Does First Horizon Bank Use ChexSystems?

Past overdrafts, unpaid balances, and forced account closures can make a new checking account harder to open. First Horizon Bank reviews an applicant’s banking history before approving a deposit account.

The bank also offers Access Checking, a checkless account with no overdraft fees and a low opening deposit. Here’s how First Horizon’s review works, what the account costs, and who may benefit from it.

First Horizon Bank Uses ChexSystems

First Horizon Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews checking and savings account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report can affect your approval chances.

The bank may review unpaid balances, forced account closures, returned payments, repeated overdrafts, and suspected fraud. It can also verify your identity and check information from other consumer reporting companies.

A ChexSystems entry doesn’t always lead to a denial. First Horizon may treat an older paid balance differently from recent suspected fraud or money that you still owe another financial institution.

First Horizon doesn’t publish specific ChexSystems approval requirements. The outcome can depend on the type of entry, when it occurred, and whether you resolved the problem.

Which ChexSystems Records Can Affect Approval?

Recent and unresolved banking problems create the greatest risk. First Horizon may consider several types of negative account activity.

• Unpaid balances: Money owed to another bank or credit union can hurt your approval chances.
• Suspected fraud: Fraud warnings or questionable deposits can lead to a denial.
• Forced account closures: An account closed by another financial institution can raise concerns.
• Repeated overdrafts: Several unpaid overdrafts may show continued account problems.
• Returned payments: Returned checks or electronic transfers can affect the decision.
• Previous First Horizon debt: Money owed from an older First Horizon account may prevent approval.

Paying a valid balance doesn’t remove the ChexSystems entry immediately. The financial institution should update the record to show that the debt has been paid.

First Horizon Offers Access Checking

First Horizon offers Access Checking for customers who want a basic account with stronger spending limits. The bank describes it as a simple and accessible banking option.

Access Checking is checkless and doesn’t charge overdraft fees. Transactions that exceed your available balance are generally declined or returned instead of being approved and followed by an overdraft fee.

These features can help customers avoid the unpaid negative balances that often lead to future banking problems. However, First Horizon still reviews applications, so Access Checking doesn’t guarantee approval after serious fraud or unresolved debt.

Access Checking Costs $5 Per Month

Access Checking charges a $5 monthly service fee and requires at least $25 to open.

The account doesn’t require a minimum ongoing balance. First Horizon also doesn’t list a direct deposit or balance requirement that removes the monthly service fee.

Review the current account terms before you apply. First Horizon can change its fees, features, and application requirements.

What Access Checking Includes

Access Checking is a checkless account, but it includes common services for deposits, purchases, and electronic payments.

Account features include:

• Debit card access: Make purchases and withdraw cash with a First Horizon debit card.
• Online banking: Review balances, transfer money, and track transactions online.
• Mobile banking: Manage the account through the First Horizon mobile app.
• Mobile check deposits: Deposit eligible checks without visiting a branch.
• Online Bill Pay: Schedule eligible one-time and recurring payments.
• Account alerts: Receive notices about balances, deposits, withdrawals, and card activity.
• ATM access: Withdraw cash through First Horizon and eligible network ATMs.

Access Checking doesn’t include paper checks. You’ll need to make payments through your debit card, Bill Pay, electronic transfers, or other supported services.

Access Checking Has No Overdraft Fees

First Horizon doesn’t charge overdraft fees on Access Checking. The bank generally declines or returns a transaction when your available balance can’t cover it.

A merchant or service provider may still charge a returned-payment fee. A delayed debit card transaction, reversed deposit, or account adjustment can also create a negative balance that you must repay.

Set up low-balance alerts and check your available balance before making large payments. Your available balance can differ from your current balance when transactions are still pending.

Access Checking vs. FirstView Checking

FirstView Checking is First Horizon’s standard low-cost checking account. It has no monthly service charge when you enroll in electronic statements and requires at least $50 to open. It also allows paper checks.

Access Checking may make more sense when you:

• Want overdraft limits: Transactions are generally declined instead of being paid into overdraft.
• Don’t need paper checks: The account is designed for debit card and electronic payments.
• Have $25 to open the account: The opening deposit is lower than the amount required for FirstView Checking.
• Prefer predictable costs: The account charges a set $5 monthly service fee.

FirstView Checking may be a better fit when you qualify for a standard account, need paper checks, and want to avoid a monthly service fee through electronic statements.

Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Before Applying

Review your ChexSystems consumer report before First Horizon checks it. This gives you time to find errors and resolve valid unpaid balances.

Look for:

• Unknown accounts: An unfamiliar account may point to identity theft.
• Incorrect balances: Confirm that each reported amount is correct.
• Paid debts shown as unpaid: A resolved balance should display the proper status.
• Wrong closure reasons: Check how the former financial institution described the account.
• Incorrect dates: An error may make an older problem appear more recent.

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

What You Need to Open Access Checking

First Horizon accepts checking account applications online and at its branches. Prepare the personal and funding information needed to complete the application.

You may need:

• Government identification: Provide a driver’s license, passport, or another accepted document.
• Social Security number: First Horizon uses it to verify your identity.
• Contact information: Provide your physical address, phone number, and email address.
• Opening deposit: Access Checking requires at least $25.
• Joint owner details: Provide personal information for each joint applicant.
• Funding information: Use an accepted bank account, debit card, check, or other deposit method.

First Horizon may request additional documents when it can’t verify your information electronically.

What to Do if First Horizon Denies You

Read the adverse action notice to learn whether ChexSystems affected the decision. The notice should identify the consumer reporting company that supplied the information.

Request your ChexSystems consumer report and review the entries that may have caused the denial. File a dispute when an account, balance, date, or closure reason is incorrect.

Contact the former bank or credit union when the information is accurate and money remains unpaid. Ask how to pay the balance and when the institution will update your account status.

You can also ask First Horizon whether Access Checking remains an option after a denial for another account. Approval isn’t guaranteed, but its checkless design and lack of overdraft fees may make it a better fit than the bank’s standard checking accounts.

Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems

If First Horizon’s ChexSystems policy is creating a roadblock, there are other banks that provide simpler, more accessible banking options. These institutions focus on convenience, quick approval, and flexible account management.

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.