Does Citizens Trust Bank Use ChexSystems?

Citizens Trust Bank offers more checking choices than many community banks, but none is presented as an account for applicants with a troubled banking record. Past unpaid balances or forced account closures may still affect whether the bank approves you.

The account lineup also requires close comparison. Some options waive their monthly fee through direct deposit, while others require a large balance or charge a fixed fee regardless of activity.

Citizens Trust Bank Checks ChexSystems

Citizens Trust Bank uses ChexSystems during its review of new checking account applications. Negative information may lower your approval chances, especially when it involves unresolved debt or suspected fraud.

The bank may consider:

• Unpaid balances: Money owed to another financial institution may show that an earlier account problem remains unresolved.
• Forced closures: An account that another bank closed may raise concerns about future account activity.
• Returned payments: Several returned checks or electronic payments may count against the application.
• Suspected fraud: Fraud-related records can present a more serious problem than an ordinary overdraft.
• Previous CTB debt: Money owed directly to Citizens Trust Bank may prevent a new account from being opened.

Citizens Trust Bank does not publish exact approval standards. An older paid balance may not receive the same treatment as recent fraud or debt that remains unpaid.

CTB Direct Has the Simplest Balance Rules

CTB Direct requires $50 to open and has no minimum balance requirement. The account charges a $10 monthly service fee, but a monthly direct deposit can waive it. Electronic statements are also required to avoid a separate $5 paper statement fee.

The account includes online banking, mobile banking, mobile deposits, Bill Pay, Zelle, a debit card, and access to Citizens Trust Bank ATMs.

CTB Direct may work best for someone who receives a paycheck or benefits through direct deposit. Without that monthly deposit, the account could cost $120 per year before any paper statement charges.

Regular Checking Has Different Fee Waivers

Regular Checking also requires $50 to open, but its fee structure depends on the amount you keep in the account.

Citizens Trust Bank charges a $7 monthly service fee and a 30-cent fee for each debit transaction. You can avoid the monthly service fee with either a $1,000 minimum monthly balance or a $1,500 average daily balance.

The account includes:

• Digital access: Online banking, mobile banking, mobile deposits, and Bill Pay are included.
• Debit card: Qualified customers can receive a debit card and earn rewards through eligible purchases.
• Zelle: Customers can send and receive eligible payments.
• ATM access: Citizens Trust Bank does not charge a fee at its own ATMs.
• Overdraft protection: Eligible customers can connect another account or approved credit source.

Regular Checking may cost more than CTB Direct for someone who keeps a small balance. The per-transaction charge also makes it less appealing for frequent debit card use.

Flat Fee Checking Removes Transaction Charges

Flat Fee Checking requires $50 to open and charges a fixed $10 monthly fee. It has no minimum balance requirement and includes unlimited check-writing privileges without additional transaction fees.

This account may make more sense for customers who write many checks or complete many transactions each month. It does not provide a direct deposit or balance-based way to remove the $10 fee.

The fixed price makes the monthly cost predictable, but it also means you will pay $120 per year even when account activity is low.

Citizens Trust Bank Has No Stated Second Chance Account

Citizens Trust Bank does not identify CTB Direct, Regular Checking, or Flat Fee Checking as second chance checking.

CTB Direct has no balance requirement, but that only affects account maintenance after approval. It does not mean the bank overlooks negative ChexSystems information.

The same point applies to Flat Fee Checking. A simple fee structure does not mean the account has easier screening standards.

Applicants with minor or older records may still qualify. Citizens Trust Bank does not promise approval after a previous ChexSystems-related denial.

Compare the Costs Before You Apply

The best Citizens Trust Bank option depends on how you plan to use the account.

Consider these differences:

• CTB Direct: Best suited to customers who receive monthly direct deposit and choose electronic statements.
• Regular Checking: Better suited to customers who can maintain enough money to waive the monthly fee.
• Flat Fee Checking: Better suited to customers who want unlimited transactions for one fixed monthly charge.
• Personal Interest Checking: Intended for customers who can keep larger balances and want to earn interest.

Personal Interest Checking requires $1,000 to open. It charges a $10 monthly service fee plus 30 cents for each debit transaction unless the balance requirement is met. Customers need a $2,000 minimum monthly balance or a $2,500 average daily balance to avoid the monthly service fee.

For most customers with limited funds, CTB Direct offers the least demanding balance rules. It only becomes inexpensive when the required direct deposit arrives each month.

Online Applications Require Two Forms of Identification

Citizens Trust Bank accepts online applications for several checking accounts. Applicants must be at least 18 to open an account online. Accounts with a minor must be opened at a financial center.

Prepare the following information:

• Identification: Citizens Trust Bank requests two forms of identification for some online account applications.
• Social Security number: The bank uses this information during identity verification.
• Birth date: Your date of birth must match your identification records.
• Contact details: Provide your residential address and phone number.
• Opening deposit: The required amount depends on the account you select.

After approval, Citizens Trust Bank allows customers to provide the opening deposit at a financial center, by mailed check, or through an external transfer from another bank account.

Review Negative Records Before Applying

Check your ChexSystems consumer report before you submit an application. Confirm that account balances, closure dates, payment statuses, and ownership details are correct.

An unfamiliar account may indicate identity theft. A balance that you already paid should not continue to show as unpaid.

Accurate negative information can generally remain for five years. Paying a balance does not usually remove the record early, but the former financial institution should update its status.

Dispute any information that is inaccurate or incomplete. Include bank statements, payment receipts, or identity theft documents that support the correction.

Citizens Trust Bank may still approve someone with an older resolved issue, but it does not offer a clear second chance account. Applicants with serious recent records may have better results with a bank that does not use ChexSystems.

Best Alternatives to Citizens Trust Bank

If Citizens Trust Bank’s ChexSystems policy is holding you back, there are other reliable banks that make it easier to open an account, no matter your banking history.

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.