ChexSystems can be a real pain to deal with when you’re trying to get a bank account opened in your name. It was established as a system to monitor and screen people who are looking to open checking and savings accounts. But the side effects of this kind system can result in you being unable to open a bank account even if you haven’t done anything shady.
Fortunately, there are still more than a couple of banks in New York that don’t use ChexSystems for verification. We’ll be looking at some of these banks as well as what your options look like if you get flagged by ChexSystems.
BBVA Online Checking
BBVA is one of the most well-known banks for New York residents that are looking to avoid ChexSystems verification (BBVA bank uses Early Warning Services to screen new applicants).
You can open this account with as little as $25 for your initial deposit.
Features and Benefits
- Bad credit OK
- Relaxed account opening requirements
- Free ATM withdrawals on BBVA ATMs
- Online and mobile banking facilities included
- Customizable banking alerts
- Available nationwide (except Alaska and Hawaii)
- Member FDIC
Recommended For:
Right now, a free checking account at BBVA is the only trusted option for customers listed in ChexSystems or looking for a Second Chance Checking account. With a high approval rate and excellent features and conditions, this is a fantastic opportunity to get back on track and rebuild your credit.
Local Banking Options
Following is the web's most comprehensive list of banks and credit unions in New York that do not use ChexSystems and which may approve you for a bank account.
Please note that any unsuccessful attempt to open an account may have a negative impact on your credit history and score.
To avoid this, please check if there are any proven, top picked solutions are available in your area (listed above) or on our page with best non-ChexSystems banks and other banking alternatives.
See more: Comprehensive List of Non-ChexSystems Banks
Another note to add is that it's a good idea to get your free annual report and try to dispute ChexSystems.
This list also contains email responses from banks as well as applicants’ personal experiences and comments. This page is updated regularly, so please consider adding it to your bookmarks.
Melrose Credit Union
Form of Verification: Quick Address Pro
Email from Bank:
We use Quick Address Pro
Types of Accounts Offered: Personal checking and savings
Learn more about Melrose Credit UnionPeople's Alliance Federal Credit Union
Special Notes:
Do not mention that you have found this account through our site, it will cause them to be suspicious that you have had problems with other banks
Email from Bank:
We do not use anything.
Types of Accounts Offered: Personal checking, savings and business accounts
Learn more about People's Alliance Federal Credit UnionAccess Federal Credit Union
Special Notes:
I called all locations and verified that they do not use chexsystems
Types of Accounts Offered: Personal checking and savings
Learn more about Access Federal Credit UnionBank of Richmondville
Form of Verification: ID
Email from Bank:
No we do not use chexsystems.
Types of Accounts Offered: Personal checking, savings and business accounts
Learn more about Bank of RichmondvilleAlternatives Federal Credit Union
Special Notes:
I asked if they use chexsystems and this was the reply: We use a type of credit report that assesses checking account history.
Email from Bank:
You should know that, even if you've had difficulty maintaining a positive checking balance in the past, Alternatives still offers a Fresh Start account:
The Fresh Start account is available for members who do not qualify for our regular account due to prior difficulties maintaining a positive balance. We understand that there may be unforeseen circumstances causing financial hardship. In keeping with Alternatives mission to provide access to transactional services and serve the underserved, we think everyone deserves a second chance. This account offers the opportunity of a Fresh Start.
With a Fresh Start account, rules governing your account are as follows:
$ Checks deposited will be subject to "exception" holds under our check hold policy (see below).
$ If the “Fresh Start" account overdraws during the six month period, it may be
closed immediately or the exception hold period may be extended.
$ Alternatives VISA Debit Card is not available for the first 3 months of the Fresh Start
period. After three months of maintaining a problem-free account, you may apply for the
Debit Card.
Check Hold Policy
The following will be immediately available:
$ Cash
$ Money Orders
$ Government checks
$ Alternatives FCU checks
$ Electronic deposits
$ Bank checks and certified checks
$ Checks that we have designated available immediately: Cornell, Ithaca City Schools,
TC3, TST BOCES, Tompkins County, and the City of Ithaca.
For all other deposits, the full amount of the deposit will be subject to a 5 business day hold for local items, and an 7 business day hold for non-local items.
Please note: This means to cash a personal check, you must deposit the check and wait for it to clear. You have the option of taking that check to the bank on which it is written to get immediate cash.
Business days are Monday through Friday and do not include Saturday, Sunday, and legal holidays. Deposits after 2 PM Friday and on Saturday are considered made Monday (unless Monday is a legal holiday).
Sorry, if the Fresh Start account is closed due to overdrafts, you may not have another checking account with Alternatives Federal Credit Union. Only one Fresh Start account allowed per member.
Types of Accounts Offered: Personal checking, savings and business accounts
Learn more about Alternatives Federal Credit Union