As stated, here are the main ways you can get a bank account if your name is in ChexSystems
1. Get an Online Bank Account
Many online bank accounts are not affiliated with ChexSystems. There are quite a few reputable bank accounts out there and more than a few don’t require a ChexSystems check. You can sign up for a legit online bank account here that’s guaranteed not to use ChexSystems or you can do a general web search online. Short of actually getting a normal bank account, this is the best solution I’ve yet found online. Just make sure you are getting a legit bank account as there are a lot of scams out there. The link I gave goes to a legit site, but if you do a general web search, be very careful that you don’t land up in trouble — I’ve seen a ton of scams out there regarding this topic.
Get a Bank Account Today
2. Look at Prepaid Visa Bank Cards
Another popular option for people who can’t open bank accounts. Prepaid visa bank cards are basically credit cards linked to an online account. You “top” up the card and can use it like a credit/bank card. When you need more funds on the card, you simply make a payment on the card just like you would make a payment to a credit card. The difference between a prepaid visa card and a regular visa credit card is that you can add up a negative balance on your credit card while with a prepaid visa, you can only spend what you have deposited on the card. This card does do a pretty good job at replacing your bank. I know because I had one of these a couple years ago. The cons are that you can’t do some of the things you normally do with a bank account like write checks, transfer money between accounts, etc. But for just buying things and depositing money on the account/card, it’s fine.
3. Find a Non ChexSystems Bank
Another option you could consider is to simply find a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems. Now, as I’ve stated, one option is to look at an online bank account – many, many of these are not partnered with ChexSystems meaning it’s a good way to get a bank account with bad credit (bad banking credit that is).
If you want to find a PHYSICAL bank, it’s also possible. But you are going to have to put some arm work into this. You see, physical banks that don’t use ChexSystems don’t put this information online. To find out if they don’t do a ChexSystems credit check, you are going to have to call them up. I’ll tell you right now that most major bank chains use ChexSystems, so forget places like Bank of America or CitiBank and such. They are all partnered with ChexSystems or Telecheck. That means you are going to have to look at smaller “neighborhood” banks or credit unions. These might not utilize ChexSystems. The only way to tell is to get a list of banks in your area and call them directly.
Now, it may be that you can open a bank account with a major bank even if your name is in ChexSystems, but instead of a ChexSystems check, they may do a regular credit check. If you happen to have decent credit history, then you might be ok for the account. Again, this may vary between banking institutions and there are no guarantees. You’ll have to call and directly ask.
Now there are supposed Non ChexSystems Bank lists floating around on the web you can look at. But don’t pay any money for these certainly. I’ve had a good look at some of them and most of them contain outdated information or some scammer trying to see you a bunk list for anywhere from 20 bucks to a couple hundred!
4. Wait 5 years
Your name will be dropped from the ChexSystems list after 5 years. I offer this as a possible solution since it is. However, most people can’t go without a bank account of some kind for that long. But if you don’t mind waiting years, well, it’s a solution for you.
5. Fight ChexSystems
Yes, you can fight ChexSystems (and your bank/ex bank) and force them to remove your negative information from ChexSystems records. Keep in mind that this will likely take a few months and will involve sending out multiple letters to ChexSystems via certified mail and to the financial institutions that send your name to ChexSystems in the first place, and possible court appearances. If you are persistent, you can fight ChexSystems and force your name of their record with certainty. But it takes work on your part. If you can’t commit to battling it out for 3 to 6 months, look for a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems, open up an second chance account, or figure out some other option. If you want to fight, read the final section of this article for a comprehensive ChexSystems Removal guide.
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