A checking account denial can happen long after the original banking problem. An unpaid balance, a forced account closure, or suspected fraud may still affect your next application.
Old National Bank offers several checking accounts, including a checkless option with no overdraft fees. Before you apply, it helps to know how the bank uses ChexSystems and whether one of its accounts fits your situation.
Old National Bank Uses ChexSystems
Old National Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report may cause the bank to deny your application.
Old National doesn’t publish a list of records that always lead to rejection. The bank may consider what happened, how recently it occurred, and whether you still owe money.
An older overdraft that has been paid may receive different treatment from suspected fraud or a recent unpaid balance. Old National may also deny an application when it can’t verify your identity.
Which Records Could Affect Your Application?
Some ChexSystems records may raise more concern than others. Recent problems and unresolved debts often create the biggest obstacles.
Old National may review entries such as:
- Unpaid balances: Money owed to another bank or credit union may reduce your approval chances.
- Suspected fraud: Fraud warnings or identity concerns may lead to a denial.
- Forced account closures: An account closed by another financial institution may affect the decision.
- Repeated overdrafts: Several unpaid overdrafts may show a pattern of account problems.
- Returned payments: A history of returned checks or electronic payments may receive closer review.
- Debt owed to Old National: An unpaid balance from a previous Old National account may need to be resolved first.
A paid record may remain in your ChexSystems consumer report, but its updated status shows that the balance is no longer outstanding.
ONB EZ Access May Be the Best Starting Point
ONB EZ Access is a checkless account with no overdraft fees. Old National created it as a Bank On-certified account for consumers who want affordable access to standard banking services.
The account requires $10 to open and has a $4.95 monthly service charge. It doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement.
ONB EZ Access also includes:
- Debit card access: Use the account for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
- No paper checks: Payments are handled through your debit card, money orders, or digital banking.
- No overdraft fees: Old National won’t charge an overdraft fee on this account.
- Statements: You can choose electronic or paper statements without an added statement charge.
- Cashier’s checks: The account includes five free cashier’s checks each month.
- Digital banking: You can review transactions, transfer money, and manage the account online.
ONB EZ Access isn’t advertised as guaranteed second chance checking. Old National still reviews new applicants through ChexSystems. The account’s design may help prevent future overdraft problems after approval.
ONB Everyday Checking Offers More Features
ONB Everyday Checking provides paper-check access and more traditional checking features. It requires a $50 opening deposit.
The account has a $6.95 monthly service charge, but Old National waives it when you meet one of several requirements. Options include at least $500 in monthly direct deposits, a $500 daily balance, $1,500 in combined eligible balances, or 15 posted debit card transactions during the statement cycle. Active-duty military members may also qualify for a waiver.
Everyday Checking may work better when you need checks and can meet a fee-waiver requirement. EZ Access may be safer when your main goal is to avoid overdrafts.
Neither account comes with automatic approval for applicants with negative ChexSystems information.
Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Before Applying
Review your ChexSystems consumer report before Old National checks it.
Look closely at:
- Account ownership: Make sure every listed account belongs to you.
- Reported balances: Confirm that each amount is correct.
- Payment status: A paid debt shouldn’t remain listed as unpaid.
- Closure reasons: Check whether the former bank described the closure accurately.
- Reported dates: Make sure older problems don’t appear more recent.
- Fraud warnings: Watch for records connected to accounts you don’t recognize.
Accurate negative records can remain in a ChexSystems consumer report for five years. Paying a balance usually won’t remove the entry early, but the reporting bank should update its status.
You can dispute information that’s inaccurate or incomplete. Send copies of payment receipts, account statements, identity theft records, or other documents that support your claim.
How to Prepare for an Old National Application
Fix any problems you can before you submit the application.
- Pay valid bank debts: Contact the financial institution that reported the balance and ask how to resolve it.
- Wait for updates: Confirm that payments and completed disputes appear correctly.
- Check your identification: Use the same name, address, and personal details shown on your current documents.
- Choose the right account: Compare EZ Access with Everyday Checking before you apply.
- Prepare the deposit: Have at least $10 for EZ Access or $50 for most other Old National checking accounts.
- Apply once: Don’t submit several applications until you know why an earlier one failed.
Old National offers online account opening in several states. EZ Access must be opened at an Old National banking center.
What to Do if Old National Denies You
Ask whether ChexSystems affected the decision. When information from a consumer reporting company leads to a denial, Old National should send a notice that identifies the company.
Request the consumer report and review the record that caused the problem. Dispute it when the information is incorrect.
When the record is accurate, contact the financial institution that reported it. Paying the outstanding balance may improve your options, even when the entry remains in your ChexSystems consumer report.
You can also consider a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems or one that clearly offers second chance checking.
Alternatives to Old National Bank That Don’t Use ChexSystems
If Old National Bank’s policy presents an obstacle, consider these trusted alternatives that welcome new customers without ChexSystems screening:
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.