Does Frost Bank Use ChexSystems?

Updated

A negative banking record can create problems long after an account closes. Unpaid balances, suspected fraud, and forced closures may affect your next checking account application.

Frost Bank serves customers in Texas and offers several personal checking accounts. Before you apply, it helps to know how the bank screens new customers and whether it has an account for people with past banking problems.

Frost Bank Uses ChexSystems

Frost Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews applications for new checking and savings accounts. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report can reduce your chances of approval.

ChexSystems supplies the information, but Frost Bank makes the final decision. The bank may consider how serious the problem was, when it occurred, and whether you resolved any unpaid balance.

An older overdraft that has been paid may not carry the same weight as recent suspected fraud or money that remains owed to another bank. Frost Bank doesn’t disclose which ChexSystems records always result in a denial.

Frost Bank Doesn’t Offer Second Chance Checking

Frost Bank doesn’t offer a checking account that it identifies as a second chance account.

Its personal checking options include the Frost Personal Account, Frost Plus Account, and Frost Premium Account. Each account remains subject to the bank’s standard application review.

This means the Frost Personal Account isn’t a guaranteed option for someone with negative ChexSystems information, even though it has a relatively low opening deposit and several ways to avoid its monthly fee.

Applicants with recent fraud records or unresolved balances may have better results with a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems or an account that has more flexible approval rules.

The Frost Personal Account Is the Basic Option

The Frost Personal Account is the bank’s standard checking account. It requires a $25 opening deposit and charges an $8 monthly service fee.

Frost Bank waives the monthly fee when you meet at least one of these requirements:

  • Qualifying deposits or credits: Receive at least $100 in eligible direct deposits, mobile deposits, debit card credits, or Zelle credits during the statement period.
  • Minimum daily balance: Keep at least $1,000 in the account each day.
  • Combined balances: Maintain at least $5,000 in eligible Frost deposit accounts.
  • Account owner under 25: The fee is waived when at least one owner is younger than 25.

The account comes with a debit card, paper checks, mobile check deposits, online Bill Pay, Zelle, and access to Frost Bank’s branch and ATM network.

Frost also gives customers access to direct deposits up to two days early. The exact arrival date depends on when the payer sends the deposit information.

Frost Offers a $100 Overdraft Grace Feature

The Frost Personal Account includes a $100 overdraft grace feature. Customers who qualify can overdraw the account by up to $100 without an overdraft fee.

The feature doesn’t mean the account has no overdraft risk. Frost Bank can charge a $35 overdraft fee when it approves an eligible transaction that exceeds the available balance and the account doesn’t qualify for the grace protection.

You must repay any negative balance. An unpaid overdraft that leads to an account closure could later appear in your ChexSystems consumer report.

Account alerts can help you track your available balance. Keep in mind that pending debit card transactions and deposit holds may cause your available balance to differ from the balance shown at the start of the day.

Frost Plus and Premium Require Higher Balances

Frost Plus Account charges a $15 monthly service fee unless you meet its waiver requirements. It adds interest, limited refunds for fees charged by other ATM owners, and free Frost-branded checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders.

Frost Premium Account charges $30 per month unless you qualify for a waiver. It provides larger ATM fee refunds and removes certain Frost fees, including overdraft and wire transfer fees.

These accounts are designed for customers who keep more money with Frost Bank or want added banking benefits. They don’t provide easier approval for applicants with negative ChexSystems information.

The standard Frost Personal Account will usually make more sense when your main priorities are a lower monthly fee and simpler waiver requirements.

Review ChexSystems Before You Apply

Request your ChexSystems consumer report before you submit a Frost Bank application. A review can help you find errors and see whether an unresolved account may cause a denial.

Check for:

  • Accounts you don’t recognize: An unfamiliar account may result from identity theft or mixed consumer information.
  • Incorrect balances: Make sure each amount matches what you owed.
  • Paid balances listed as unpaid: The former bank should update the payment status.
  • Wrong closure details: Confirm that each account closure is described correctly.
  • Old information: Negative ChexSystems records typically remain for five years.

Paying a valid balance doesn’t usually remove the record before the five-year period ends. However, a paid status shows that you addressed the debt.

File a dispute when information is inaccurate or incomplete. Bank statements, payment receipts, and identity theft records can support your claim.

What to Do After a Frost Bank Denial

Read the notice Frost Bank sends after it denies your application. The notice should name the consumer reporting company that supplied information used in the decision.

Request a copy of that consumer report and inspect the entries carefully. Dispute errors with both ChexSystems and the bank or credit union that reported the information.

When the balance is accurate, contact the former financial institution to arrange payment. Ask when it will update the account to show that you no longer owe money.

You can ask Frost Bank whether it will reconsider your application after a correction or payment. If the bank still won’t approve you, compare banks that don’t use ChexSystems and second chance checking accounts before you submit another application.

Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems

If ChexSystems is preventing you from opening an account with Frost Bank, there are other financial institutions that make it easier to get started. These options emphasize quick approval, minimal requirements, and helpful tools to manage your money.

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SoFi

  • Up to $400 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY
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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
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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

Jake Caldwell
Meet the author

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.