Does United Bank Use ChexSystems?

Past overdrafts, unpaid balances, and forced account closures can make another checking account harder to open. Many banks review this history before they approve a new customer.

United Bank offers several checking options, but one account stands out for people with negative banking records. Here’s how the bank reviews applications, what Essential Checking costs, and which services come with the account.

United Bank Doesn’t Use ChexSystems for Essential Checking

United Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems or pull a credit report when you apply for Essential Checking. A negative ChexSystems consumer report shouldn’t prevent you from qualifying for this account.

The bank still needs to verify your identity and confirm that the information on your application is accurate. Suspected identity theft, false application details, or problems with the opening deposit can still lead to a denial.

United Bank’s other checking accounts may have different approval standards. Essential Checking is the clearest option for applicants who want to avoid a ChexSystems review.

Essential Checking Is United Bank’s Second Chance Account

Essential Checking is designed for customers who want tighter spending controls and fewer ways to overdraft an account.

United Bank generally declines transactions when the account lacks enough money. The account doesn’t charge overdraft fees, and it doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement. These rules can help prevent the unpaid balances that often lead to negative banking records.

You won’t receive paper checks with Essential Checking. Payments can be made with a debit card, online Bill Pay, Zelle, electronic transfers, and other supported digital services.

The account can work well for someone who:

• Has negative ChexSystems information: United Bank doesn’t review ChexSystems for Essential Checking applications.
• Wants overdraft limits: Transactions are generally declined when there isn’t enough money available.
• Doesn’t need paper checks: Essential Checking is a checkless account.
• Prefers digital banking: The account supports online banking, mobile banking, and mobile check deposits.
• Can pay the monthly fee: Customers older than 25 pay a monthly service charge.

Essential Checking Costs $7 Per Month

Essential Checking has no monthly service charge for customers who are 25 or younger. Customers older than 25 pay $7 per statement cycle.

You need at least $25 to open the account. There’s no ongoing minimum balance requirement.

United Bank doesn’t list a balance or direct deposit option that waives the $7 fee for customers older than 25. Someone who qualifies for the bank’s standard Free Checking account may avoid a monthly maintenance fee, but that account may have different application requirements.

Review the current account disclosure before you apply. United Bank can change its fees, features, and approval policies.

What Essential Checking Includes

Essential Checking provides the main services needed for everyday deposits and spending.

Account features include:

• Visa debit card: Make purchases and withdraw cash from the account.
• Online banking: Review balances, transfer money, and see recent transactions.
• Mobile banking: Manage the account through the United Bank mobile app.
• Mobile check deposits: Deposit eligible checks with a phone.
• Online Bill Pay: Schedule eligible payments without paper checks.
• Zelle: Send and receive eligible payments through United Bank.
• Electronic statements: Access account statements without waiting for mail.
• Account alerts: Receive notices about balances and account activity.

Essential Checking doesn’t provide paper checks. United Bank also states that the account has no overdraft fees.

A merchant can still charge a returned-payment fee when United Bank declines a transaction. A delayed card payment, reversed deposit, or account adjustment can also cause a negative balance that must be repaid.

Essential Checking vs. United Free Checking

United Free Checking is United Bank’s standard no-fee checking option. It has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance requirement, but it requires at least $50 to open. Customers can also purchase paper checks.

Essential Checking requires a smaller $25 opening deposit and has no overdraft fees. It doesn’t provide paper checks, and customers older than 25 pay $7 per statement cycle.

Essential Checking may be the better fit when you:

• Need to avoid ChexSystems: The account doesn’t require a ChexSystems review.
• Want stronger spending limits: United Bank generally won’t approve transactions that exceed your available balance.
• Can manage without checks: Payments must be made through the debit card or electronic services.
• Have $25 to open the account: The opening deposit is lower than the amount required for Free Checking.

United Free Checking may be better when you can qualify for a standard account, want paper checks, and prefer no monthly maintenance fee.

Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Anyway

United Bank may not review ChexSystems for Essential Checking, but you should still know what appears in your ChexSystems consumer report.

An error could affect applications at other banks or credit unions. Review your information for unknown accounts, incorrect balances, wrong closure reasons, and debts that still appear unpaid after you resolved them.

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

You can learn how to request your consumer disclosure and challenge errors in our full guide to ChexSystems.

What You Need to Open Essential Checking

United Bank accepts checking account applications online and at its branches. Prepare the information the bank needs to verify your identity and fund the account.

You may need:

• Government identification: Provide a driver’s license, passport, or another accepted form of identification.
• Social Security number: United Bank uses it to verify your identity.
• Contact information: Provide your home address, phone number, and email address.
• Opening deposit: Essential Checking requires at least $25.
• Joint owner details: Provide personal information for each joint applicant.
• Funding information: Use an accepted card, bank account, or deposit method.

United Bank may request more documents when it can’t verify your application electronically.

What to Do if United Bank Denies You

Ask United Bank why it denied the application. A ChexSystems record shouldn’t be the reason for an Essential Checking denial, but another identity verification or account-opening issue may have affected the decision.

Check that your name, Social Security number, address, and date of birth were entered correctly. You should also confirm that the opening deposit was accepted.

Ask whether you can provide documents at a branch or submit a new application after the problem is corrected.

When United Bank can’t approve the account, consider another bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems or a second chance checking account. Compare monthly fees, opening deposits, overdraft rules, branch access, and check-writing limits before you apply.

Other Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems

While United Bank is an excellent choice, several other banks also welcome customers with prior banking challenges. These institutions provide the same key features, such as mobile banking, debit cards, and early direct deposit, without a ChexSystems screening.

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.