Why does the initial PHQ inquire about your credit history?

[nu-nuker]

Anyone know?

[ski2313]

I can't answer with any certainty (since I am not in the access business), but I will give you my best guess, as I asked myself this same question..

1. They check for addresses that you've lived at, to verify what's on your PHQ.

2. They want to make sure you aren't in dire financial straits, as that would potentially make you susceptible to a financial bribe from an outside source.

3. General trustworthiness or reliability

With that being said, I had a number of issues on my credit report from a a few years back, and each of them required an explanation to the access personnel (no problem, it's understandable and I expected it). I also had an address on my credit report that wasn't on my PHQ that was questioned. It's an address that I have never lived at, and one that (after checking) doesn't even exist.. I verified this, with the access interviewer right next to me using google maps.. Just be upfront with everything. They'll find out eventually anyways.

[nu-nuker]

Thanks ski.  That all makes sense.  I have a few problems on my report, and I will just explain it all. 

[hamsamich]

There is a correlation between reliability and credit history.

[ski2313]

There is a correlation between reliability and credit history.

About 50% of the time.

[Content1]

Some car insurance companies use it as an excuse to raise your rates too.  They usually swon't exclude your for a poor report, but it may make it harder for a Q clearance someday.

[Already Gone]

ski2313 has it right.  They don't really care if you are a good credit risk.  They are looking for addresses.  They will make you explain questionable entries, but any credible and reasonable explanation will do.  If, however, you show patterns consistent with laundering money, drug activity, or criminal behavior, look out.  There aren't many credible and reasonable explanations for that stuff.