Does Citizens Bank Use ChexSystems?

Past banking problems can make it harder to open a new checking account. Unpaid overdrafts, closed accounts, and suspected fraud may appear in a consumer report that a bank reviews during the application process.

Citizens Bank offers several checking accounts, but approval may depend on what appears in your banking history. Here’s how the bank screens applicants, which records may cause problems, and what to do before you apply.

Citizens Bank Checks ChexSystems

Citizens Bank is widely reported to use ChexSystems when it reviews checking account applications. A negative ChexSystems record could lead to a denial, but the bank doesn’t publish the exact rules it follows for each applicant.

Citizens Bank may consider the type of record, the amount owed, and how long ago the problem occurred. The bank may also use other services to confirm your identity and review the information in your application.

Because Citizens Bank checks banking history, it shouldn’t be treated as a bank that skips ChexSystems.

Can You Get Approved with a Negative Record?

A negative ChexSystems consumer report doesn’t always mean you’ll be denied. Citizens Bank may treat an older paid overdraft differently from an unpaid balance or suspected fraud record.

These entries may have the greatest effect on your application:

• Unpaid bank debt: Money owed to another bank or credit union can reduce your approval chances.
• Suspected fraud: Fraud-related records may lead to stricter screening.
• Forced account closures: Several accounts closed by financial institutions may raise concerns.
• Repeated overdrafts: A pattern of unpaid overdrafts or returned payments may hurt your application.
• Recent applications: Several recent checking account applications may cause additional review.

Citizens Bank doesn’t promise approval under any set conditions. Paying valid balances and correcting errors may help, but neither step guarantees that the bank will open an account.

Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Before Applying

ChexSystems collects information about checking account applications, openings, and closures. Banks and credit unions can review a ChexSystems consumer report when someone applies for a new account.

Request your ChexSystems consumer report before you apply to Citizens Bank. Check every entry for the correct account name, balance, date, and closure reason.

Pay close attention to accounts you don’t recognize. An unfamiliar account could be tied to identity theft or another reporting error. You should also make sure that paid balances no longer appear as unpaid.

Most negative ChexSystems records remain for five years. Paying a valid balance usually won’t remove the record right away, but the entry should be updated to show that the debt was paid.

Which Citizens Bank Checking Account Should You Choose?

Citizens Bank offers several checking accounts. The best choice depends on whether you prefer a fixed monthly fee or an account with a simple fee waiver.

Citizens EverValue Checking has a $5 monthly maintenance fee that can’t be waived. It has no minimum balance requirement and doesn’t charge overdraft fees. The bank may decline transactions when the account doesn’t have enough money.

One Deposit Checking has a $9.99 monthly maintenance fee. Citizens Bank waives the fee when at least one deposit of any amount posts during the statement period. The account doesn’t require a minimum balance.

EverValue Checking may appeal to someone who wants predictable fees and no overdraft charges. However, Citizens Bank doesn’t advertise it as a second chance checking account, and applicants should still expect a ChexSystems review.

Account fees and availability may differ by location. Review the current terms for your ZIP code before you apply.

How to Improve Your Approval Chances

You can’t guarantee approval, but a few steps may help prevent an avoidable denial.

• Review your ChexSystems consumer report: Check for errors, unknown accounts, and unpaid balances.
• Pay valid debts: Contact the bank that reported the balance and request written confirmation after payment.
• Dispute incorrect information: Send ChexSystems documents that support your dispute.
• Check your personal information: Make sure your name, address, Social Security number, and identification details match.
• Remove any security freeze: A freeze may prevent Citizens Bank from completing its review.
• Avoid repeated applications: Don’t keep applying until you know why the first application failed.

You may also apply at a Citizens Bank branch instead of online. A branch employee may help with identity verification or required documents, but they can’t promise approval.

What to Do if Citizens Bank Denies You

Citizens Bank should tell you when information from a consumer reporting company affected its decision. The notice should identify the company that supplied the information and explain how to request a copy of the consumer report.

Review the notice before you apply somewhere else. ChexSystems may not have caused the denial. The issue could involve identity verification, another consumer reporting company, or missing application information.

Request the consumer report and check the record that affected the decision. Dispute incorrect information. When the record is accurate, ask whether paying the balance could improve your chances with another bank.

Alternatives to Citizens Bank That Don’t Use ChexSystems

If you’ve been denied an account at Citizens Bank, these trusted options make it easy to start fresh:

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.