Applicants with financial responsibilities may require a credit check. A credit history report will include current and former addresses, and confirm the social security number on record with the credit bureau. A summary of the applicant's credit history will be provided indicating the status of credit accounts and will include judgments, liens, bankruptcy and collection accounts, if any for the past seven years.

A credit report can reveal large credit balances that are beyond the means of repayment as well as judgments and liens that could indicate financial irresponsibility.