Credit glossary
ChexSystems
A specialty consumer reporting company that many banks and credit unions check before opening a checking or savings account.
ChexSystems keeps a history of how deposit accounts were handled, such as an account closed with an unpaid negative balance. It's separate from your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion reports, so a bank can turn you down for a checking account while your credit score looks fine. ChexSystems says it provides consumer disclosure reports and consumer score reports free of charge, and errors can be disputed under the FCRA.
You can also freeze your ChexSystems file, which can stop someone from opening a bank account in your name. That freeze is separate from your credit freezes and comes with its own PIN. Before applying for a new account, ask the bank which screening company it uses, and lift that one freeze for a short window if needed.
Guides that go deeper
- Specialty consumer reports: ChexSystems, tenant screening and moreBanks, landlords, insurers and utilities often check reports you've never seen. Who keeps them, how to get yours free, and how to fix errors in them.
- Freezing all the bureaus, including the ones nobody mentionsEquifax, Experian and TransUnion are three of the freezes you need. The other four, with each company's own freeze link, phone and mail address.
Sources
- ChexSystems consumer assistance, ChexSystems
- Place a Security Freeze, ChexSystems
- How to Freeze Your ChexSystems Report, Experian
- List of consumer reporting companies, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
This is education, not legal or financial advice. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix it.