Hey guys so my recruter said that the airforce does credit checks and im slightly worried i owe about 700 on this bill me latter account that is quite a bit over dueand even with this on my credit i was able to get a car loan 2 months ago for 8k and have been good on the payments with that. ill be able to pay it off the account this week (selling paintball stuff) if i pay it off will i be ok? or is there something else i can do to help out with the credit check

If you have a receipt showing a 0 balance after payment for the accounts in bad standing, then you will be eligible for a financial waiver that if approved will not change your security classification. If, however, you only set up a payment plan, then you are still eligible for the waiver, but it will change your clearance but special tactics jobs don't require the security clearance immediately. Its best just to pay it off ASAP, but not absolutely necessary until the clearance is required.

I would like to add on to this question.

I have a previous student loan that I have been alittle late on payments trying to get back on track I know my credit sure is 505 really bad I know if I fix this is there a chance I can still join or should I try to build it back up and join

Also why does the sure force do credit checks for

From recruiting AFI/PGM:

All applicants 18 yrs and older require a credit check and financial review prior to processing.

A credit check and financial review must be completed on all applicants 18 years and older prior to MEPS processing. A credit check and financial review is required NLT 30 days after 18th birthday for applicants who enter the DEP at age 17.

Squadron operations will review all credit checks with derogatory information to determine if a (financial elegibility determination - FED) is required.

A FED is required if the applicant:

- Has filed for or been declared personally bankrupt.
- Has had bills turned over to a collection agency (after age 18).
- Has had a repossession (not voluntary) in the past 5 years.
- Has intentionally written bad checks.

It is understood that certain individuals with past financial difficulties do not necessarily reflect a history of poor financial management.

Credit checks are required to determine financial eligibility to enter the Air Force and are also required for security clearances.

Determination_never_quits, only your recruiter and his/her chain of command can answer your question. Eligibility Determination is the formal process by which approval authorities review circumstances that place doubt on an otherwise qualified applicant‘s suitability...this includes a FED. I don't know how a 505 will affect your elegibility, it depends on circumstances, payment history, etc.

Thanks TE as always you've been a great help

If it is any ease to the pain of wonder, my credit score was a 597 when I applied for my Secret with my GS job. I received my Secret without any problems at all. Now keep in mind my score was low due to late pays from a year or two prior and high credit card balances. It has now been a year and I have not missed any payments but my score remains at a 597 due to the high balances. Sometimes our credit score does not truthfully reflect our responsibility but the fact that there was a hardship. I believe the Air Force understands this and is why they created the standards that TE listed above.

As long as you do not have derogatory marks on your record and your debt is not more than your income with the Air Force you should be ok.

If you do have derogatory marks, PM me. I ran a credit repair business a few years ago in Texas (no bonding requirements, South Carolina is a bit more strict), and can help you clean some of that up in a matter of a few months!