Credit card data sharing: your questions answered

Following years of campaigning by the Jersey Consumer Council, Jersey residents will soon have ‘more choice and greater access to’ credit cards. From 30 July, the Government of Jersey has confirmed that credit reference agencies such as Experian and Equifax will now be able to securely access Jersey residents' data through new data-sharing arrangements.

We at the Jersey Consumer Council welcome this development and are pleased that our sustained efforts to help resolve this long-standing issue have resulted in a positive outcome for Islanders.

This is an important step towards addressing the difficulties that many residents have experienced when applying for UK credit cards and other financial products in recent years.

While it may take some time for lenders and credit card providers to update their systems and processes, this change should make it easier for providers to assess applications from Jersey residents. However, the decision to offer credit products remains with individual lenders, so it may take some time before the full impact is known.

We hope this development will lead to improved access to credit cards and other financial services, but the true impact is likely to become clearer only as new applications are submitted and assessed over the coming months.

We understand that the thought of personal data being shared may worry some Islanders, or that some people may not fully understand what is happening, so we’ve answered some questions you may have:

What has changed?

The Government of Jersey has introduced a data-sharing arrangement that allows credit reference agencies (CRAs), including Experian and Equifax, to access relevant information about Jersey residents.

The aim is to help UK lenders verify customers' identities and financial circumstances in the same way they can for UK residents.

Why is this being introduced?

Many Jersey residents have experienced difficulties obtaining UK credit cards and other financial products because lenders were unable to access the information needed to complete standard credit and identity checks.

The new arrangement is intended to reduce these barriers and improve access to financial services.

Will this guarantee that I can get a UK credit card?

No.

Although this change should help lenders assess applications more easily, individual banks and credit card providers will continue to make their own lending decisions.

Approval will still depend on each provider's criteria and assessment processes.

What information will be shared?

Personal information automatically provided to the credit rating agencies will be a Jersey residents’ name, residential address and date of birth. The sharing of this personal information is not compulsory, and Islanders are able to opt out.

This information helps lenders verify your identity and assess applications for credit products and will be used to help prevent fraud and financial crime.

The Government has stated that data-sharing arrangements will comply with relevant privacy and data protection laws.

It is important to remember that the data being shared is data which is already publicly available and is held with each parish hall. It is the same data that is used for the election process. It does not include personal information such as email addresses, phone numbers, bank details, or data on how you are spending money on your credit cards, etc.

Is my information secure?

The Government has stated that protecting personal information and ensuring compliance with privacy and data protection legislation remains a priority.

The sharing of personal data with certain specified UK credit rating agencies is governed by the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018. This means that Jersey’s Government must ensure they comply with the Data Protection Principles, particularly in terms of ensuring that any disclosure is limited only to what is necessary for the purpose of verifying identity for credit purposes.

Information will only be shared through the approved arrangements established for this specific purpose.

Can I choose not to have my information shared?

Yes.

Jersey residents who do not wish their information to be shared with credit reference agencies can opt out.

How do I opt out?

You can contact Customer and Local Services in one of the following ways:

Email customerservice@gov.je with the subject header of “OPT OUT”

Please include:

• Your full name
• Your address
• Your date of birth
• and state that you wish to opt out.

Alternatively, you can call 444444 and press option six.

Is there a deadline for opting out?

There is no deadline for opting out. Jersey residents will continue to be able to opt out after the sharing arrangements begin. However, if information has already been shared before an opt-out request is processed, that information cannot be recalled.

What happens if I opt out after my information has already been shared?

Any information already shared with the credit reference agencies cannot be removed through the Government's opt-out process.

If you wish to address data already held by a credit reference agency you would have to contact them directly.

Could opting out affect future credit applications?

Potentially, yes.

The purpose of the data-sharing arrangement is to help lenders verify information about Jersey residents. Choosing to opt out may make it more difficult for some lenders to complete their usual checks, which could affect applications for certain financial products.

Residents who are unsure whether opting out is right for them may wish to consider how they expect to use credit products in the future before making a decision.

What do I need to do if I’m happy for my data to be shared?

Islanders who are happy to have their data shared do not need to take any action.

What do I do if I’m not happy with the way my data is handled?

Individual rights under the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2018 still apply, and any individual concerned about how their data has been handled can lodge a complaint - firstly with the Government of Jersey, then, if not satisfied with the outcome, please contact the Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner (JOIC) on enquiries@jerseyoic.org

Where can I find more information?

Further information is available through the Government of Jersey and Customer and Local Services.

For opt-out enquiries:

Email: customerservice@gov.je
Telephone: 01534 444444 (Option 6)

More information is also available here: Credit cards for Jersey residents.