Do you think it’s unfair for a company to deny a retired Army E-5 from working for their company because he has bad credit?

SGT Daniel Brown — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 23:24:50 -0400

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2020 11:44 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Mar 2020 23:44:06 -0400

No, it is not unfair. All companies have hiring rules that have to be followed.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 12:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:04:01 -0400

I don't know what being retired Army has to do with it. If the company policy is no bad credit, that's what it is. If I was running a financial institution or a cash heavy business, I wouldn't want someone with bad credit working there either.
Army has the same rules for security clearances. Would you ask, "Do you think it's fair for an Army E5 to be denied a clearance because of bad credit"? When you say it like that it sounds ridiculous. Being in the Army doesn't make anyone automatically trustworthy or employable.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Mar 9 at 2020 12:46 AM

SSG Brian G. — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 00:46:57 -0400

You do get that the military yanks security clearances regularly for bad credit and financial problems? It represents a risk to the military security. Why would a private company be any different.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 9:49 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 09:49:46 -0400

Nope. Not unfair

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2020 10:17 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 10:17:04 -0400

Nope, not at all unfair!!! Quite the opposite actually. Smart!!!!!

Response by SFC Scott Higgins made Mar 9 at 2020 7:05 PM

SFC Scott Higgins — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:05:06 -0400

They do the same to people who have never served too. They see bad credit as a liability. One that they would rather not take on, and depending upon their business - hiring an individual with bad credit, might make their business suspect to potential clients and thus cost them business. Sorry but the answer is no.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 9 at 2020 7:16 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Mon, 09 Mar 2020 19:16:59 -0400

Is it a position of trust (ie: handling money/valuables) or bonded billet? If so, I wouldn't hire someone with bad credit either. Hopefully, the potential employer allows applicants to explain the circumstances. There is a big difference between "well, my now ex-spouse ran up huge credit card debt, emptied our joint bank accounts, and didn't pay any of our bills before running off with Jody" vs "I am financially irresponsible with my money".