Everything You Need to Know About ChexSystems in[2022]: Your Financial Health Tracked.

If you’re like most people, you probably aren’t too familiar with ChexSystems. It’s a lesser-known financial agency that tracks your banking behavior – kind of like how the three major credit reporting agencies track your overall credit history.

If you’ve ever had a checking or savings account closed by a bank because of too many overdrafts or other problems with your account, there’s a good chance your name is in the ChexSystems files.

So, what exactly is ChexSystems? How does it work? And what can you do if your name is on the list?

Here’s everything you need to know about ChexSystems.

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What is ChexSystems?

ChexSystems is a check verification service used by banks and credit unions to help prevent check fraud. Consumers who have been reported to ChexSystems may find it difficult to open new checking accounts.

ChexSystems keeps track of both positive and negative information on consumers’ checking and savings account history, including information on bounced checks, overdrafts, and fraud.

This information is then shared with member banks and credit unions, who use it to help make decisions about approving new account applications.

ChexSystems is similar to other credit reporting agencies, such as Experian and TransUnion, in that it provides banks with valuable information that can help them reduce losses from fraudulent activity.

According to the National Consumer Law Center, ChexSystems maintains records on more than 80 million American consumers. ChexSystems is a private company and is not affiliated with any government agency.

How Does ChexSystems Work?

ChexSystems works by tracking your banking history and providing this information to member banks and credit unions. If you’ve ever had a checking or savings account closed by a bank, there’s a good chance your name is in the ChexSystems files.

Banks report information to ChexSystems on consumers who have:

• Bounced checks
• Overdrafts
• Unpaid bank fees
• Reported fraudulent activity
• Violation of banking rules and regulations
• Account closures due to insufficient funds or failure to pay fees

This information is then shared with member banks and credit unions, who use it to help make decisions about approving new account applications. ChexSystems also offers a variety of other services, such as fraud monitoring and check verification.

For example, if you’re a victim of check fraud, ChexSystems can place a flag on your account to alert banks and credit unions of the fraudulent activity. This can help prevent you from being victimized again in the future.

How many banks use ChexSystems?

Currently, over 80% of banks in the United States use ChexSystems as part of their application process. As the use of ChexSystems becomes more widespread, even more banks will likely start relying on it to manage risk.

Here is the list of ChexSystems member banks:

• National banks and federal branches of foreign banks
• JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• Bank of America Corp.
• Citi Group Inc.
• U.S. Bancorp
• Savings associations or federally chartered savings banks
• Federal credit unions
• State-chartered banks
• Federal Reserve System member banks

You can see that if you’ve ever had a problem with your checking or savings account, there’s a good chance ChexSystems has a record of it because nearly all banks in the US use ChexSystems.

How Do I Know If I Have a ChexSystems File?

If you’re not sure whether or not ChexSystems has a file on you, there are a few ways to find out.

You can request a free ChexSystems Consumer Report by mail or online. This report will list all of the banks and credit unions that have reported information to ChexSystems about you within the past five years.

You can also request a ChexSystems file disclosure by calling ChexSystems at 800-428-9623. This will give you a list of all the information ChexSystems has on file about you.

If you you do not have a ChexSystems file, you will receive a notice stating that “no file was found” or something similar.

If you do have a ChexSystems file, the disclosure will list all of the information ChexSystems has on file about you. This includes your name, current and previous addresses, Social Security number, date of birth, and a list of all the banks and credit unions that have reported information to ChexSystems about you.

What Is My ChexSystems Score?

Your ChexSystems score is a three-digit number that is used to represent your risk level as a consumer. The higher your ChexSystems score, the higher the risk you pose to banks and credit unions.

ChexSystems scores range from 100 to 899, with the following meaning:

100-499: You pose a high risk to banks and credit unions and are unlikely to be approved for a new account.

500-799: You pose a moderate risk to banks and credit unions and may be approved for a new account, but you may be required to pay higher fees or deposit more money.

800-899: You pose a low risk to banks and credit unions and are likely to be approved for a new account.

900: You pose no risk to banks and credit unions and are guaranteed to be approved for a new account.

Unlike a credit score,  a ChexSystems score is not used to predict your ability to repay a loan. It is solely used by banks and credit unions to determine whether or not you pose a risk to them.

How Do I Get My ChexSystems Score?

There are a few ways to get your ChexSystems score. You can request a free ChexSystems Consumer Report by mail or online. This report will list all of the banks and credit unions that have reported information to ChexSystems about you within the past five years.

You can also request a ChexSystems file disclosure by calling ChexSystems at 800-428-9623. This will give you a list of all the information ChexSystems has on file about you.

If you have a ChexSystems file, your score will be listed on the disclosure. If you do not have a ChexSystems file, you will receive a notice stating that “no file was found” or something similar.

What Happens if I Have a ChexSystems File?

If you have a ChexSystems file, you may have difficulty opening a checking or savings account with any bank or credit union that uses ChexSystems.

You may be able to open an account, but you may be required to pay high fees or deposit more money than usual.

However, ChexSystems is governed by the FCRA, which means that you have the right to dispute any information in your ChexSystems file that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.

If you dispute an item in your ChexSystems file, ChexSystems must investigate and remove any information that is found to be inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.

Here are the some of your key rights include:

• The right to know what is in your ChexSystems file.
• The right to dispute any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information in your ChexSystems file.
• The right to have negative information removed from your ChexSystems file after five years.
• The right to have accurate information reported to ChexSystems.

You can learn more about your rights under the FCRA by visiting the ChexSystems website or by contacting ChexSystems directly.

How Long Does ChexSystems Stay on Your Report?

ChexSystems remains on your report for five years, after which any negative information will be removed. However, ChexSystems is required to remove any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information from your report immediately upon request.

Inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information includes any information that is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable.

ChexSystems will also remove any information that is more than seven years old.

How Do I Remove Negative Information from My ChexSystems File?

If you have negative information in your ChexSystems file, you may be able to have it removed.  According to Cisneros, the best way to remove negative information from your ChexSystems file is to dispute the information with ChexSystems.

If ChexSystems finds that the information is inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable, they are required by law to remove it from your file.

Below are the Expert verified steps on how to dispute information on your ChexSystems file:

1. Order your ChexSystems report.

 You’re legally entitled to get one free report from ChexSystems every 12 months.

You can get your ChexSystems report by mail or online. To get your report by mail, you’ll need to fill out a Request Form and send it to Chex Systems Inc.

Below are the sample letter format and ChexSystems mailing address:

To:

Chex Systems, Inc.

Attn: Consumer Relations

PO Box 583399

Minneapolis, MN 55458

I am requesting a copy of my ChexSystems report. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act, I am entitled to one free report every 12 months. I would like to receive my report by mail.

Thank you,

[Your name]

2. Identify the negative information you want to dispute.

To dispute the negative information in your ChexSystems file, you need to identify what information you want to dispute.

This may be difficult, as ChexSystems includes a wide range of information in your report, including items such as:

• Negative balances or overdrafts
• Unpaid fees or charges
• Unpaid checks or money orders
• Account closures
• Inquiries
• Fraudulent activity

You will need to provide ChexSystems with specific information about the items you want to dispute, including the date of the item, the amount of the item, and why you believe the item is inaccurate.

3. Write a letter to ChexSystems disputing the negative information.

Dear ChexSystems,

I am writing to dispute the negative information in my ChexSystems file. The information includes unpaid fees and charges, unpaid checks or money orders, and account closures.

I believe that the information is inaccurate and incomplete. The dates of the items are incorrect, the amounts of the items are incorrect, and the items are not fraudulent.

I am requesting that ChexSystems remove the negative information from my file. I will provide ChexSystems with supporting documentation as soon as it is available.

Thank you,

[Your name]

ChexSystems will investigate your dispute and remove any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information from your report.

You can also file a dispute with the bank or other financial institution that reported the negative information to ChexSystems.

The FCRA requires that the bank or financial institution investigate your dispute and correct any inaccurate, incomplete, or unverifiable information.

How Can I Avoid Negative Information on My ChexSystems File?

There are a few things you can do to avoid negative information on your ChexSystems file:

• Monitor your account activity.
• Sign up for alerts.
• Know your bank’s policies.
• Use a secured credit card.
• Avoid using too much of your credit limit.
• Monitor your ChexSystems file.
• You can get a free copy of your ChexSystems report every 12 months.
• If you see any negative information on your report, you can dispute the information with ChexSystems.
• You should also monitor your bank account activity and sign up for alerts to avoid overdrafts and account closures.

If you have any questions about ChexSystems or your ChexSystems file, you can contact ChexSystems customer service at (800) 428-9623.

How Do I Improve My ChexSystems Score?

Before you can improve your ChexSystems score, you need to know what your ChexSystems score is and what factors are impacting your score.

Your ChexSystems score is a three-digit number that ranges from 300 to 850.

The higher your score, the lower the risk you pose to banks and other financial institutions.

Below are the factors that impact your ChexSystems score:

Not paying account fees.

ChexSystems is a company that collects information on individuals’ banking history. If someone has not paid their account fees, ChexSystems will report this to other banks and financial institutions. As a result, the individual’s ChexSystems score will go down.

For Example:

If you regularly overdraw your account and pay overdraft fees, one day you may find that your bank closes your account without warning. This can cause significant financial problems, as you will no longer have access to your funds.

You may also be charged additional fees by the bank for closing your account. ChexSystems will then report this information to other banks and financial institutions, which will lower your ChexSystems score.

Overdrafting on your account

If you overdraw on your account, ChexSystems will report this to other banks and financial institutions. As a result, your ChexSystems score will go down. You can avoid negative information on your ChexSystems file by monitoring your account activity and signing up for alerts.

If you see any negative information on your ChexSystems file, you can dispute the information with ChexSystems.

Writing bounced checks

If you write a check and it bounces, ChexSystems will report this to other banks and financial institutions. As a result, your ChexSystems score will go down. You can avoid negative information on your ChexSystems file by monitoring your account activity and signing up for alerts.

Committing fraud

If you commit fraud, ChexSystems will report this to other banks and financial institutions. As a result, your ChexSystems score will go down. You can avoid negative information on your ChexSystems file by monitoring your account activity and signing up for alerts.

For example, if you open a new bank account and write a check for $500, but you only have $100 in your account, the check will bounce. ChexSystems will then report this information to other banks and financial institutions, which will lower your ChexSystems score.

So, now that you know what factors impact your ChexSystems score, how can you improve your ChexSystems score?

Is ChexSystems the same as a credit report?

No, ChexSystems is not the same as a credit report. A credit report is a document that shows your credit history and credit score. ChexSystems is a company that collects information on individuals’ banking history.

What does a ChexSystems security freeze do?

A ChexSystems security freeze prevents ChexSystems from releasing your ChexSystems file to potential creditors, such as banks and credit unions. When you place a security freeze on your ChexSystems file, ChexSystems will not release your ChexSystems file unless you take specific steps to thaw the freeze.

How do I place a ChexSystems security freeze?

To place a ChexSystems security freeze, you must send ChexSystems a written request by mail. ChexSystems will then send you a confirmation letter with a PIN number that you will need to thaw the freeze.

What if you have negative information and you are unable to have it removed from ChexSystems?

If you have negative information on your ChexSystems file and you are unable to have it removed, you can still improve your ChexSystems score by maintaining a good banking history going forward. ChexSystems will eventually remove negative information from your file after seven years.

But the question is how to maintain good banking history going forward when ChexSystems has already reported your negative information to other banks and financial institutions?

Here are the alternatives to a checking account if you have ChexSystems problems:

#1. Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems

If you have negative information on your ChexSystems file and you are unable to have it removed, you may want to consider opening a bank account with a bank that does not use ChexSystems.

Here are a few banks that do not use ChexSystems:

• BBVA Bank
• Chime
• Navy Credit Federal Union
• SoFi Money

To open an account with a bank that does not use ChexSystems, you will need to provide the bank with some personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security number.

The bank will then run a credit check to determine if you are eligible for an account. If you have bad credit, you may still be able to open a checking account with a bank that does not use ChexSystems.

But keep in mind that even if you can open a checking account with a bank that does not use ChexSystems, you may still have some limitations on your account, such as lower withdrawal limits and higher fees.

Here are some pros and cons of opening a checking account with a bank that does not use ChexSystems:

+Pros:

-You can avoid negative information on your ChexSystems file.

-You may still be able to open a checking account even if you have bad credit.

-Cons:

-You may have some limitations on your account, such as lower withdrawal limits and higher fees.

#2. Second chance bank accounts

If you have negative information on your ChexSystems file, you may be able to open a second chance bank account. A second chance bank account is a bank account that is designed for individuals who have had problems with their banking history.

Second chance bank accounts typically have less-stringent approval requirements than regular bank accounts. This means that you may be able to open a second chance bank account even if you have negative information on your ChexSystems file.

However, second chance bank accounts typically come with some restrictions, such as higher fees. So, you will need to weigh the pros and cons of opening a second chance bank account before deciding if it is the right option for you.

Here is the list of Second chance bank accounts:

• BBVA Compass ClearConnect Checking
• Chime Spending Account
• Wells Fargo Opportunity Checking
• Second Chance at Sterling National Bank
• Radius Essential Checking

To learn more about second chance bank accounts, read our guide: The Best Second Chance Bank Accounts.

#3. Prepaid debit cards

If you have ChexSystems problems, you may be able to use a prepaid debit card instead of a checking account. A prepaid debit card is a type of debit card that is loaded with funds before it can be used.

Prepaid debit cards can be used to make purchases and withdrawals just like a regular debit card. However, you will need to load funds onto the prepaid debit card before you can use it.

Prepaid debit cards typically have fewer fees than checking accounts. However, they may not offer all of the features that you would get with a checking account, such as online bill pay and direct deposit.

Here is the list of Prepaid debit cards:

• Netspend Prepaid Debit Card
• Bluebird by American Express
• Green Dot Prepaid Debit Card
• PayPal Prepaid Mastercard
• RushCard Prepaid Visa card

To learn more about prepaid debit cards, read our guide: The Best Prepaid Debit Cards.

Can ChexSystems Help Victims of Identity Theft?

ChexSystems can help victims of identity theft by providing them with a copy of their ChexSystems report. A ChexSystems report contains information about your banking history, including any negative information that may be on your file.

If you are a victim of identity theft, you may be able to use your ChexSystems report to help you dispute any inaccurate information on your file. You can also use your ChexSystems report to monitor your account for any suspicious activity.

To get a copy of your ChexSystems report, you will need to request it from ChexSystems. You can do this by mail, phone, or online.

What is account abuse in ChexSystems?

Account abuse in ChexSystems is when a person uses their checking account in a way that is not authorized by the bank. This can include things like writing bad checks, making unauthorized withdrawals, or opening fraudulent accounts.

If you are accused of account abuse in ChexSystems, you will need to dispute the allegations and provide evidence to ChexSystems that you did not engage in any unauthorized activity.

If ChexSystems finds that you did not engage in any account abuse, your name will be removed from the ChexSystems file.

Conclusion

ChexSystems is a credit reporting agency that monitors the Chex system. The Chexsystems report contains information about your banking history, including any negative information that may be on your file.

If you are a victim of identity theft, you can use your Chexsystems report to help dispute inaccurate information on your file and monitor for suspicious activity. Chexsystems also keeps track of account abuse and can remove your name from the file if they find that you did not engage in any unauthorized activity.

We hope this guide has helped you understand ChexSystems and how it can impact your financial life.

If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.