Does First Convenience Bank Use ChexSystems?

Past overdrafts, unpaid bank fees, or account closures can make it harder to open another checking account. First Convenience Bank uses a more flexible application process than many traditional banks.

The bank also operates hundreds of locations inside Walmart and other retail stores. Here’s how its screening policy works, which checking accounts it offers, and which fees you should review.

First Convenience Bank Doesn’t Use ChexSystems

First Convenience Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems when it reviews checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report won’t disqualify you by itself.

This makes the bank an option after another financial institution denies your application because of unpaid overdrafts, returned payments, or a forced account closure.

Approval isn’t guaranteed. First Convenience Bank still verifies your identity and reviews other account-opening information. The bank can deny an application because of suspected fraud, incorrect personal details, or money owed from a previous First Convenience Bank or First National Bank Texas account.

First Convenience Bank Is Part of FNBT

First Convenience Bank is a division of First National Bank Texas. Accounts opened under either name are held by the same Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured bank.

First National Bank Texas also operates First Heroes National Bank. The three brands share many accounts, digital banking services, fees, and policies.

The bank has more than 340 locations across Texas, Arizona, Arkansas, and New Mexico. Many branches operate inside Walmart stores and offer extended hours and seven-day banking.

This retail branch model can help when you need in-person service outside standard bank hours.

What Can Still Cause an Account Denial?

A negative ChexSystems consumer report won’t decide the outcome, but another issue can stop your application.

First Convenience Bank can deny or delay an account because of:

• Identity verification: The bank can’t confirm your name, address, Social Security number, or date of birth.
• Incorrect information: Details on the application don’t match your identification or official records.
• Suspected fraud: Conflicting information raises concerns about identity theft or account misuse.
• Previous bank debt: You owe money from an earlier First Convenience Bank or First National Bank Texas account.
• Missing documents: The bank needs more identification before it can open the account.
• Account restrictions: The bank previously closed one of your accounts because of serious misuse.

Use the same legal name and address shown on your government-issued identification.

The Power Account Is the Main Checking Option

The Power Account is First Convenience Bank’s most popular checking account. It has no minimum opening deposit and provides several ways to avoid its $12 monthly maintenance fee.

You can avoid the fee by meeting one of these requirements during each statement cycle:

• Monthly deposits: Receive at least $500 in qualifying deposits.
• Daily balance: Maintain a balance of at least $500 each day.
• Debit card activity: Complete at least 12 qualifying debit card purchases.
• Age requirement: Have at least one account owner who is age 60 or older.

Internal transfers and bank refunds don’t count toward the monthly deposit requirement. ATM transactions and person-to-person transfers don’t count toward the debit card requirement.

The account includes a Debit Mastercard, mobile check deposits, online banking, account alerts, Bill Pay, and access to fee-free Gold Key ATMs.

The eAccount Helps Limit Overdraft Risk

First Convenience Bank also offers the eAccount. It’s an electronic checking account without traditional check-writing access.

The eAccount has no minimum opening deposit and includes a Debit Mastercard, digital banking, mobile check deposits, and ATM access.

The bank doesn’t charge standard overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees on the eAccount. Those protections can help when overdrafts or returned checks caused your earlier banking problems.

The account still has other costs. Check the current account guide for its monthly maintenance fee, waiver requirements, paper statement fee, and out-of-network ATM charges before applying.

The eAccount can be a better fit when you don’t need paper checks and want transactions limited to your available balance.

First Convenience Bank Doesn’t Offer Second Chance Checking

First Convenience Bank doesn’t advertise a separate account under the name second chance checking.

Its regular application process doesn’t use ChexSystems, so applicants with negative ChexSystems information can apply for its standard account choices. You don’t need a separate second chance product to avoid a ChexSystems review.

The eAccount provides the strongest spending controls because standard overdraft and nonsufficient funds fees don’t apply. The Power Account offers check writing and more traditional account access, but overdraft charges can apply.

Watch the Overdraft and Returned-Payment Fees

The Power Account and several other First Convenience Bank accounts can charge $34 for each paid overdraft item. A $17 nonsufficient funds fee can apply when the bank returns an eligible transaction unpaid.

First Convenience Bank offers AccountTRANSFER Overdraft Protection. This service transfers available money from a linked account when checking doesn’t contain enough funds.

Ask the bank to explain:

• Overdraft coverage: Which transactions can be approved beyond your available balance?
• Daily limits: How many overdraft fees can apply in one day?
• Transfer protection: Which accounts can be linked as backup?
• Debit card settings: Can everyday card purchases be declined instead?
• Account alerts: Can the bank notify you before your balance gets too low?

The eAccount is the safer option when you want to avoid standard overdraft and nonsufficient funds fees.

Cash Deposits Are Easy but Can Cost Extra

First Convenience Bank’s retail locations make cash deposits more convenient than they are at many online banks.

Customers can also use the Add Cash service at participating retailers. The bank currently charges $2 for each eligible Add Cash transaction.

A branch deposit can be the better choice when a nearby First Convenience Bank location accepts cash without that added service charge.

Review the bank’s location map before opening an account. A retail branch network offers less value when the nearest location is far from your home or workplace.

Review Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Anyway

First Convenience Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, but you should still review your ChexSystems consumer report.

Another bank or credit union can check it later. Your consumer report can also contain mistakes or accounts tied to identity theft.

Look for:

• Unknown accounts: An account you don’t recognize could have been opened without your permission.
• Incorrect balances: Confirm that every 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 described the closure correctly.
• Incorrect dates: An error can make an older problem appear more recent.

Accurate negative information can generally remain for five years. Paying a valid balance usually won’t remove the entry early, but the reporting institution should update its status.

Other Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems

While First Convenience Bank is an excellent choice, several other banks also avoid ChexSystems and make it simple to open a new account.

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.