If you’ve ever applied for a new checking or savings account and been denied, there’s a good chance ChexSystems had something to do with it. ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks your banking history, and banks use it to decide whether to approve you for an account.
The good news is you’re not powerless—you can contact ChexSystems, request a free copy of your report, and challenge any errors that may be keeping you from opening an account.
What Is ChexSystems and How Does It Work?
ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that specializes in banking activity. Just like the three major credit bureaus keep track of how you manage credit, ChexSystems keeps a record of how you manage deposit accounts.
When you apply for a new checking or savings account, most banks and credit unions check your ChexSystems report. If the report shows a history of unpaid fees, bounced checks, or other negative activity, the bank may decide not to approve your application.
ChexSystems does not decide whether you can open an account—it only provides information to financial institutions. Each bank makes its own decision about whether to deny or approve you based on what it sees in your report.
What Information Appears on a ChexSystems Report?
Your ChexSystems report includes information related to your past banking behavior. Some of the most common items that may appear include:
- Account closures: If a bank closed your account due to unpaid fees or misuse.
- Overdrafts: Repeated overdrafts that were not paid back.
- Bounced checks: Returned payments that caused the account to go negative.
- Negative balances: Accounts left in the red and never brought current.
- Suspected fraud or abuse: Activity flagged by the bank as fraudulent or abusive.
- Identity verification requests: Records of when a bank pulled your report.
Negative entries typically remain on your ChexSystems report for up to five years. Since this information can directly affect your ability to open a new bank account, it’s important to review your report and correct any inaccuracies.
How to Get a Free Copy of Your ChexSystems Report
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you the right to see what’s in your ChexSystems report. You qualify for a free copy once every 12 months. You can also request another free report if a bank or credit union has denied you an account within the past 60 days.
Reviewing your report is the first step to understanding why you may have been denied an account and spotting any errors that could be holding you back.
How to Contact ChexSystems
You have several options for reaching ChexSystems depending on what you need:
- Online: Visit chexsystems.com to request your report, file a dispute, or place a security freeze.
- Phone (automated system): Call 800-428-9623, available 24/7.
- Phone (live representative): Call 800-513-7125 during business hours.
- Mail:
Chex Systems, Inc.
Attn: Consumer Relations
P.O. Box 583399
Minneapolis, MN 55458 - Fax: 602-659-2197
Online and phone requests are fastest, while mail provides a paper trail if you want documentation of your request.
How to Speak to a Real Person at ChexSystems
Most callers get routed through the automated system, but you can reach a live representative if needed:
- Dial 800-513-7125.
- Press 1 for English.
- Press 7 to connect with customer service.
Representatives are available Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Have your name, address, and Social Security number ready so they can quickly access your file.
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Current
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SoFi
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Final Thoughts
Being flagged by ChexSystems can make it difficult to open a new bank account, but you’re not stuck. You have the right to request a free report, check for mistakes, and dispute any errors that may be blocking you. If your report is accurate, you still have options—many banks and fintech companies offer accounts that don’t rely on ChexSystems at all.
Take the time to review your report, correct any inaccuracies, and explore banks that welcome customers without checking ChexSystems. By doing both, you can get back to everyday banking without the stress.
