denied a checking account for bad credit?

I'll call the back office this morning and find out for sure about WaMu. It would make sense if you open an account online that they run your credit, like B of A. With identity theft being such a huge problem, that may be the only way to verify identity in some cases. On the west coast, where I am, we've been told by our regional to not open an account if there is any chexsystem record, no matter how old. Even if the report shows as paid. There may still be some managers that are willing to override that decsion, but it would be a case by case decision, and done at the branch level. It directly affects the branch of account if the decision is overridden, and the account goes bad. It comes out of that branches bottom line and they can take a huge loss because of it. Also, when we run Chexsystems, it tells us how many inquiries to chexsystems there have been. That gives us an idea if the person is going around to all the banks in the area and trying to open accounts. It could be a red flag for us for fraud. I'll get back to all of you once I find out about credit checks.

That's what I figured . . . . Thanks for double checking this for me, I really want to have accurate, up to date info . . . .

thanks for the help everyone. It seems like for most banks, they might or might not pull a CR. I would prefer to open an account in person anyway. I wonder if the banks that do chexsystems only pull a CR if you are opening up something more then just a basic checking/savings?

I think maybe i'll try to open one at Commerce bank and see what happens. The worse they can do is deny me an account, i'll post up what happens if i decide to go there.

I dont really need to open one,I just wanted a new account cause i've had my current one for so long im afraid who might get ahold of my information since i used them to pay my credit cards and i dont want my info going into the wrong hands.

Mishele, PNC will allow you to add anyone you want to your checking account they just have to go in and sign a piece of paper....And my husband has horrible credit!

Most banks aren't going to pull 2 reports. It just isn't cost effective. Legally, they have to verify your identity, but the majority of banks rely on chexsystems only. It is much much easier to find a bank that doesn't pull your credit report then one that doesn't pull your chexsystems report.

Let us know how it goes . . . . If they do pull your CR I will add that to my information.

That's the main reason. They also may pull your credit report in addition to a chexsytems report if you have a mark on your chexsystems report. If you have great credit they may ignore the bad chexsystems item. I'm sure there's a few other reasons they would pull both, but they don't come to mind right now.

I don't know what kind of systems commerece bank uses, but I've been with them for 7 years. they are based out of Harrisburg, PA and they are great to work with. I've had many pdl problems and they are wonderful to work with. I know they're blowing up big in Maryland and NY. They may just waive the check systems altogether or, just see what they say and they may be able to work something out with you (example: minumun deposit of $250 must be kept in account at all times)

You are lucky to have found a bank you are so happy with . . . . I'd stay with them forever!!! They don't have any Commerce Banks on the west coast . . . .

LOL..tell me about it. I know there have been times I thought about switching, but then I though...was it really the banks fault or mine? Of course it was my fault and time after time and they really do as much as they can for someone. Totally free checking helps toos, no charge for atm purchases at stores, oh and heres the biggy...they are open 7 days a week and on holidays!! Open til 8pm at night and 6pm on saturdays, 4pm on sunday. Is that great or what?

That kind of bank is rare . . . I wish they were more like that . . . .

Okay, I went online and applied for a checking/savings account with Washington Mutual and was approved. They gave me their routing number as well as my account #. They said they would be sending me a starter kit containing checks, etc. and gave me info on having my company direct deposit my checks to their bank and that once a deposit has been made, they will send me a debit/cash card. Should I wait to have my checks direct deposited to them for a few days to see if I hear back from them or just assume that it's official and go ahead and notify my company? Any advice would be appreciated.

Goudah, You had sent me the list of the banks and credit unions for Florida but with all the paperwork from all my pdls I have misplaced it I was wondering if you would kindly pm/email the list one more time? I would really appreciate it. We are considering closing the checking account at our credit union even though we have been able to blocked all debits from pdls. but still once in awhile one goes thru and we have to have them reversed it is getting annoying. Thanks

I dont know the laws in that particular area, although I do question can banks really do this? I was under the impression that if you had a minimum payment to deposit into the account that they would do this.

I have had someone I know now I drive around quite often open up a bank account locally, and at the time when I tried to open it up, I was denied because of Drivers License expiration (According to them its the Patriot Act), I renewed it later on but my Mother doesnt drive no more so her license has been expired for about 2 years now, yet when she writes checks shes to present ID, its never ever a problem and nobody who request ID ever has stated of such thing with it being expired.

But in your case, I dont see how Credit Report has anythign to do with opening a bank account.

Its like Loan companies doing credit checks to grant you money, then they find a couple bills, and the reason you want the money is to pay the bills or else you wouldnt want the freaking loan to begin with.
I am not a fan of Credit Reports to say the least, I honestly dont think its determines anything in the long run.

The thing about credit reports...some people just dont get any knowledge when they are younger about credit. I was one of those. Then you go to college and every cc company in the world gives you a cc and before you know it, your credit is ruined. I think there should be a law on that. I think that when you go to college they should make you take a course on credit regardless of your major....I wish that I had known then what I know now....

Well the problem is so many companies depend on it.

You cant even offer up callateral and get pocket change from loan companies, other companies look at credit report and except everything on it to be perfect, you may have 50 transactions thats good, 2 thats bad, the 2 thats bad they will **** you and your mother over it and complain about that while denying you of your loan or whatever it is your applying for.

Credit Reports I just have no faith in them, their useless when companies misuse them which is 90% of the companies today. Find me a place that checks income or lets you offer up collateral for whatever its worth and thats A++ in my books.

****Adult term removed - Jason

Hello everyone!!! I need information about how to open a basic checking account after bankruptcy. My credit report still show some wrong information( charged off account with balance, it's supposed to be $0 after bankruptcy) that I'm disputing.
Please help as soon as you can.
P.S.
Bank of America and CITI Bank said they couldn't help me, since I have bankruptcy on my file.
Thank you

Big banks will not be willing to open an account since you have a bankruptcy in your file. Find other banks working in your area and get a secured card in your name. You have to put some money in your account to get the card. Make all the payments within the due dates to reflect it in your credit report. This will start improving your scores.