Excitement and concerns over credit card plans

Excitement and concerns over credit card plansImage caption, Eilidh Bell hopes the changes will make it easier for her to apply for a credit card in JerseyByChris CraddockJersey communities reporterPublishedJust nowThere has been a mixed response from people in Jersey to personal data changes that could make it easier for islanders to access credit cards. Jersey's government said it would securely share islanders' personal data, unless they opt out, to improve access to financial products.Some people said they were excited by the changes, while others said they were concerned personal data would be shared with UK credit reference agencies unless they opt out of the plans that come into force from 30 July.It would include names, residential addresses and dates of birth, and it had been seen as the main barrier to successful credit card applications.Image caption, Mark de Gruchy said he would not be comfortable with the government sharing some of his personal dataEilidh Bell, 21, said: "For me it's definitely a good thing because I'm just like starting my professional career now and I'll be looking into getting a credit card."She added "I know from some friends and parents that it's been really tricky" and "hopefully it will help with applying for credit cards available to us here".But others did not agree with how islanders will have to tell the government that they do not want their data shared.Mark de Gruchy said "I'd be a bit concerned" and "I think it should be an opt-in situation".He added: "If you're happy with it, then you could say to the government 'yes, you can do that' but there's too much information being shared these days."More news stories for JerseyListen to the latest news for JerseyAttributionSoundsImage caption, Carl Walker from the Consumer Council has welcomed the changeCarl Walker from the Consumer Council highlighted the problem is...