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 and overdue lines of credit that are beyond the means of repayment, as well as judgments and liens that could indicate financial irresponsibility.