, AKA’s were never mentioned. I am sure all your names show on the credit report, as they are attached to your ID number (in the US that would be your social security number) but the cashier would not see the credit report, they are just told if you are approved or not most likely, and given your new credit card number for you to use.
Your full credit record will have your previous name(s) on it but I doubt the cashier in the store will get the full details. All they’ll get is a yes or no.
It shouldn’t be disclosed as it will be covered by the Data Protection Act.
I will be able to check this on Wednesday when I go back into work. I’ll give you a definitive answer (at least according to how it works in the UK).
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