Chexsystems

If you’re on the ChexSystems list, it’s important to understand the differences between and features of savings and checking accounts. You’re probably shopping around for a better bank account, and this guide can be a big help. When it comes to finding a good place to put your money, you have lots of options. There are checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificate of deposits (CDs). Each one offers different benefits, fits different needs, and has different rules and requirements. When you decide what’s right for you, there are a few things to consider.

- Some accounts can only be set up if you have a minimum deposit. If your account goes below that number, you’ll be charged extra or won’t receive interest.

- On the subject of interest, it’s important to pay attention to how much is paid, and how often you’ll get it. Compare rates in your local area to those from national financial institutions at http://www.bankrate.com.

- Find out about limits on withdrawals. Can you take out your money whenever you choose, or is there a penalty?

- Look for deposit insurance. A sign in the bank will tell you that your money is protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Credit union accounts also have protection, but from the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA).

- How easy is putting money in and taking it out? Can you easily get to a bank or ATM, or would you need to get most service online or via phone? Find out if you can make electronic transfers like direct deposits, too.

- If you’re considering getting an account with check writing privileges, you should also think about how many checks you’ll get, the maximum number of checks you can write every month, and any penalties for going over that number. Find out if there’s a maximum or minimum amount you can write a check for, and if there’s a monthly fee for the account. Some banks will also charge you a fee for each checks, or writing more than a certain number every month.

- Look for policies that state there are holds on checks. If you deposit money over a certain amount into your account, there may be a waiting period before you can get to it. There might also be a longer period of waiting if you deposit out of state checks.

- What about overdrafts? If you accidentally write a check for more money than is in your account, you should know what happens. You could link your checking account to a savings account so you’ll be protected. Otherwise, you could face high fees from bounced checks, either written to you or coming from you. Since a bounced check can be bad for your credit, being covered is a good idea.

Keep in mind that Check 21 (the new Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act) lets banks clear checks electronically instead of actually exchanging your paper checks. This means that there’s no requirement to return your original checks with your monthly statement, or when there’s a problem with a check. Instead, substitute checks are created, which are used as legal representations of the originals. However, these aren’t the same as ordinary check images, which aren’t eligible as substitute checks.

It’s always been a good idea to ask for your canceled checks with your statement every month. Now you’ll receive substitute checks each month instead. It usually takes a day or two for banks to process checks the old way. Now, however, electronic processing happens almost instantly. This means that there’s no float time between writing the check and the time that the money’s taken out of your account, increasing the chance that a check will bounce. If you have your employer use direct deposit, putting your paycheck directly into your account, you can deal with the change in float time. In addition to this, the faster clearing time means that it’s harder to stop payment.

Article by Kurt Lehmann-financial services expert, writing about ChexSystems, payday loans and second chance checking issue

Most people find out that they’ve been reported to Chexsystems in the most embarrassing way: they go to a bank to open a new account. Then the branch manager or customer service representative comes back to tell them that there’s a problem that’s preventing them from opening an account: the customer is on file with Chexsystems. You will typically be suggested that you try and work things out and then come back. Although that will be said to you with a smile, it doesn’t make it any less embarrassing.

The better (and more dignified) way is to stay on top of things by ordering your ChexSystems report from the company. You can order the report to learn what information, if any, ChexSystems, Inc. has about you. If you have been denied an account from a bank or credit union, and ChexSystems was used in the decision process, this information will help you understand what contributed to that decision. Once it’s in your possession, review it in the most thorough way possible. It will include the following sections: your name and “consumer identifier”, one or more items of “Reported Information” (this is the bad stuff that is being reported about your banking history!), one or more “Inquiries Initiated by Consumer Action” (these are things you have allegedly done that caused someone to pull your Consumer Report), one or more “Inquiries Not Initiated By Consumer Action” (these are reports pulled by others about you without your direct permission), one or more “Retail Information” items (from other check-writing databases such as SCAN), one ore more “History of Checks Ordered”, and then personal information about you, including your Social Security Number, and Drivers License

What is ChexSystems?

ChexSystems provides deposit account verification services to its financial institution members to aid them in identifying account applicants who may have a history of account mishandling (for example, people whose accounts were overdrawn and then closed by them or by their bank). ChexSystems is also licensed to do business as ChexSystems Collection Agency providing debt collection services to members participating in this service.

Is ChexSystems a credit bureau?

ChexSystems is a consumer-reporting agency governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other laws. ChexSystems Collection Agency is a debt collector subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other laws. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the FCRA and FDCPA.

How long does the report stay on file?
How do I get it deleted?

Each report submitted to ChexSystems remains on our files for five years, unless the bank or credit union that filed the report requests its removal or ChexSystems becomes obligated to remove it under applicable law. The decision to delete a report is entirely up to each bank or credit union and its individual policies.

I paid the bank. Why wasn’t the report removed?

A reporting member is under no obligation to remove an accurate report of account mishandling due to payment of monies owed. However, if a collection amount is reported, the member is obligated to mark the account as paid.

How can I see what is in my file?

You can order a copy of your report from ChexSystems.

How do I dispute information?

ChexSystems Consumer Relations Department helps people who believe their file contains misinformation. Visit disputes for more information.

Why do I have to give you personal information, like my social security number and drivers license number?

ChexSystems ask for this information to ensure that they make a complete and accurate search and are able to identify all information that may pertain to you.

Why did you tell the bank not to open an account for me?

ChexSystems neither approves nor declines accounts for banks and credit unions. The decision is entirely up to them.

Why wasn’t my ChexSystems report removed when I filed bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy filing only affects the collection of outstanding debts. It does not require the removal of accurate factual information concerning your account.

Why can’t I get a copy of my spouse’s report?

ChexSystems is required by law to deal directly with the individual to whom the information pertains. They strictly adhere to this to protect consumer privacy. To discuss the information with anyone else, ChexSystems must receive a notarized Power of Attorney or specific written instructions, signed by the consumer whose information is being requested, authorizing ChexSystems to disclose the information to the person named in the Power of Attorney.

What does NSF activity mean?

NSF ­ or non-sufficient funds ­ activity refers to overdrafts that occur on an account.

Do I pay ChexSystems or the bank?

It depends. If your report contains a record of an outstanding debt and you have received collection notices from ChexSystems Collection Agency, you pay ChexSystems Collection Agency directly by sending your check or money order to:

ChexSystems
Attn: Consumer Relations
7805 Hudson Road, Suite 100.
Woodbury, MN 55125

In other cases, you pay the bank or credit union directly.

How do I add a statement to my file?

You are entitled to add a brief statement to your consumer file describing the nature of your dispute of the information. If you wish to add a statement to your file, you must submit your statement in writing with a clear indication that you wish the statement to be added to your file, ensuring that you sign the request. If you would like assistance in writing a clear summary of your statement, you may contact ChexSystems or obtain the assistance from your Attorney.

How do I contact ChexSystems?
CALL
ChexSystems
Consumer Relations
1-800-428-9623
(Recording only-Instructions)

WRITE
ChexSystems
Attn: Consumer Relations
7805 Hudson Road, Suite 100.
Woodbury, MN 55125
FAX
602-659-2197

Inquiry about negative information on file:

Information you will have to send if you have been rejected by a bank or you have received notification that there is negative information on file that shows you still owe a bank money.

Either send your request in writing or by fax. Make sure you have available the following information to submit to them:

* your full name and any alias names used
* your current and prior address (5 years)
* your social security number
* your driver license and/or ID card number
* any business you signed on during the pass 5 years.

We hope that you can resolve your personal problem. If we can assist you further, please contact this office by phone, e-mail, or in writing.

Source:ckfraud.org

The problem with being on the ChexSystems list is that it makes it hard (if not impossible) for you to open a new checking account for several years. But what if checking accounts were not as useful as they used to be? If that were the case, being on ChexSystems might not be so bad after all. Here’s news about a trend that may make you rethink whether you really need a new checking account.

There’s a great article in the Los Angeles Times, which discusses a recent trend among large grocery stores — the refusal to accept personal checks for purchases. One large grocery chain in California (Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market) does not take personal checks at any of its 70 stores.

Another large chain (Whole Foods) is also considering a similar ban.

Here’s why they are doing it. Processing personal checks is time-consuming and expensive (and everyone is trying to reduce expenses in this economy!). Also, most people can easily pay for their groceries with cash, debit cards or credit cards. The use of credit or debit cards also provides both the customer and the retailer with some additional payment protections which are not available when checks are used.

So what do you do if you don’t have a bank account or a credit card? Simple — there are dozens of great prepaid debit card accounts available which allow you to buy things using a debit card at any retailer that accepts Visa or MasterCard.

If the checkbook becomes obsolete, then people who can’t open a checking account are in a great position — simply open a prepaid debit card account and use your shiny new Visa or MasterCard debit card to make purchases. For merchants that still accept checks (such as your landlord, or your utility company), these debit card accounts allow you to write checks online (using an online bill pay service), so you have the best of both worlds

ChexSystems protects banks from fraud however ChexSystems at times prevents folks from being able to open a bank account that made a banking error like leaving a bank account overdrawn for a period of time. Even worse a bank can close an account that is in good standing, when a different account owned by the same person, at a different bank, has been defaulted on and reported to ChexSystems!
People that can’t open a checking account need an alternative that allows them to be able to bank while listed on ChexSystems, fortunately there are 2nd chance checking accounts.

Second chance checking accounts are useful when ChexSystems stops you from opening a
checking account? Get a second chance checking account with no credit check! It gets even better! If your payroll or income can be direct deposited there is no fee for direct deposit!Second chance checking accounts mean no more standing in line and paying high check cashing fees.