Ameris Bank offers checking accounts with online banking, debit card access, mobile deposits, and branch service across several Southeastern states. However, past banking problems can affect whether the bank approves your application.
An unpaid overdraft, forced account closure, or fraud record can create problems even when the issue happened years ago. Here’s how Ameris Bank reviews applications and what its Free Checking account provides.
Ameris Bank Uses ChexSystems
Ameris Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews checking and savings account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report can cause the bank to deny your application.
Ameris Bank reviews records tied to deposit accounts. These records can include unpaid balances, returned payments, forced account closures, and suspected fraud.
The bank also confirms your identity and reviews the information submitted with your application. A problem with your name, address, Social Security number, or identification can stop the application even when your ChexSystems consumer report is clear.
Which ChexSystems Records Can Cause a Denial?
Ameris Bank doesn’t publish a list of entries that always result in rejection. Recent and unresolved problems create the greatest risk.
The bank can consider:
- Unpaid balances: Money owed to another bank or credit union can reduce your approval chances.
- Suspected fraud: Fraud warnings or questionable deposits can cause an immediate denial.
- Forced closures: An account closed by another financial institution can affect the decision.
- Repeated overdrafts: Several unpaid overdrafts can show continued account problems.
- Returned payments: Returned checks or electronic transfers can raise concerns.
- Previous Ameris Bank debt: Money owed from an older Ameris Bank account can prevent approval.
Paying an old balance doesn’t remove a valid ChexSystems entry right away. The updated status still shows Ameris Bank that you resolved the debt.
Ameris Bank Doesn’t Offer Second Chance Checking
Ameris Bank doesn’t offer a second chance checking account with separate approval standards.
Its Free Checking account has no monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement, but those features don’t change the application process. Ameris Bank still checks ChexSystems before it approves the account.
Applicants with serious negative records should consider a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems or one that offers a stated second chance checking program.
Free Checking Has No Monthly Service Fee
Ameris Bank Free Checking has no monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement. The account also includes online and mobile banking.
Account features include:
- Debit card access: Make purchases and withdraw cash with an Ameris Bank debit card.
- Mobile deposits: Deposit eligible checks through the Ameris Bank mobile app.
- Online Bill Pay: Schedule one-time and recurring payments.
- Zelle: Send and receive eligible payments through digital banking.
- Electronic statements: Receive account statements online.
- Account alerts: Get email or text notifications about balances and transactions.
- Branch access: Visit Ameris Bank branches in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Free Checking can reduce ongoing costs after approval. It doesn’t protect you from every account fee.
Free Checking Can Charge Overdraft Fees
Ameris Bank can charge $35 when it pays an eligible overdraft. Consumer accounts face a daily maximum of $105 in overdraft fees.
Ameris Bank won’t charge an overdraft fee when the account is overdrawn by $5 or less at the end of the day. The bank also can’t charge an overdraft fee on ATM or one-time debit card transactions unless you requested that coverage.
You can opt out of overdraft coverage for ATM and everyday debit card purchases. Those transactions will usually be declined when your available balance is too low.
Ask Ameris Bank to explain all overdraft settings before you open the account. A transaction that gets declined can be less expensive than one that creates a $35 fee.
Compare Free Checking with Benefits Checking
Ameris Bank also offers Benefits Checking. This account adds services such as identity theft security and cellphone protection, but it charges a monthly fee after the first two statement cycles.
Free Checking is the simpler choice for most people who want:
- No monthly service fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- Standard debit card access
- Mobile banking and Bill Pay
- Fewer account conditions to track
Benefits Checking can make sense when the added services are worth more to you than the monthly fee. Neither account has easier ChexSystems approval.
Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Before Applying
Review your ChexSystems consumer report before Ameris Bank checks it.
ChexSystems collects information about checking account applications, openings, closures, and the reasons accounts were closed.
Check for:
- Unknown accounts: An account you don’t recognize can point to identity theft.
- Incorrect balances: Confirm that every listed amount is accurate.
- Paid debts shown as unpaid: A resolved balance should display the correct status.
- Wrong closure reasons: Make sure the former financial institution reported the account correctly.
- Incorrect dates: A reporting mistake can make an older problem appear more recent.
Accurate negative information can generally remain for five years. Paying the balance usually won’t remove the entry early, but the reporting institution should update its status.
Dispute inaccurate or incomplete information. Include account statements, payment receipts, or identity theft documents that support your claim.
What to Do if Ameris Bank Denies You
Ameris Bank should send an adverse action notice when ChexSystems or another consumer reporting company affected its decision. The notice should identify the company that supplied the information.
Request your ChexSystems consumer report and inspect the entry that caused the denial. File a dispute when the information is wrong.
Contact the bank or credit union that reported an accurate unpaid balance. Ask how to pay it and when the updated status will appear.
A denial can also result from identity verification problems. Confirm that your legal name, address, Social Security number, and date of birth match your official records before you apply again.
Recommended Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
If Ameris Bank isn’t the right fit, here are some trusted banks that make it easier to open an account and get back on track financially.
SoFi
- Up to $400 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
- No minimum opening deposit
- Earn up to 3.80% APY
- Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
- Early pay with direct deposit
Current
- Build credit and earn points with every swipe
- No minimum opening deposit or maintenance fees
- Get paid up to 2 days faster
- No credit check or ChexSystems
Chime
- Up to 3.75% APY on a high-yield savings account
- Over 47,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Up to $200 fee-free overdraft coverage
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
Learn More
- Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Take the first step to rebuilding your banking history with our list of banks that do not use ChexSystems for account approval.
- Credit Unions That Don’t Use ChexSystems – Find a credit union that will work with you, not against you. Learn about the credit unions that don’t use ChexSystems.
- Am I in ChexSystems? – Unsure if you’re in ChexSystems? Learn how to find out and take control of your financial status.
- How to Get Out of ChexSystems – Learn how to get out of ChexSystems in four simple steps.
- Second Chance Checking Accounts – Take control of your financial future with our list of over 450 banks that offer second chance checking accounts.
Jake is a personal finance writer with a background in consumer lending and credit counseling. He specializes in credit education, debt management, and helping readers understand the financial systems that affect their daily lives. His goal is simple: cut through the jargon and give people the information they actually need.