If you’re thinking about joining a car club, one of the first things you might wonder is whether your financial history will come into play.

Traditional car hire companies are known for their strict checks, but car clubs often work a little differently. The truth is that credit checks are sometimes part of the process, but they aren’t always the deciding factor.

Why Credit Checks Matter

Credit checks are a way for companies to assess risk. Traditional car hire firms often run them because they’re lending out high-value vehicles and want reassurance that the customer is likely to pay. With car clubs, the principle is similar: you’re driving away in a car worth thousands of pounds, so the operator needs to know you’re a safe bet.

That said, car clubs don’t usually rely solely on your credit score. They’re more interested in your driving history than your borrowing history. Most will ask for details like your driving licence number, check your record with the DVLA, and sometimes ask for additional ID.

Credit Check Rules for the Major Car Clubs

Each car club has its own process for verifying new members. Some focus mainly on driving history, while others also check identity through credit reference agencies. Here’s how the main UK-wide providers approach credit checks when you apply.

Zipcar

Zipcar members usually face a soft credit check rather than a full one. That means your credit score isn’t directly affected, but the company will verify your identity and address. The main focus of their checks is your driving licence history – how long you’ve held it, and whether you have penalty points, convictions or disqualifications.

Zipcar also requires a valid payment card on file, which can be a credit or debit card. They don’t normally place a deposit, but they do authorise your card for security when you book.

Enterprise Car Club

Enterprise takes a similar approach. When you join, they’ll carry out identity and licence checks through the DVLA. They may also run a soft credit check to confirm your details. Like Zipcar, they focus on whether you meet their driving eligibility criteria – typically age, years held, and number of points.

You’ll need a valid payment card, and Enterprise sometimes places a temporary authorisation on it before you drive. That’s to make sure the card is active and has available funds.

Co-Wheels

Co-Wheels is a Community Interest Company and tends to be upfront about its vetting process. They state that members must be traceable at their home address, and they use credit reference agencies to confirm your details. This isn’t about whether you’ve missed a loan payment – it’s about confirming you are who you say you are and that your address is valid.

For most people, this is straightforward, but if you’ve recently moved or don’t appear on the electoral roll, it can occasionally cause delays.

Hiyacar

Hiyacar, which works on a peer-to-peer model, carries out ID and background checks. That includes verifying your licence, age, and driving record. They also use credit reference agencies to confirm your identity and address. In some cases, this can show up as a soft credit check.

Because Hiyacar relies on individual car owners trusting strangers with their vehicles, they’re particularly careful about verifying who you are.

Soft vs Hard Checks

It’s useful to understand the difference:

• Soft credit checks are background identity verifications. They don’t affect your credit score and are only visible to you. Most car clubs use this type.
• Hard credit checks are the kind banks do when you apply for a loan or credit card. They leave a mark on your file that other lenders can see. Car clubs rarely, if ever, use hard checks.

So if you’re worried about joining a car club damaging your credit score, the risk is very low.

What If You Have Bad Credit?

Most car clubs don’t use your credit score as a measure of whether you can join. Instead, they’re concerned with your driving record and your ability to provide a working payment method. As long as you have a valid licence, meet the age and points requirements, and can provide ID and a debit or credit card, you should be fine.

That said, if you’re not on the electoral roll or your identity can’t be confirmed, you may run into issues. Making sure your driving licence and bank account are registered at the same address usually solves this.

So Will A Car Club Check Your Credit?

The simple answer is that car clubs do run checks when you sign up, but they’re mainly about identity and driving history, not your financial past. Some clubs use credit reference agencies, but almost always in the form of soft checks, which don’t impact your credit score.

If you’ve been avoiding joining a car club because you’re worried about a poor credit rating, you probably don’t need to. What matters most is having a clean enough driving record, a valid licence, and a working payment card.

Whether you’re looking at Zipcar, Enterprise, Co-Wheels or Hiyacar, you can apply with confidence knowing that a credit check – if it happens – won’t be the deciding factor, and it won’t harm your credit file.