ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that banks and credit unions use to screen potential customers. It's similar to a credit report but focuses on banking history, such as involuntary account closures, bounced checks, and frequent account applications. A ChexSystems report includes a consumer score, with higher scores indicating lower risk. Negative banking history can lead to denial of new account applications. However, not everyone has a ChexSystems report; it only appears if there's a history of banking issues. You can request a free report annually to check your status. If you have a negative report, you can dispute inaccuracies or opt for second chance banking options. Maintaining a positive banking history is crucial, as negative information can remain on your report for up to seven years.
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