Can I check to see if I can open a bank account?
Get a copy of 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.
Bottom Line. The primary reasons people can't open a bank account are negative items on a ChexSystems or Early Warning Services report, errors on the reports or bad credit. If your bank account application is denied, find out why.
Reasons You Can Be Denied a Checking Account
Excessive overdrafts or nonsufficient funds incidents. Unpaid fees or negative account balances, whether from an active or closed account. Suspected fraud or identity theft. Applying for too many bank accounts over a short period of time.
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 |
Opening a bank account is easier than applying for a credit card, but consumers should be aware that they can still be denied — likely because of negative actions found on their ChexSystems or Early Warning Services report.
- Get a copy of your ChexSystems report.
- Dispute errors in your report.
- Settle your debts.
- Request an updated report.
- Other possible actions.
- Consider a second-chance checking account.
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.
Requirements for opening a checking account generally include a valid, government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license, state ID or passport. You'll also need basic personal information, such as your birthdate, Social Security number, taxpayer identification number or phone number.
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. Mistakes happen, and sometimes those mistakes can be costly.
Can I open a bank account if I have bad credit?
Don't worry—while it can be more difficult, it is not impossible to get approved for a new bank account with bad credit. A bad credit score is considered a VantageScore® of 600 or lower and a FICO® score of 670 or lower.
Request your report
The report shows a breakdown of specific accounts closed, outstanding debts, bounced checks and more. You're eligible for a free copy of your report once every 12 months. Request your record in one of these ways: Call ChexSystems at 800-428-9623.
Some don't even need to look at your credit and banking history before letting you open an account. The financial institutions we recommend with the easiest bank accounts to open online include Discover® Bank, SoFi, U.S. Bank, and Bank of America.
Chase credit cards typically require good or excellent credit for approval. Second chance credit cards are designed for people with bad credit, so you can be approved for one even if you've made some financial mistakes in the past.
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.
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.
- 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.
If you prefer, you may submit a five-year opt-out request by calling ChexSystems' opt-out request line at 877. OPTOUT 5 (877.678. 6885).
Risk Level | Cutoff Score* |
---|---|
Averse | 580 |
Moderate | 545 |
Aggressive | 525 |
BANK | BONUS AMOUNT | MINIMUM OPENING DEPOSIT |
---|---|---|
M&T BANK | $200 | $25 |
PNC BANK | $100 | $0 |
SOFI | $50 | $0 |
TD BANK | $200 | $0 |
Will Wells Fargo give me a second chance?
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking is a second chance checking account designed for those who have had trouble opening traditional bank accounts. It has no monthly service fee for customers under the age of 25, or for those who have a Wells Fargo Campus ATM or Campus Debit Card linked to the account.
You don't need a certain credit score to open a Chase checking or savings account, as there is no credit score requirement. Chase does not require a credit score for these accounts because they are deposit accounts, not loans or lines of credit.
Online banks offer higher interest rates on savings products and lower interest rates on loans. If you need to deposit cash regularly, you'll likely want the convenience of a brick-and-mortar bank's ATM network.
To open a checking account, you must provide government-issued identification with your photo, your Social Security card or Taxpayer Identification Number, and proof of your address. However, some special account types may require additional information.
Generally, yes. You can open a checking account online in just a few minutes with an online bank or credit union or with traditional banks and credit unions that offer online banking and checking accounts. The funds in your new account may take a few days to process, though.
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