What to do if you find yourself on ChexSystems
If you discover tht you are on the notorious "list," here are the things you should do:
1. If your bank did not already close your account, don't close it yourself. Even a ChexSystems bank, if you are in good standing with them, won't always automatically close your account, so make every effort to keep your accounts open and in good standing. If you do close our accounts, you may not be able to open a new one for five years.
2. Do some research on banks that do not use ChexSystems. See if you can find a non ChexSystems checking account or banking account, either locally or through an Internet bank. As an alternative, consider using prepaid debit cards.
3. If you don't know already, find out exactly why you are on the list, and make good whatever put you there. Pay off all your overdrafts, bad checks, NSF fees, etc.
4. Get an explanation inserted into your ChexSystems file. They don't make this particularly easy. Their web site is only informational, and their toll-free number is automated and you cannot talk to a person. The only way of contact is by mailing their headquarters in Woodbury, Minnesota.
5. Get a copy of your ChexSystems report.
