In the event that your financial records show a history with ChexSystems, it is probable that you won't get approval to have a standard checking account. Fortunately, the State of West Virginia offers multiple options to re-enter the traditional banking system. Irrespective of your current history, it is still possible to qualify as long as you seek out the right credit unions and banks.
When applying for a new checking account with any bank, your transactional and credit history with other accounts is likely to be reviewed. ChexSystems reports contain information related to past overdrafts, involuntary closures, and more. This can negatively impact your reputation.
Moreover, ChexSystems is, by design, a consumer-reporting agency that gathers information about issues that account holders have had with checking accounts. Reports typically include fraudulent activity or account misuse that has taken place within the past 5 years.
Similar to the major bureaus for national consumer credit, ChexSystems is designed to collect information related to specific financial activities. Instead of credit history, ChexSystems focuses on the history of checking accounts. Some of the information contained in the average ChexSystems report includes:
While there are other types of consumer reports which include negative data from the past 7 or more years, ChexSystems attempts to limit these record-keeping activities to only 5 years. Of course, every bank has its own rules with respect to how much time can pass from the onset of a negative incident prior to someone being qualified for a new standard bank account.
One option includes searching for a bank that does not utilize ChexSystems as a method of approval. Instead, they may use alternative monitoring systems like credit reports, EWS, or TeleCheck. Still, they are likely to require government-issued cards to confirm identity.
Another option includes second chance checking. While there may be some restrictions on offered services as well as a mandatory monthly fee, this is an effective strategy for rebuilding your credit history and accessing the features of a standard bank.
Chime is a financial-services provider that delivers innovative and inclusive banking services to its users. They partner with a number of regional banks to offer everything from savings accounts and payment services to credit building and online banking.
Even if other commercial banks refuse you a new account owing to ChexSystems records, you can still start a lucrative account on Chime.
The main options are:
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A recurring complaint that users have about Chime is their lack of physically present personnel to cater to their needs. However, as someone who wants to avoid ChexSystems reports getting in the way of your banking services, their innovative online model is easily one of the best alternatives to traditional banking systems. Plus, with zero fees and almost non-existent maintenance costs, Chime is a budget-friendly option for most consumers out there.
Hancock County Savings Bank initially began as a loan association back in 1899. Over a century later, it continues to serve as a community-centered bank that delivers lucrative deposits and home loans. As a bank that focuses on independent management, Hancock County Savings Bank is another great alternative among the best banks that don’t use ChexSystems in West Virginia.
Hancock County Savings Bank offers three options for their checking accounts:
Hancock County Savings Bank also offers savings accounts in the following formats:
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With 50+ counties present in the Mountain State, Hancock County Savings Bank may not reach a large chunk of the state’s consumers. However, if you reside in one of their three service areas, then you will get access to a diverse variety of checking and savings accounts that all avoid ChexSystems’ data.
Learn more about Hancock County Savings Bank
Rather than ChexSystems, this bank utilizes EWS to allow customers to eventually qualify for a standard bank account. They offer three options for personal checking, including Community Trust Flexible Checking, Unlimited Checking, and CJB 55+ Club Checking. Flexible Checking accounts demand a $100 starting deposit, but there are no monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements. Upfront, you also have the ability to write unlimited checks, get a debit card, and receive the first 20 checks absolutely free.
Find Community Trust Bank locations available in Summersville, Fort Gay, the Huntington area, and Alum Creek amongst several others.
Learn more about Community Trust Bank
United Bank is an established bank in West Virginia, with 200+ service locations and a local rapport that goes back to the 1830s. They offer feature-packed banking solutions for both your checking and savings needs, and if you’re looking for a robust banking solution that will overlook your ChexSystems reports, then United Bank may just be the ideal alternative.
United Bank offers ample options for checking accounts, savings accounts, and investment opportunities, a variety of loans—and even a United Visa Platinum credit card! However, their United Free Checking Account really puts them among the best banks that don’t use ChexSystems in West Virginia.
Their Free Checking Account comes with fast processing, round-the-clock helplines, easy mobile banking, and a personal-finance tool. Your Free Checking Account also comes with a ZellePay extension that makes it super easy to receive, send, or share funds with friends and family members.
United Bank’s Free Checking Account doesn’t require any ChexSystems reports or data from other agencies. They don’t even require a credit report for you to open an account!
New customers only need to meet the following criteria before they can open a free checking account:
Each of their 222 outlets is a full-service location for both new and loyal customers. Therefore, getting a Free Checking Account up and running is both convenient and accessible.
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At first glance, many users may misjudge United Bank as a chain establishment that only serves commercial interests. With operations in multiple states and dozens of cities, one cannot blame customers for this misapprehension.
However, a closer look at their services reveals that they are still a customer-centered bank that offers personalized features for loyal customers. Their United Free Checking Account is a no-nonsense, convenient, and life-saving solution for customers who may be struggling with credit issues and overdrafts. This cements United Bank’s position as one of the best banks that don’t use ChexSystems in West Virginia.
Learn more about United Bank
In accordance with federal law, under the Act of Fair Credit Reporting, ChexSystems is required to provide account holders with a zero-cost copy of their report on an annual basis. You have a right to demand free copies of a report from ChexSystems that resulted in a denial of your application to get a fresh account at any time.
After rejection, the credit union or bank is mandated to provide you with a notice for adverse action, which includes direct contact details for the organization responsible for providing the report.
If you are denied the privilege of a checking account because of your account history, there is still hope. Second-chance checking accounts were created as lower-risk alternatives to build yourself and your credit history back up. However, they typically come with high fees and fail to offer the majority of important features included with standard accounts for checking such as protection from overdrafts.
Another alternative to traditional checking accounts includes prepaid cards. These accounts are able to receive both cash and check deposits. Similar to most low-risk accounts, customers will find that prepaid cards come with their own set of monthly fees, but banks often waive these if you prove to be in possession of consistent direct deposits on the account.
It is always recommended to shop around. If you were rejected for a checking account because of a ChexSystems report with no interest in other options, you can still try to apply for checking accounts at competing credit unions or banks with different requirements to fulfill.
Be on the lookout for inaccuracies in ChexSystems reports as you are liable to file disputes that require investigation.