Credit card check
Also called: card check.
What it collects
Card details, checked with the card issuer. A UK credit card can only be issued to someone aged 18 or over, which is the basis of the check. Debit cards do not qualify, because they are available to under-18s. Some services keep the card on file as the ongoing proof (Steam).
What Ofcom says
Listed in Ofcom's January 2025 guidance as capable of being highly effective, provided the card is one that can only be held by an adult. Payment methods that are not restricted to over-18s are not capable. Ofcom
Listed as capable of being highly effective Offered by about 34% of the services in Ofcom's July 2026 sample (read from the report's chart; approximate).
Services in the index that offer it
| Service | Provider | Retention, as published |
|---|---|---|
| Apple devices | Apple |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). |
| Bluesky | Epic Kids Web Services |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). |
| Pornhub, YouPorn, RedTube | Aylo |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). |
| Steam | Valve (in-house) |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). |
| Xbox | Yoti |
No published retention period found (checked 6 September 2026). |
| YouTube and Google Account |
“retained as necessary to meet legal and regulatory requirements” Quoted from support.google.com; checked 6 September 2026. Held by the service. Period as stated: retained for legal requirements. |