Yes, in most US states an employer can withdraw an offer after a credit check, provided the role and location allow credit checks and the employer follows the federal steps. Several states and cities restrict the practice, and the exceptions usually cover finance roles and jobs that handle money.
The federal steps an employer must follow
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), an employer may use a credit report for hiring only with your written permission.
Before taking adverse action, such as withdrawing an offer, the employer must give you a copy of the report and "A Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA." After the decision, the employer must send an adverse action notice that tells you how to dispute errors.
That sequence gives you a window to check the report and correct mistakes before the offer is pulled.
Where credit checks are restricted
New York became the 11th state to ban most employment credit checks. The law took effect on April 18, 2026. The other states with bans include California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland and Oregon.
Cities with their own limits include New York City, which has restricted the practice since 2015, plus Chicago, Cook County in Illinois, and Madison, Wisconsin.
These laws carry exceptions. The usual ones are roles where a credit check is required by law, financial institutions, and positions that handle large amounts of money or sensitive financial data.
What to do if an offer is pulled
Ask for the report and the summary of rights. Check every entry against your own records. If something is wrong, dispute it with the consumer reporting agency and keep the confirmation.
If the entry is accurate, you can explain context in the pre-adverse window. Medical debt, a divorce, or a period of unemployment are the kinds of circumstances an employer can weigh.
For specifics in your state or city, check the local law or ask an employment lawyer.
If the issue is a background check rather than credit, read what happens when an offer is rescinded after a background check.
For employers
Credit checks add a decision point that can stall or lose a hire. Score and shortlist before the credit stage so the credit report is one input among several. AI Candidate Evaluation keeps the comparison documented.