Jersey Residents to Be Automatically Included in New Credit Data Sharing Scheme

The Government of Jersey will begin securely sharing basic personal information with UK credit reference agencies later this month, unless islanders choose to opt out, in a move designed to improve access to financial products such as credit cards.

The new system, which comes into effect on 30 July, follows the States Assembly's approval of legislative changes in January aimed at tackling long-standing difficulties faced by Jersey residents when applying for UK-issued credit cards.

Under the scheme, limited personal information, including names, residential addresses and dates of birth, will be shared with credit reference agencies to help banks and lenders verify applicants more effectively.

Social Security Minister Senator Elaine Millar said the changes address an issue that has affected islanders for years.

"Many Jersey residents have experienced problems when applying for new credit cards," she said. "This change represents an important step towards improving access to financial services by making it easier for banks to complete the identity checks they require."

The government said the move brings Jersey into line with practices already used across the UK, where lenders routinely access basic customer information through credit reference agencies when assessing applications.

Islanders who do not wish for their information to be shared can opt out at any time by contacting the Employment, Social Security and Housing Department. Those who opt out before the scheme begins on 30 July will not have any data shared with credit reference agencies. There is no deadline to opt out, but if an islander opts out after 30 July, no new data will be shared with credit reference agencies from that point onwards.