You requested to open a checking account but the bank gives you a call to tell you that you have been denied. The number one reason for this happening is that ChexSystems has blacklisted you due to your previous banking activity, and know the bank doesn’t want to allow you another account. And though you might not be responsible for this it is a case and you are not alone as almost 10% of the households across the USA are in the same position as well. Luckily, there are two options that can come in as a replacement – opening an account at a non-ChexSystems bank or going for a second chance account.
The ChexSystems is there to monitor your banking activity and provide reports to the banks if something is off. Same as loan agencies are checking your credit score, the ChexSystems can cause you to be blacklisted and then more than 80% of the banks will not agree to open your account. On the other hand, there is still a number of the banks that don’t use ChexSystems and that are glad to help you. Without further ado let’s go ahead and see what you can do once in this kind of a situation.
You Have Been Blacklisted – Now What?
Well, your first move should be not to agree with that kind of state and ask the bank/ChexSystems to provide you with a report. You should fight for your rights and inspect the report carefully. In a lot of the cases, the system makes an error or inaccuracy that you will be able to correct. If this is the case, email them or call them by their phone and get it settled out. You can also go to the official ChexSystems website and fill in a dispute but this might think a bit longer to settle out. On the other hand, if the report is accurate then you should think of figuring out a deal with the ChexSystems-using bank. Ask them if they would agree that you pay off the previous debts and fix the items that are blacklisting you and then open your account. Some will agree on that while the others will not and you will simply have to wait for the blacklisting time to subside. Still, you will have two more options while this happens – banks that don’t use ChexSystems and second chance accounts.
Non-ChexSystems Banks
These banks cover around 20% of total banks in the USA so you will be well of with finding the right option for you. And these banks are usually without limits either and offering great checking account options. One of the best out there has to be the BBVA Compass that requires only a $25 for a minimum deposit and includes online bill paying, mobile deposit, while there is no maintenance charge or fees at the ATM. You will only have to pay a $13.25 as a monthly charge but believe us it is more than worth it. The US Bank, on the other hand, is a great choice for all the people that enjoy benefits of a national bank and similar to the previous one it offers great checking account options and a monthly fee that is waived if your balance stands or is above $1500. Capital Account is a bank that uses the ChexSystems but there is a difference – it doesn’t blacklist customers for few items unless you have conducted a fraud. With this in mind, it is an excellent bank that you should absolutely check out!
The Second Chance Accounts
Though comparing to the non-ChexSystems banks these usually do come with a certain limit there are great options here as well and we would name the Wells Fargo as the main and the best one. It requires a $25 initial deposit but has no limits that second chance accounts usually have as it offers both the check listing and mobile banking. Along with that, the monthly charge is waived if your account is at $1500 or more and you are sure to enjoy many benefits that a ChexSystem bank wouldn’t allow.
How To Protect Your Banking Record
Though there are actions that you can take if you are blacklisted your best bet still is to keep clean and protect your banking record. Be sure to pay all the overdrafts or negative balances on time, and don’t try to manipulate the ATM rules. Last but not least any kind of fraud is absolutely not allowed (such as identity theft).
Summary
Lucky for you, even if ChexSystems blacklists you there are still options where you can open a new checking or savings the account. Both banks that don’t use ChexSystems and second chance accounts are good and reliable choices and it is your decision for which one you will go. Still, it is important to remember that you should always care about your banking record and keep it as clean as possible!
