THOUSANDS of Islanders who have struggled to obtain UK credit cards could finally find it easier to borrow after ministers announced a breakthrough following years of complaints and campaigning.
From 30 July, Jersey will begin securely sharing basic personal information with the UK’s two biggest credit reference agencies, Experian and Equifax, removing one of the biggest obstacles that has prevented many residents from accessing mainstream credit products.
The move follows years of pressure from the Jersey Consumer Council after a succession of UK lenders withdrew from the Island or stopped accepting applications from Jersey residents because of difficulties verifying applicants.
JCC chair Carl Walker yesterday said the pressure group was “both relieved and delighted that the determination and effort we have put into highlighting this issue has finally paid off”.
Islanders are able to opt out from the data share, though the government has noted that this could impact their ability to access certain financial products in the future.
The initiative is intended to reduce the administrative burden that credit providers face when processing applications from the Island, with former Treasury Minister and recently confirmed Social Security Minister Elaine Millar acknowledging that “for some time, Islanders have faced a challenge when trying to obtain new credit cards”.
This grew more noticeable in recent years following the withdrawal of a number of credit card providers from Jersey.
Initially proposed in 2023, the data-sharing solution was backed by States Members following years of campaigning and pressure for action from the JCC, which included asking consumers for feedback outlining the scale of the problem.
Senator 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.”
Banks and other financial services providers will request basic information from the CRAs when considering applications from Jersey residents, as they currently do with UK applications.
Mr Walker said that making progress with the issue had not been easy.
“It was a challenging start when trying to convince the government and other agencies in the Island that something had happened to cause many credit card companies to ‘switch Jersey off’,” he explained.
“But, thanks to the hundreds of consumers who completed our survey – and our discussions with the credit reference agencies – we were able to identify the issue and convince the government to do something about it.”
Mr Walker also noted that data privacy and security “are of utmost importance and concern to Islanders”, especially given the rise of online fraud.
“But we backed this move on the understanding that the government would implement robust measures to safeguard Islanders’ personal information and ensure compliance with relevant data protection laws,” he added.
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Opting out
Jersey residents who do not want their information shared with the CRAs can opt out by contacting the Employment, Social Security and Housing Department 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]
Islanders will still be able to opt out after 30 July 2026, and the Employment, Social Security and Housing Department 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.
