Can anyone recommend a bank that does not use ChexSystems? My daughter is still disputing an old account reported by Bilk (I mean Bank) of America about a year ago. She was an authorized signer on her dad's checking account. She was unaware that the account had been closed for excessive overdraft activity. When she applied at Bank One she found out she has the dreaded scarlet "C" on her forehead. Happy holidays and thanks for any responses.
It might be worthwhile to dispute with ChexSystems if she was only an authorized user and the account was not joint. They probably won't be able to verify and it would come off? It might be worth a try. In the meantime, search google for Chexsystems Bites (I don't know how to post a link . That site has a list of nonChex banks. Usually credit unions are a good place to start. Myschae
A couple of years ago I was able to open an account with TD Waterhouse (www.tdwaterhousebank.com) while I was on Chex. I don't know if they have changed their policy. I've been very happy with them. I have since been able to dispute my Chex report clean and I've opened an account locally, but I've kept the TD Waterhouse account and still use it as my primary bank account. They offer pretty good online access and free electronic bill payment. Also you can get the checking account free if you have a brokerage account (anything will do -- they have no minimum deposit for their Roth IRA, so technically you can open a Roth for $5, forget about it and enjoy a free checking account).
A few years ago I couldn't open an account with any major bank because I had bounced a check 5 years prior. I went to the local credit union and they gladly opened an account for me. Their fees are less and they are more helpful when it comes to applying for loans later on. Bank of America has gladly taken my money, but never grants me any type of credit approval whatsoever. Big banks are money-hungry monsters.
Let's see if this works.... http://members.tripod.com/~CHEXSYSTEMSBITES/ Yep, looks like it's gonna. Thanks Mosdef, you're my hero! Myschae
