Does Valley National Bank Use ChexSystems?

A checking account application can be denied even when your credit score is fine. Banks often review a separate banking history that may include unpaid overdrafts, forced account closures, or suspected fraud.

Valley National Bank offers several checking accounts for different needs and budgets. Before you apply, it helps to know how the bank screens applicants, which account may fit you, and what to do if your banking history contains negative information.

Valley National Bank Uses ChexSystems

Valley National Bank uses ChexSystems when it reviews checking account applications. Negative information in your ChexSystems consumer report may result in a denial.

The bank may consider the details behind each record. An older overdraft that has been paid may receive different treatment from recent suspected fraud or an unpaid balance.

Valley National Bank doesn’t publish exact approval rules for applicants with ChexSystems records. You won’t know the final result until the bank reviews your application.

What May Cause Valley Bank to Deny You?

ChexSystems entries can differ in severity. Some show a resolved mistake, while others point to debt or account misuse that remains unresolved.

The following records may hurt your application:

• Unpaid bank balances: Money still owed to another financial institution may make approval less likely.
• Suspected fraud: Fraud warnings or identity concerns can lead to a denial.
• Repeated overdrafts: Several overdrafts or returned payments may show a pattern of account problems.
• Forced account closures: A bank-initiated closure may raise concerns about how the account was handled.
• Recent account applications: Several applications within a short period may receive closer review.
• Debt owed to Valley Bank: Money left unpaid from a previous Valley Bank account may prevent approval.

Valley Bank may also reject an application when it can’t confirm your identity. Make sure your name, address, Social Security number, and identification details match.

Valley Bank Doesn’t Offer a Clear Second Chance Account

Valley Bank doesn’t advertise any of its checking products as second chance checking accounts. Its standard accounts remain subject to the bank’s normal approval process.

The bank does offer Valley Quest Checking, which has low fees and Bank On-certified features. Bank On certification means the account meets standards for affordability and consumer-friendly terms. It doesn’t mean Valley Bank skips ChexSystems or guarantees approval.

Valley Checking may still be a reasonable option after you resolve past banking problems. The account costs less than some of Valley Bank’s other checking choices and has simple ways to avoid the monthly fee.

Valley Journey Checking Has a Low Monthly Fee

Valley Journey Checking requires $25 to open and charges a $3 monthly maintenance fee.

You can avoid the fee when you complete one of the bank’s listed activities, such as receiving qualifying direct deposits or meeting its transaction requirements. Check the current account terms for the exact waiver options before you apply.

The account also provides:

• Valley ATM access: Valley Bank doesn’t charge for withdrawals at its own ATMs.
• Debit card access: Use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals.
• Mobile banking: Review transactions, transfer money, and deposit eligible checks.
• Online bill pay: Schedule payments through online banking.
• Account alerts: Receive updates about balances and account activity.

Valley Journey Checking has lower opening and monthly costs than Valley Bank’s main All Access Checking account. However, neither account is presented as guaranteed approval for customers with negative ChexSystems records.

All Access Checking Offers Simple Fee Waivers

All Access Checking requires a $100 opening deposit and has a $15 monthly maintenance fee.

Valley Bank waives the fee when you receive at least $250 in qualifying direct deposits during the monthly statement cycle. You can also avoid it by keeping a daily balance of at least $500.

The account may fit someone who receives regular direct deposits and wants a standard checking account. Valley Bank also offers digital banking, debit card access, Zelle, and access to its branch and ATM network.

A higher opening deposit or monthly fee doesn’t improve your approval chances. Choose an account based on its costs and features after you confirm that Valley Bank can approve your application.

Check Your ChexSystems Consumer Report Before Applying

Review your ChexSystems consumer report before you apply to Valley National Bank. This gives you time to find errors or unpaid balances that may cause a denial.

Check each entry for:

• Account ownership: Make sure every listed account belongs to you.
• Balance accuracy: Confirm that the amount owed is correct.
• Payment status: A debt that you paid shouldn’t still appear as unpaid.
• Closure reason: Check whether the bank accurately described why the account closed.
• Reported dates: Make sure older problems don’t appear more recent than they are.

Most accurate negative records remain for five years. Paying a valid balance usually won’t remove the entry right away, but the record should show that the debt has been paid.

Dispute information that’s wrong or incomplete. Send copies of payment receipts, bank statements, identity theft documents, or other records that support your claim.

How to Give Yourself a Better Chance

You can’t guarantee approval, but you can fix problems that may otherwise cause an avoidable denial.

• Pay unresolved balances: Contact the bank that reported the debt and ask how to settle it.
• Wait for account updates: Confirm that paid balances appear correctly before you apply.
• Complete open disputes: Don’t submit the application while inaccurate information remains under review.
• Check your identification: Use personal details that match your current documents.
• Apply for one account: Several applications won’t solve the problem that caused the first denial.
• Call Valley Bank: Ask whether a specific paid or older entry may affect your application.

A bank representative can explain general requirements, but they may not be able to promise approval before the application is processed.

What to Do if Valley Bank Denies You

Ask Valley Bank whether ChexSystems affected the decision. The bank should send a notice when information from a consumer reporting company leads to a denial.

The notice should name the company that supplied the information and explain how to request a copy of the consumer report.

Review the record before applying at another bank. Dispute it when it’s inaccurate. If the information is correct, pay any unresolved balance when possible or consider a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems.

Alternatives to Valley National Bank That Don’t Use ChexSystems

If Valley National Bank’s policy makes it difficult for you to open an account, consider these flexible options that don’t use ChexSystems:

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.