Philadelphia prohibits use of credit checks in employment screening

legislation makes it illegal for employers to use the credit information of Philadelphia job applicants or employees – unless covered by an exception – for employment decisions such as hiring, firing, or promotion. Exceptions include:

• to any law enforcement agency or financial institution;
• to the City of Philadelphia with respect to efforts to obtain information regarding taxes or other debts owed to the City;
• if such information must be obtained pursuant to state or federal law;
• if the job requires an employee to be bonded under City, state, or federal law;
• if the job is supervisory or managerial in nature and involves setting the direction or policies of a business or a division, unit or similar part of a business;
• if the job involves significant financial responsibility to the employer, including the authority to make payments, transfer money, collect debts, or
• enter into contracts, but not including handling transactions in a retail setting;
• if the job requires access to financial information pertaining to customers, other employees, or the employer, other than information customarily provided in a retail transaction; or
• if the job requires access to confidential or proprietary information that derives substantial value from secrecy.