Image caption, Eilidh Bell hopes the changes will make it easier for her to apply for a credit card in Jersey
ByChris CraddockJersey communities reporter- Published44 minutes ago
There has been a mixed response from people in Jersey to personal data changes that could make it easier for islanders to access credit cards.
Jersey's government said it would securely share islanders' personal data, unless they opt out, to improve access to financial products.
Some people said they were excited by the changes, while others said they were concerned personal data would be shared with UK credit reference agencies unless they opt out of the plans that come into force from 30 July.
It would include names, residential addresses and dates of birth, and it had been seen as the main barrier to successful credit card applications.
Image caption, Mark de Gruchy said he would not be comfortable with the government sharing some of his personal data
Eilidh Bell, 21, said: "For me it's definitely a good thing because I'm just like starting my professional career now and I'll be looking into getting a credit card."
She added "I know from some friends and parents that it's been really tricky" and "hopefully it will help with applying for credit cards available to us here".
But others did not agree with how islanders will have to tell the government that they do not want their data shared.
Mark de Gruchy said "I'd be a bit concerned" and "I think it should be an opt-in situation".
He added: "If you're happy with it, then you could say to the government 'yes, you can do that' but there's too much information being shared these days."
Image caption, Carl Walker from the Consumer Council has welcomed the change
Carl Walker from the Consumer Council highlighted the problem islanders had applying for credit cards in 2020 to the government.
He said "our initial response is one of relief" and "finally islanders will be able to start hopefully applying for credit cards again".
Walker also reassured islanders who were concerned about their data being shared.
"It's important to know that people can easily opt out of this if they don't wish to but also credit reference agencies kind of are at a different level to a standard company."
He added: "They need this data to process sometimes credit cards, insurance, mortgages, loans, and lots of things, which is very standard practice and there are extremely tight rules about what they can do with that data."
Image caption, Sarah Jackson from Red House said the change could boost business
Sarah Jackson, who works at coffee and pizza shop Red House, said she was hopeful the change could help people spend money at businesses.
She said "anything that can help bring money into the island is always important" and "having credit cards gives us another option for payment here".
"I think it depends how obvious the opt-out option is if it's something that's very clearly stated and everyone knows when they're up for it then good," Jackson said.
"As long as everything's regulated and following a certain procedure and you've chosen exactly what data you want shared then I'm sure it's fine for people in general."
Those who do not want their personal data shared can email [email protected] with subject header "OPT OUT" along with their full name, address and date of birth, or phone 01534 444444 and select option 6.
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