Why do banks keep denying me?
Such negative activities that show up on your report and hurt your approval chances include bouncing checks, leaving an overdraft balance unpaid, abusing a debit card or applying for too many accounts in a short period of time, according to credit bureau Experian.
The reasons could include: Having no credit history or a poor one: your credit rating is usually checked when you apply for a current account. Supplying insufficient ID: if the account provider can't verify who you are, they won't give you an account.
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.
- Request a copy of your ChexSystem report. ...
- Dispute mistakes or fraudulent activity on your report. ...
- Pay off your balances. ...
- Ask creditors to remove information from your ChexSystems report. ...
- Wait for items to fall off your report.
Common reasons consumers are turned down for a bank account include a history of overdrafts, unpaid bank fees or suspected fraud. Applications can also be denied due to mistakes on one's checking account report. If you've been denied a bank account, ask the bank why this happened.
Any bank or credit union in the US can blacklist you thus preventing you from opening another bank account and / or obtaining a credit card at that bank. There is a method they can use to even make it difficult for you to open accounts at a different bank.
Then you may have a record on ChexSystems, a database that banks use to check whether potential customers have outstanding accounts at other banks. You also may have a ChexSystems report if you have a history of bouncing checks or mishandling your accounts.
Second-chance checking accounts allow those who have been denied a traditional account to open a specialized one to help them build a strong financial foundation. Financial institutions offering second-change checking accounts include Capital One, Chime, GO2bank, GTE Financial, Fifth Third, Varo and Wells Fargo.
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.
Bank / Credit Union | Forbes Advisor Rating | LEARN MORE |
---|---|---|
Capital One 360 Checking Account | 4.5 | |
Chime® Checking Account | 4.4 | Learn More On Chime's Website |
LendingClub Bank Rewards Checking | 4.2 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
Varo Bank Account | 4.1 | Learn More Read Our Full Review |
How do I get around ChexSystems?
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.
Risk Level | Cutoff Score* |
---|---|
Averse | 580 |
Moderate | 545 |
Aggressive | 525 |
- File a dispute online (chexsystems.com).
- File a dispute using certified mail with return receipt requested, so you have proof they received it. Download the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Sample Letter (consumerfinance.gov). Send it to: ChexSystems, Inc. Attn: Consumer Relations.
Many credit unions will open an account for you if you can reasonably explain why you haven't paid a ChexSystems debt, and some credit unions will not pull a report on you even if you do have poor history. Call and ask to speak to the branch manager or other bank official.
Most anyone can apply to open an account. But it's up to individual banks if they want to let you open an account with them. That means some banks might deny applications from people with a history of unpaid negative balances, involuntary account closures or suspected fraud issues.
Opening a new bank account
If your account has been closed, you can try to open a new one with a different bank. However, you may run into a problem if the previous bank reported anything negative on your ChexSystems report. A ChexSystems report is like a credit report for your banking activity.
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.
- Request your report. Get your ChexSystems report to determine why a bank didn't approve your application. ...
- Dispute errors. ...
- Pay off debts. ...
- Ask creditors to update information. ...
- Wait until the record drops out of the database.
To place, lift or remove a security freeze for a Protected Consumer, please submit your request in writing and provide sufficient proof of authority and sufficient proof of identity. Security freeze requests submitted to Chex Systems, Inc. will be applied only to your ChexSystems consumer report.
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.
What bank is second chance checking accounts from banks that do not use ChexSystems?
Chime Second Chance Banking
Chime is an online-only fintech company that offers banking services through The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A. Its Second Chance Banking option boasts no monthly fees and no credit or ChexSystems check.
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 |
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.
If your name is listed in the system and it reports a low score, your banker will give you a copy of the free ChexSystems report and likely decline your application. When you're denied an account due to a low ChexSystems score it can be disappointing—but do not lose hope.
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.
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