Does Bank of America use ChexSystems?
ChexSystems is a reporting agency that tracks consumers' deposit and debit history. If you have negative marks like bounced checks or unpaid fees, you may have difficulty opening an account. Some banks, such as Capital One, Wells Fargo and Bank of America, do not use ChexSystems for certain accounts.
Bank of America SafeBalance — This second-chance, limited account also features no overdraft fees, and requires a $25 deposit to open. There is a $4.95 monthly maintenance fee that can only be waived if you're a qualifying student, under 18 years old or you qualify and are enrolled in Preferred Rewards.
Bank / Credit Union | Forbes Advisor Rating | Learn More CTA text |
---|---|---|
Capital One 360 Checking Account | 4.5 | |
Chime® Checking Account | 4.4 | Learn More |
LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking | 4.2 | Learn More |
Varo Bank Account | 4.1 | Learn More |
Although banks don't look at previous ChexSystems activity for your application, they'll still report your ongoing activity if you do decide to open a second chance bank account with them. This may help you build up a positive history with ChexSystems as you use the account over time.
You don't need a certain credit score to open a Bank of America checking or savings account, as there is no credit score requirement. Bank of America does not require a credit score for these accounts because they are deposit accounts, not loans or lines of credit.
You can be denied an account if you're in debt to another bank because of an overdrawn account or overdraw your account too often.
- Capital One 360 Checking.
- Chime Second Chance Banking.
- Fifth Third Express Banking.
- Varo Second Chance Checking.
- Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking.
You have the right to dispute any information contained in your consumer file at ChexSystems. Pay off debts. After you've paid off any debts that are causing a negative report, you can request that the credit union, bank, or collection agency remove the record from your ChexSystems report.
How long does negative information stay on ChexSystems and/or EWS consumer reports? Generally, negative information remains on ChexSystems and/or Early Warning Services (EWS) consumer reports for five years. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, certain negative information may be reported for up to seven years.
Risk Level | Cutoff Score* |
---|---|
Averse | 580 |
Moderate | 545 |
Aggressive | 525 |
What to do if no bank will accept me?
When the bank denies your application for a checking account, checking your ChexSystems report and fixing any problems or errors could help. If you still can't get a regular checking account, consider getting a second-chance bank account or prepaid debit card to help manage your spending.
Who's this for? Chase Secure Banking℠ is a second-chance account that comes with a rare opportunity to earn a welcome bonus.
As part of the application process for a new account, your banker runs your information through ChexSystems.
What score model was used to calculate my score? Your score in Online Banking is a FICO® Score 8 based on TransUnion Data to manage your account and that is what Bank of America shares with you. FICO® Scores consider five main categories of information from your credit report.
- Your Social Security number.
- Your current residential address.
- Your email address.
- Your account number or debit card number to make your opening deposit into your new Bank of America account.
It is likely Bank of America will make a hard inquiry on at least one of your credit reports. To get a good idea of whether or not you should risk a hard inquiry, attempt Bank of America's pre-approval process. A preapproval will not normally make a hard inquiry against your credit.
Pay any overdue amounts.
Once you've paid off your balance, you can request that the bank or collection agency remove the record from your ChexSystems report. You can also get a receipt showing that you paid the amount in full and send it to ChexSystems to have them update their records.
Account | Annual Percentage Yield | Minimum Deposit Requirement |
---|---|---|
Navy Federal Credit Union Free EveryDay Checking | 0.01% | $0 |
Capital One 360 Checking Account | 0.10% | $0 |
Chase Secure Banking℠ | N/A | $0 |
Chime® Checking Account | None | $0 |
Varo Bank
Varo Bank is a no-fee online bank willing to work with customers with bad credit. The bank doesn't look at ChexSystems reports or run your credit report to determine if you're creditworthy, which ensures you're in the clear to open a checking account. Here are the details: Monthly fees: None.
Bank | Best for | Time to apply |
---|---|---|
U.S. Bank | Easy-to-use mobile app | About 5 minutes |
Truist | No overdraft fees | About 10 minutes |
Bank of America | Flexible banking | About 10 minutes |
Chime 4 | Bad credit | Under 5 minutes |
What is the hardest bank to get into?
Goldman Sachs is often cited as the hardest investment bank to get into, due to its prestigious reputation, highly competitive hiring process, and rigorous standards for candidates in terms of experience, education, and skills.
Among the safest US banks, according to Global Finance's November 2022 rankings, are AgriBank, US Bank, CoBank, AgFirst Bank, and Farm Credit Bank of Texas, primarily for those in the agricultural sector.
Not everyone has a ChexSystems file. If you're in really good standing, you might not have a ChexSystems report at all. Having a negative ChexSystems record doesn't automatically mean that you won't be able to get a new personal or business checking account. But it might lower your chances of success in doing so.
If you choose to opt out, your name and address will be removed from the lists these offers are based on. You may opt out with the nationwide credit bureaus at 888.5 OPTOUT (888.567. 8688). You may opt out with ChexSystems at 877.
A bank can deny your request to open an account because of past accounts that were closed due to negative balances, a history of overdrafts or problems verifying your identity. If you're unable to open a bank account, here are some tips on what to do next.
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