Do bankruptcies show up on background checks

Many people are under the impression that if they declare bankruptcy, it will not show up on their background check. However, this is not the case. While bankruptcies are not reported on your credit report, they are public record and can be accessed by anyone who knows where to look.

What is a Background Check?

A background check is a screening process that employers, landlords, and other organizations use to verify your identity and assess your suitability for a particular role. Background checks can include everything from a review of your criminal history to a verification of your educational credentials. In some cases, employers may also run a credit check as part of the background check process.

Do Bankruptcies Show Up on a Background Check?

Bankruptcies are public record, which means that they can be accessed by anyone who knows where to look. If an employer or landlord is running a background check that includes a review of public records, then it is likely that the bankruptcy will show up.

That said, there are some circumstances in which bankruptcies may not show up on a background check. For example, if the bankruptcy has been discharged for less than 10 years, it may not appear on your record. Additionally, if the organization conducting the background check does not have access to certain public records, the bankruptcy may not show up. It could be common to experience a background check delay in the event there are information needed to be gathered.

Chapter 7 bankruptcies do not show up on most general background checks because they are removed from public records after 10 years. Chapter 13 bankruptcies will show up on a general background check but are usually only reported for seven years. However, if you are running a credit check or an employment history check, bankruptcies can appear for up to 10 years.

Conclusion

While bankruptcies are not reported on your credit report, they are public record and can be accessed by anyone who knows where to look. If you are considering declaring bankruptcy, you should be aware that it will show up on a background check. However, there are some circumstances in which bankruptcies may not show up on a background check. For example, if the bankruptcy has been discharged for less than 10 years, it may not appear on your record. Additionally, if the organization conducting the background check does not have access to certain public records, the bankruptcy may not show up.