What ChexSystems Is and How to Get Off It

ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that tracks your banking history — overdrafts, unpaid fees and accounts closed for cause. Banks check it when you apply for a checking or savings account. A negative record can keep you out of the banking system for up to five years.

Get your report

You’re entitled to a free ChexSystems report every 12 months. Request it directly from ChexSystems.

Dispute what’s wrong

ChexSystems is covered by the FCRA, so the same dispute rights apply: if information is inaccurate or can’t be verified, it must be corrected or removed.

If the record is accurate

• Pay or settle the underlying balance and ask the bank to update the record

• Look at second-chance checking accounts from banks and credit unions

• Keep the new account in good standing — it’s the foundation for everything that follows

A working bank account matters: Phase 2 of the $1M Playbook requires a business bank account with history before funding applications begin.