The Government of Jersey is taking action to help improve Islanders’ access to financial products, including credit cards.
To achieve this – and reduce the administrative burden that credit providers face when processing applications – Islanders’ personal data will be securely shared with UK credit reference agencies (CRAs) from 30 July 2026. The information automatically provided to the CRAs (Experian and Equifax) will be Jersey residents’ name, residential address, and date of birth.
Banks and other providers will request basic information from the CRAs when considering applications from Jersey residents, as they currently do with UK applications.
Historically, obtaining a credit card in Jersey has often been more difficult than in the UK. While the Island’s relatively small population and separate legal system have played a part, another challenge has been the way applications are assessed. Most major lenders rely on highly automated credit-scoring systems built around UK credit reference data, making it harder to assess Jersey applicants using their standard processes.
By providing verified identity information directly to the credit reference agencies, the Government hopes to remove one of those barriers. This should enable lenders to process applications more efficiently, reduce the need for additional manual checks and encourage more providers to offer credit card products to Jersey residents.
However, the sharing of this information is not compulsory, and Islanders are able to opt out. Islanders should be aware that if they choose to opt out, this may impact their ability to access certain financial products in the future.
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: [email protected] (with subject header “OPT OUT”)
- Provide your full name, address and date of birth
- Telephone 01534 444444 [option 6]
Islanders will still be able to opt out after 30th July 2026, and ESSH 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.
Minister for Social Security, Senator Elaine Millar, said: “We recognise that for some time Islanders have faced a challenge when trying to obtain new credit cards. 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.”
