Did you know it can be difficult to open new bank accounts when you have issues with your past checking account? Most banks use the ChexSystem to track your past checking history before you can open an account with them.
This means you might lack a place for savings or deposits. If you’re having a hard time opening a bank account because checking history is bad, then there are a few things you can do to clear your ChexSystems record.
A bad ChexSystems record might arise due to excessive over drafting or insufficient funds. Sometimes most people don’t realize the importance of keeping your bank records straight until they are denied approval for new accounts or loans. However, if you’re among those individuals with bad ChexSystems records, the following tips can help you.
Tips to clear your ChexSystem Record
Even with the options, you have to use other reputable banks that do not use the ChexSystems; it is still important to follow these simple tips to clear your record.
- Request a report
Why did the bank disapprove your application? Go right ahead and request a report. The ChexSystem report will show exactly why the bank failed to approve your application.
You’re eligible for a free report once after every 12 months. This report will show bounced checks, outstanding debts and the specific account closed.
- Dispute any errors
Is there any wrong information on your bank statements or payment records? These errors need to be disputed. The ChexSystems website has a section where you can dispute errors.
Disputing errors can be done through a call, email or online on the website. This is another excellent way to clear your ChexSystem records and get approval for new account opening. There are several other benefits of rectifying errors on your payment records. One major advantage of clearing such errors is a good Credit Score. Find more information here https://www.crediful.com/what-is-a-good-credit-score/.
You definitely want a good credit score as it affects almost every aspect of your life. Go right ahead and ask the ChexSystem to call the Union or bank that reported false information. You can make the dispute to the financial institution. The dispute must be researched within 30 days by both the ChexSystem and the Financial Institution.
If they find the errors are correct, they are bound by federal law to correct it.
- Pay Debts
This is a pretty straightforward way when it comes to clearing your bad records. You simply need to pay your debts to clear your bad records.
However, sometimes the money to pay the debts might not be available due to various financial constraints. You need to negotiate with your lenders and probably ask them if they are willing to settle for much less than the amount owed.
- Ask the creditors to remove the information sent to the ChexSystems
Once you pay your debts, you need to call the creditors and request them to clear the information sent to the ChexSystem. Your file needs to be updated. Make sure you get the payoff information in records and keep all receipts. These documents are essential in proving that you’ve paid the debts.
The next report you will get from the ChexSystem needs to include the payments you’ve made something that goes towards improving your records.
- Wait for the records to drop off
The simple tips above should get your record straight, but that is not the case most of the time. If everything you’ve tried fails, then you probably need to wait for five years for the records to drop off the database.
All reported information on the Chexsystem is removed after five years. Until this is done, you might have to open a second-chance checking account https://www.crediful.com/no-chexsystems-and-second-chance-banks/ where you can easily deposit or save your money.
These are accounts designed for people with poor banking histories or poor credit rating. They usually have a monthly fee but are an excellent way for you to build a distinguished financial history. The accounts also help you be eligible for a standard bank account in a year or less.
Final thoughts
Building your financial history is quite crucial as this goes a long way in ensuring we get loans and mortgages at lower interest rates. A good credit score and bank history impact every aspect of our life from getting new jobs to getting better loan rates.
This is why it is necessary to clear your ChexSystem or open a second-chance account as you wait for standard bank account eligibility.