Setting up a bank account might be the first step toward regaining control of your finances. However, not everyone has access to a bank account or a savings account because bank account application were are declined.
You are not alone if you are having trouble opening a bank account. If you have a history of mismanaging your money, you may be unable to create a bank account. There are still options available to you, no matter what events brought you to this point. With sufficient patience, you should be able to open a bank account, albeit it may take some time.
Let’s look at what you can do if you are unable to open a bank account.
Bank Account Application Declined
You might be surprised to learn that your bank account application has been turned down. If this occurs, try to figure out why. If you’re informed there’s bad activity on your banking history but something doesn’t seem right, look into it to see if there’s a mistake working against you.
To minimize your credit utilization ratio, the most effective strategy is to pay all of your incoming payments on time and pay off a portion of your existing credit card debt.
Checking for inaccuracies on your credit reports is also crucial, since if one of them has an error that is causing you problems, rectifying it can help you get approved for a bank account.
Finally, if you’ve been turned down for a full-service bank account, investigate if you qualify for a second chance account. Some banks provide these simplified accounts that allow you to deposit and withdraw funds but lack the features of conventional checking accounts. It’s a smart strategy to repair your bank’s reputation by opening one.
It’s upsetting to be denied a bank account. If this happens to you, figure out why and make a plan to fix it.
There are so many banks out there with various incentives that it’s a shame you can’t make use of them.
10 Reasons for Being Denied a Checking Account
The following are the most prevalent reasons why banks refuse to open checking accounts:
- Negative Information on Your ChexSystems Report
- Errors on your ChexSystems Report
- Bad Credit
- The bank is unable to verify your identity
- Low credit score
- The bank is unable to verify your identity
- Outstanding fees
- Owing money to other accounts
- Business is out of the scope
Negative Information on Your ChexSystems Report
One or more bad things on your ChexSystems report are most likely the reason you were denied a checking account. One or more of the following are common examples of negative information:
- Involuntary account closure
- Too many past bounced checks or overdrafts
- Unpaid fees or negative balances from a current or closed account
- Suspected fraud or identity theft
- Too many accounts applied for over a short amount of time
- Mistakes on your ChexSystems report
Errors on your ChexSystems Report
Errors may have resulted in negative information on your ChexSystems report. For example, you could have been confused with someone with a similar name, or your Social Security number could have been entered incorrectly.
Fortunately, you may detect these errors and dispute them with ChexSystems when you check your ChexSystems report. When attempting to correct problems in your report, make sure you have any supporting documentation on hand.
Bad Credit
A low credit score can limit your chances of acquiring a checking account because ChexSystems collects data from both debit and credit accounts. Unpaid fees and debts may be reported by banks and credit unions to collection agencies, which may then report the information to a credit reporting bureau. As a result, your credit score may suffer.
If your bank still refuses to grant you a checking account after you try to remedy these difficulties, you might look into a second-chance bank account.
The bank is unable to verify your identity
Have you recently relocated? Have you renamed yourself? ChexSystems can detect any information that isn’t up to date and prevent you from registering an account.
Examine your most recent ChexSystems report to ensure that all of your personal information is up to date and correctly worded. If your bank is unable to verify your identity, your application for a high-yield savings account may be denied.
Mistakes on your ChexSystems report
While ChexSystems checks for mistakes, it’s possible that the report itself contains an error. If you detect an error in your report, you can file a dispute with ChexSystems to get it corrected.
Because your ChexSystems report will be available for five years as a reference, it’s worth the time to double-check that it’s correct.
Low credit score
The duration of your credit history, your income-to-credit ratio, payment history, and any bad financial events such as bankruptcy all go into determining your credit score. A low credit score, in simple terms, means you’re a higher risk to your bank than a client with a high credit score.
If your credit score is low, you may be turned down for a loan, be denied access to various lines of credit, or be rejected by a high-yield savings account. Credit scores range from 300 to 850 on the FICO scale, but a decent credit score should be above 700.
Outstanding fees
ChexSystems highlights outstanding costs with your existing bank as a possible basis for refusing you a high-yield savings account. Before opening a new type of savings account, be sure you’ve paid off any fees.
However, you can inquire about any outstanding fees related to your account by calling or emailing your bank.
Owing money to other accounts
Banks are more likely to choose candidates who have a history of being financially stable and a good balance in their current account. After all, it makes little sense for your bank to allow you high-yield savings account if your existing accounts are in the red. Before applying, close your present bank accounts to increase your chances of approval.
Business is out of scope
Most banks are unlikely to engage with companies involved in cryptocurrency, privately held ATMs, marijuana/cannabis, gaming, crowdfunding, or money services.
What is a ChexSystem?
ChexSystems is a credit reporting agency that is subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It functions similarly to the three national credit bureaus when you apply for credit cards and personal loans and they do a rigorous credit check on your credit record. When you apply for a checking or savings account, the banks will request a ChexSystems report.
What to do When You Can’t Open a Checking Account
Here are what you should do after you’ve been denied a checking account:
- Clean up the information in your ChexSystems report. Request a copy of your report and take action to rectify any bad findings. First and foremost, pay off any outstanding fees. Examine your report for inaccuracies as well.
- You can file a grievance with ChexSystems and provide supporting evidence if you find any. It’s possible that the investigation will take up to 30 days. Any bad entries that cannot be erased from your report after five years should be removed.
- Get a free copy of your credit report by filling out the required form. Your credit report and your ChexSystems report both provide you with an excellent indication of your financial situation. Building credit and improving your banking history will help you have a brighter financial future.
Why was I turned Down for Business Banking?
When it comes to opening a business bank account, banks and building societies have different requirements. If you or your company do not meet these standards, your application will most likely be denied. One of the following reasons could be given for rejecting account applications:
- Industry type designated high risk
- Personal or business credit problems
- Directors of the company are registered in another country.
Each bank and building society has its own set of requirements and restrictions, which means that if you are turned down by one, you can still locate others.
Finding Alternatives to Business Banking After Being Turned Down
Prior to applying for an account, you should figure out why you were turned down, and once you do, you may start looking for alternatives. For example, if you have been refused business banking because of a poor credit rating, you may want to choose a different bank that merely conducts a soft credit search as part of the application process.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to open a regular checking or savings account that allows you to handle your money easily and at a low, or no, cost.
Having a checking and savings account at the same bank can make money management even easier by allowing you to set up automatic transfers from your savings to your checking account.
Learn more:
- Open a Free Business Checking Account Online With No Deposit, Updated!!!
- NSF Fee: Overview, Examples & 5 Tips to Avoid them
- Insufficient Funds: A Definitive 2023 guide {updated}
FAQs on BANK ACCOUNT APPLICATION DECLINED
What does it mean when you can't open a checking account?
The most common reason for account denial is that you have an outstanding debt with a bank – commonly due to unpaid bank fees. If your ChexSystems report indicates that you owe the bank money, you must either negotiate with the bank to pay the debt or reject the report as erroneous.
Can a bank refuse to open an account for you?
If you can’t present the required identification, a bank account application declined is possible because a bank or credit union may refuse to open a checking account for you.
Is it hard to open a checking account?
Opening a bank account is a simple process that involves filling out an application, verifying your identity, providing some basic personal information, and funding your account. In most circumstances, you can apply for a checking account online or at a local branch of your financial institution.
How do you get money out of a closed bank account?
How to retrieve money from a bank account that has been closed is a matter of working with the bank to get your money returned to you. If there isn’t a time frame specified, or if your money doesn’t come on time, contact the bank. It’s possible that you’ll have to phone multiple times before getting a satisfactory response.
- Outstanding Checks: How To Calculate Outstanding Checks With Examples.
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