When you think about a background check, you might imagine things like checking if someone has a criminal record. But background checks can cover lots of different areas, and people often wonder about what kind of financial information they reveal. A common question is whether a background check shows credit card information or information about EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, which are used for government assistance programs. Let’s dive in and explore what a typical background check includes and what it doesn’t.
What Do Background Checks Actually Reveal?
Background checks are used for different purposes, like when you apply for a job, rent an apartment, or even adopt a pet. These checks vary depending on the reason for them. They are designed to give a company or individual a better understanding of a person’s past, which can help them make more informed decisions.
So, does a background check show credit card or EBT information? In most cases, the answer is no, it does not. Standard background checks are focused on things like criminal history, employment verification, and sometimes credit history (but not always and not in detail).
Criminal History and Background Checks
A big part of a background check is looking into a person’s criminal history. This usually involves searching for any arrests, convictions, or pending charges. This information comes from different sources, like local police departments, state courts, and the FBI. They will look at things like felonies (serious crimes) and misdemeanors (less serious crimes). The level of detail they look into depends on the job or situation that the background check is being used for.
Background checks are usually limited to public records. This means they can only see information that’s available to the public. Private financial information, like credit card details, is usually not part of public records. They often include:
- Arrest records.
- Conviction records.
- Pending charges.
However, it’s important to remember that background checks are not always completely accurate. Mistakes can happen, and information can be outdated. That’s why it’s important to be aware of what the check is showing and to have a chance to explain anything that seems incorrect.
Credit Reports and Background Checks
Sometimes, a background check might include a credit report. A credit report shows information about how you’ve handled your credit, like if you’ve paid your bills on time and how much debt you have. However, this is different from showing specific credit card numbers or transactions. Think of it more like a summary of your credit history, and not a deep dive into your spending habits.
If a credit check is part of the background check, it’s important to know your rights. You usually have to give permission for your credit report to be pulled. The credit report usually contains:
- Your credit score.
- Information about your credit accounts (like credit cards and loans).
- Any history of late payments or defaults.
- Public records, like bankruptcies or tax liens.
Again, a credit report won’t typically show your credit card number or your EBT transactions. It is a summary of your financial responsibility.
Employment Verification and Background Checks
Background checks for employment often include verifying your employment history. They’ll check where you’ve worked, the dates you worked there, and sometimes your job title. The goal is to make sure the information you provided on your resume or application is accurate.
This doesn’t involve looking at your credit card or EBT information. The employer will likely contact your previous employers and ask questions about your work performance and if you are eligible for rehire. They may ask:
- What were your job duties?
- What dates did the employee work for you?
- Were they eligible for rehire?
Again, they are not looking at your personal spending habits or what you do with your money.
EBT and Background Checks
EBT cards are like debit cards used to access government assistance, like food stamps (SNAP) and cash assistance (TANF). Because EBT information is considered private, it is not typically revealed in a background check. This information is protected, and it’s not part of the public record.
EBT programs are designed to help people who are struggling financially. It would be a violation of privacy for this information to be made public during a standard background check. Background checks are not designed to uncover details about your participation in these types of programs.
Here’s a simple table to help you differentiate between what a background check typically reveals versus what it doesn’t regarding EBT:
| Background Check Can Show | Background Check Typically Doesn’t Show |
|---|---|
| Criminal history (potentially relevant to some programs). | EBT card information and transactions. |
| Credit report (potentially relevant to some programs). | Details about your use of EBT benefits. |
Privacy and Background Checks
Privacy is a big concern when it comes to background checks. Companies that conduct background checks must follow laws to protect your information and maintain confidentiality. You usually have the right to know what’s in a background check, and you can challenge any information that’s incorrect. This protects you from unfair decisions based on inaccurate data.
The laws that govern background checks try to balance the employer’s need to know about a potential employee with the employee’s right to privacy. You’re always entitled to access the report, correct any errors, and understand how the information is used. It is important to know your rights!
It is important to understand the laws about what can and cannot be included in a background check in order to avoid violations of privacy, such as:
- Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- State-specific laws that govern the use of background checks.
The Bottom Line: What Background Checks *Usually* Don’t Show
Background checks are very useful for specific purposes, like screening potential employees or tenants. However, they aren’t a window into every aspect of a person’s life. They do not usually show credit card numbers, transaction history, or EBT information. Instead, they focus on the information that is public record and or that is related to the specific purpose of the check.
Remember, you usually have a right to see the information in a background check and to dispute any errors. And if you’re ever concerned about your privacy, it’s always a good idea to ask questions and understand your rights!
As an example, here is what a background check typically looks for in terms of financial history:
- Credit Report (with your permission)
- Public records, such as bankruptcies or tax liens
Conclusion
So, to sum it up, a standard background check is not designed to show your credit card details or your EBT information. Background checks focus on specific areas relevant to the situation, like criminal history or employment verification. Knowing what a background check can and cannot reveal helps you understand your rights and how your information is being used. Remember to ask questions and understand your rights when a background check is being conducted on you.