Look folks, allow me to be frank: Finding a bank or credit
union that does not screen it's applicants via ChexSystems
is virtually impossible. Information travels quickly in the
information age, and a bank that does not use Chexsystems
is about as rare as a human being without a cell phone
in their pocket.
Many, including myself, (I'm not kidding either) were not
put into the dreaded ChexSystems database because of bouncing
checks, but for overdraft fees, someone else having access to
your check card and the unsuprisingly common 'clerical error'.
Shortly put: "ChexSystems Happens"!
But being removed from ChexSystems or finding banks that
don't use ChexSystems is nearly impossible. It can be a
rather lengthy, and costly, process to 'get out' of Chex
Systems. Or, take Option Number 2: Wait 7 years,
without a savings or checking account until ChexSystems
drops you from their ever expanding database.
However there are several online checking accounts and
prepaid debitcard providers on the web, some that even
offer free direct deposit or no activation fees. A simple
Google search for certain keywords or phrases like:
"banks that don't use ChexSystems" and you should come
up some quick results. Other keyword terms to use would
be "non chex system bank" or ""visa prepaid debit cards"
"best prepaid debit card", or variations there of. I think
You get the idea. The truth is that many more will be flagged
by ChexSystems in the coming years. This opens up 'alternative
means' for an online checking account for people in the Chex
Systems database.
So, in closing, finding a bank that does not screen applicants
via ChexSystems can be a simple as a few simple clicks of the
mouse. Turns out, the situation is not so hopeless!
