Credit Check

[faceof5]

Do regionals and airlines in general do credit checks and factor that into the hiring decision?

Thank you.

[SpiraMirabilis]

No, I don't think so. I've been to a few interviews and never signed anything authorizing them to check my credit.... as far as I am aware. Maybe it's included in the background check but by the time that starts and finishes you're already in groundschool.

[Kristie]

i don't think you have to sign anything for them to do a credit check. I would think that would be apart of the background/FBI check.

[SpiraMirabilis]

It might be. But there are no questions like 'Have you ever had a bankruptcy?' on the application where they could get you for non-disclosure and I've never heard of a regional starting your background check prior to offering you a class date. Most wait until you get to class so you can sign the paperwork. By the time you're in class they've got some time and energy invested in you and the only way they'll kick you out is if you lied to them on your app.

[Kristie]

true true!!

[RightSeatGirl]

You absolutely have to sign a release for anyone to check your credit. It's all a part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Most companies included this waiver in their general application paperwork. However, most do not actually run a credit check. The release gives them permission to not only check your credit but other items as well that are standard with airline back ground checks, i.e. criminal history, traffic record etc..

[Texasspilot]

not sure about the airlines but I know most fractionals, charter companies, part 91 gigs etc... run it as part of the preliminary paperwork.

[triple7]

At xjt they told us explicitly they would only check credit for positions in finance. At Eagle interview they had us sign something so they could run a credit check. Prob lookin for bankruptcies, or mega debt. I think Comair might have been the same.

[Minnesota_Flyer]

Originally Posted by RightSeatGirl

You absolutely have to sign a release for anyone to check your credit. It's all a part of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Most companies included this waiver in their general application paperwork. However, most do not actually run a credit check. The release gives them permission to not only check your credit but other items as well that are standard with airline back ground checks, i.e. criminal history, traffic record etc..

The FCRA release actually is required not just to obtain a "credit report," but for any background check (including criminal and educational checks) if the employer is using a private background checking agency.

And, Spira, you don't see "have you ever filed for bankrupcy" questions on an application because it's illegal to ask.

[UPSpilot]

What if your FICO score is above 800?

[PGT]

Originally Posted by UPSpilot

What if your FICO score is above 800?

Then they say good job and move on. I'm 19 and mine was 720 last year, wonder what it's up to now

[sheath]

I've never had an airline run a credit check on me. As for bankruptcies, isn't it just a little hypocritical of an airline to discriminate against someone who has filed for bankruptcy?

[SoCalAprch]

I'm living proof that the regionals couldn't care less about sub standard credit! I wouldn't be too worried about it. I have heard that they are just looking for fraud. So long as you don't have fraud on there Im sure you will be fine with the regionals.

[UPSpilot]

Originally Posted by PGT

Then they say good job and move on. I'm 19 and mine was 720 last year, wonder what it's up to now

Not sure how much credit you have taken out yet, but good job so far and keep it up! You'd be amazed at how many pilots at my level are "in debt up to their eyeballs" as they say on the commercial. Don't fall into the trap of spending more money as you make more money in the future. I'm talking about excessive house, toys, cars, stuff, not essentials like a reasonable home, car and saving for retirement. We've got lots of guys here that literally spend every cent that they make and then some. They even need to pick up open time to pay their bills. Incredible!

[UPSpilot]

You should ask the airline during your interview if it's ok to run THEIR credit. Most airlines are a very poor credit risk.

[mtsu_av8er]

Originally Posted by SpiraMirabilis

Most wait until you get to class so you can sign the paperwork.

There's a little regional in the Midwest that has you sign alllll the paperwork at your interview.

[TexasFlyer]

Originally Posted by PGT

Then they say good job and move on. I'm 19 and mine was 720 last year, wonder what it's up to now

Or what it has dropped to now! Mine was 815 before I started flight training. Nothing changed except one thing. A $30k SLM loan. It dropped me all the way down to a 782. Still not bad, but amazed how much a $30k loan could drop you. It should shoot back up though in a couple years as that gets paid down.

I guess it's like a GPA in college. I had a 4.0 and then got a couple B's and it fell to 3.75. Kept that until my Senior year when I got one C (my only one ever). Ended up graduating with a 3.5 then. Amazing how quick things can fall and how slow the can go back up.