Law Passed For Easier Credit Card Access

A law has been passed that should make it easier for people in Jersey to get a credit card.

It means the government can share more information about islanders with the companies that do credit checks.

The proposal was announced in July.

Currently, many people struggle to get credit because there is no central register.

Several card providers have stop serving Jersey in recent years because of difficulties accessing the personal data needed to verify applications.

Hundreds of people responded to a recent Consumer Council survey, documenting their experiences of being refused a credit card, or having their account closed.

It is hoped this law will mean more banks and financial service providers will offer credit services.

Deputy Elaine Millar, who has political responsibility for Financial Services, said the aim is to have in place by early 2024 access for credit reference agencies to the 'central repository that holds address and contact details of the general public'.

The People Directory is what government departments use as a central source of information about individuals, companies, and organisations.

Carl Walker, Chairman of Jersey Consumer Council has welcomed the move, which he says is the result of three years hard work by the JCC:

“The Council appreciates that data privacy and security are of utmost importance and concern to Islanders, especially as online fraud continues to bombard consumers on an almost daily basis. In this regard, the Consumer Council backed this move on the understanding that the Government will implement robust measures to safeguard Islanders’ personal information and ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws.

And while we are extremely mindful of the risks involved in using credit cards in terms of falling into debt, we are supportive of this move as credit cards not only offer vital consumer protection under the Consumer Credit Act 1974, but also give Islanders an important fraud safety net when shopping online, and when ‘tapping’ or using wireless forms of payment.

“Furthermore, having access to a more comprehensive credit history, financial institutions can make better informed decisions about credit card applications. This fosters responsible lending practices and reduces the risk of individuals obtaining credit they cannot manage."