A past checking account problem can make it harder to open another account. Banks may review unpaid balances, account closures, suspected fraud, and other banking activity before they approve an application.
United Community Bank offers several checking choices, including an account with no overdraft fees. The account you choose won’t change the bank’s screening process, but it can affect your monthly costs and the risk of future fees.
United Community Bank Uses ChexSystems
United Community Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report may affect your approval.
The bank may consider what happened, how recent the record is, and whether you still owe money. An older overdraft that has been paid may receive different treatment from recent fraud or an unpaid balance.
United Community Bank doesn’t publish a list of ChexSystems records that always cause a denial. It may also verify your identity and review other details from your application.
United Essential Banking Has No Overdraft Fees
United Essential Banking may be the most practical option for customers who want tighter control over their spending.
The account requires $25 to open and has a $5 monthly service charge. It doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement or charge overdraft fees.
United Essential Banking includes:
- Debit card access: Use a Mastercard debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals.
- Digital banking: Review transactions, transfer money, and manage your account online.
- Bill Pay: Schedule payments through online or mobile banking.
- Card controls: Lock your debit card and manage certain transaction settings.
- Electronic statements: Receive statements online without an added fee.
- ATM access: Use United Community and Publix Presto! ATMs without a United Community fee.
The bank generally declines or returns transactions when your available balance can’t cover them. This can help you avoid overdraft fees, though a merchant may charge its own returned-payment fee.
Is United Essential Banking a Second Chance Account?
United Community Bank doesn’t clearly market United Essential Banking as a second chance checking account.
Its no-overdraft structure may help customers avoid new account problems, but the bank still uses ChexSystems during the application review. An account that prevents overdrafts isn’t automatically easier to open.
You may have a better chance when your ChexSystems consumer report contains an older or paid record. Recent suspected fraud, unresolved bank debt, or repeated account closures may still result in a denial.
Call United Community Bank before you apply if your ChexSystems consumer report contains serious negative information. Ask whether United Essential Banking has different approval requirements from its standard checking accounts.
United Checking Offers a Simple Fee Waiver
United Checking is the bank’s standard account for everyday banking. It requires $50 to open and has an $8 monthly service charge.
You can avoid the monthly fee by enrolling in electronic statements or receiving monthly direct deposits.
The account also includes access to United Community and Publix Presto! ATMs, online banking, mobile deposits, debit card controls, and Bill Pay.
United Checking may cost less than United Essential Banking when you can meet one of the fee-waiver requirements. However, it allows overdraft services that don’t apply to United Essential Banking.
United Community Bank currently charges $36 for each paid overdraft, with a maximum of three overdraft fees per day.
United Essential Banking may be safer when overdrafts caused your earlier banking problems.
Which ChexSystems Records May Lead to a Denial?
Recent and unresolved banking issues may cause the most concern.
United Community Bank may review records such as:
- Unpaid balances: Money owed to another bank or credit union may lower 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 an ongoing pattern.
- Returned payments: Returned checks or electronic payments may raise concerns.
- Debt owed to United Community Bank: An unpaid balance from an earlier account may need to be resolved first.
A valid record can remain after you pay the balance. The updated status may still help because it shows that the debt is no longer outstanding.
Review Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Before Applying
Check your ChexSystems consumer report before you submit an application.
Review the file for:
- Unknown accounts: An account you don’t recognize may point to identity theft.
- Incorrect balances: Make sure every reported amount is accurate.
- Paid debts shown as unpaid: A resolved balance should have the correct status.
- Wrong closure reasons: Check whether the former bank described the closure correctly.
- Incorrect dates: A mistake may make an older problem appear recent.
Accurate negative records can generally remain for five years. Paying a valid 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. Include payment receipts, account statements, or identity theft records that support your claim.
What to Do if United Community Bank Denies You
Ask whether ChexSystems affected the decision. When information from a consumer reporting company contributes to a denial, the bank should provide a notice that identifies the company.
Request your ChexSystems consumer report and review the entry that caused the problem. Dispute it when the information is wrong.
When the record is accurate, contact the financial institution that reported it. Ask how to pay any outstanding balance and when the updated status will appear.
A denial may also result from identity verification. Make sure your name, address, Social Security number, and identification all match.
You can consider a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems when United Community Bank can’t approve you.
Best Alternatives to United Community Bank
If you’ve been denied an account at United Community Bank or any other ChexSystems bank, there are plenty of alternatives. These options make it simple to open an account, access direct deposit, and rebuild your financial foundation.
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.