Past banking problems can follow you after an account closes. An unpaid overdraft or forced closure may still limit your options when you’re ready to open checking somewhere new.
Huntington Bank offers a basic checking account with no monthly fee, opening deposit, or minimum balance. Its account-screening policy may also make it worth considering after a ChexSystems-related denial.
Huntington Bank Doesn’t Use ChexSystems
Huntington Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems when reviewing checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report shouldn’t disqualify you on its own.
This may help if another bank denied your application because of unpaid fees, overdrafts, or a past account closure. You don’t have to wait for an accurate ChexSystems entry to reach the end of its reporting period before applying.
Huntington can still deny an application for other reasons. The bank must verify your identity and may review information through other consumer reporting or fraud-prevention services.
What Could Still Prevent Approval?
Skipping ChexSystems removes one common obstacle, but it doesn’t guarantee that Huntington will open an account.
Your application could be denied because of:
- Identity verification problems: Huntington may need more information when it can’t confirm your name, address, or Social Security number.
- Incorrect application details: A typo or outdated address may stop the review.
- Suspected fraud: Conflicting information or fraud warnings may lead to a denial.
- Money owed to Huntington: An unpaid balance from an earlier Huntington account may need to be resolved.
- Missing documents: The bank may request additional identification.
- Account restrictions: A previous Huntington account closed for serious misuse may affect your eligibility.
Huntington says applicants need two forms of identification when opening Asterisk-Free Checking. Accepted documents may include a driver’s license, passport, Social Security card, or another qualifying ID.
Asterisk-Free Checking Has No Monthly Fee
Asterisk-Free Checking is Huntington’s basic personal checking account. It has no monthly maintenance fee, minimum balance requirement, or minimum opening deposit.
The account includes:
- Debit card access: Make purchases and withdraw cash from the account.
- Mobile banking: Review transactions, transfer money, and control your debit card.
- Mobile deposits: Deposit eligible checks through the Huntington mobile app.
- Online bill pay: Schedule payments through digital banking.
- Early Pay: Eligible direct deposits may arrive up to two days early.
- Huntington ATMs: Use Huntington-owned ATMs without paying a Huntington withdrawal fee.
Asterisk-Free Checking doesn’t earn interest. Huntington offers other checking accounts for customers who want interest, ATM fee reimbursements, or added relationship benefits.
The lack of monthly fees makes Asterisk-Free Checking a practical place to start when you only need basic banking.
Huntington Offers Extra Time to Fix Overdrafts
Huntington includes two overdraft relief features with its personal checking accounts.
The $50 Safety Zone prevents an overdraft fee when your account is overdrawn by $50 or less. When the negative balance exceeds $50, 24-Hour Grace may give you until midnight Central Time on the next business day to deposit enough money and avoid a fee or returned transaction.
These features can help when a payment posts earlier than expected, but they shouldn’t replace regular balance monitoring.
Turn on low-balance and transaction alerts after opening the account. You can also link an eligible savings or money market account to cover shortages through automatic transfers. Huntington currently lists those transfers without a transfer fee.
Is Huntington a Second Chance Bank?
Huntington doesn’t label Asterisk-Free Checking as a second chance account. However, the bank’s decision not to use ChexSystems may make the account accessible to some people who’ve had problems elsewhere.
That doesn’t mean every applicant with a difficult banking history will qualify. Huntington can still review identity information, fraud concerns, and any previous relationship you had with the bank.
Asterisk-Free Checking also has standard checking features rather than the restrictions found on some second chance accounts. There’s no monthly fee, mandatory waiting period, or required upgrade to another account.
For many applicants, that may be more useful than a traditional second chance account that charges a recurring fee.
Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Anyway
Huntington doesn’t use ChexSystems, but you should still review your ChexSystems consumer report.
Another financial institution may check it later. Correcting errors now can give you more options if you decide to switch banks or add another account.
Review the consumer report for:
- Unknown accounts: An account you don’t recognize may be linked to identity theft.
- Incorrect balances: Confirm that each amount matches the former bank’s records.
- Paid debts shown as unpaid: A resolved balance should have the correct status.
- Wrong closure reasons: Make sure the bank accurately described what happened.
- Incorrect dates: A reporting error may make an older problem appear recent.
Accurate negative records can usually remain for five years. Paying a valid debt won’t normally remove the record early, but the entry should show that the balance was paid.
Dispute inaccurate or incomplete information and include documents that support your claim.
How to Apply for Huntington Checking
You can apply for Asterisk-Free Checking online or at a Huntington branch. Applicants who are at least 18 can open an individual account without a joint owner. Minors must apply at a branch with an adult joint owner.
Before applying:
- Gather two accepted forms of identification.
- Make sure your address matches your current records.
- Resolve any unpaid balance owed directly to Huntington.
- Remove any security freeze that could block identity checks.
- Review the ATM and overdraft terms.
- Decide whether you want an individual or joint account.
Asterisk-Free Checking doesn’t require an opening deposit, but funding the account soon after approval will let you begin using it.
Other Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
While Huntington Bank is an excellent choice, several other banks also skip ChexSystems and make it easier to open an account. These institutions focus on accessibility, simple approval, and modern digital banking features.
SoFi
- Up to $400 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
- No minimum opening deposit
- Earn up to 3.80% APY
- Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
- Early pay with direct deposit
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
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
- 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.
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.