The personal data of people living in Jersey will be shared with UK credit reference agencies from the end of this month.
The government move is to make it easier for local residents to get a credit card.
The information that will be shared securely with Experian and Equifax will be your name, address and date of birth.
This will make it easier for banks and other credit providers to process credit card applications.
Before they agree to issue one, they request basic information from the credit check agencies.
The absence of an exchange of this information has made it very difficult for many islanders to get a credit card, with several providers withdrawing the service in recent years because of the absence of a central register.
Law passed for easier credit card access
The government says you can opt out of having your details shared, but it may affected you access to some financial products.
Social Security Minister Senator Elaine Millar said:
"We’ve been working in the background to address this and we are now making a positive step forward.
“Sharing our basic information will make it easier for banks to carry out the necessary checks and will give us more choice and greater access to credit cards in Jersey.”
Opting out
Jersey residents who do not want their information shared with the CRAs can opt out by contacting Employment, Social Security and Housing Department (ESSH) by email or telephone before 30 July 2026.
Email: customerservice@gov.je (with subject header “OPT OUT”)
Provide your full name, address and date of birth
Telephone 01534 444444 [option 6]
After 30 July, people will still be able to opt out and Employment and Social Security will stop sharing their data with the CRAs.
The CRAs will retain the information shared prior to opting out, but will not receive any fresh details.
Islanders with queries about personal data held by the CRAs can contact Experian and Equifax directly.
Islanders who are happy to have their data shared do not need to take any action.
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