Lots of people are on the list of "problem bank customers" maintained by ChexSystems. If you are on the list, you know how difficult it can make your daily financial life. But did you know that many people can get off the ChexSystems bank list? Why wait 5 to 7 years? Take steps to get off the list now.

In order to dispute information on your ChexSystems record, you'll need a copy of that record. You can order a copy by calling them at (800)428-9623 and following their automated instructions. Remember that it takes a few days to get it. You'll want to bookmark this article so you can return once your copy arrives. Or, visit our ChexSystems Resources Website to read more about how to remove your name from the list.

The report that you will receive will include a summary of the information that ChexSystems is telling the banks about you. Review it carefully. You can see an example of a sample report at the website listed below. Your report will include basic information (such as your name and consumer identifier), as well as details about what ChexSystems is telling the banks about you. Pay close attention to the sections labeled "Reported Information". This is the bad stuff they are telling banks about you. If there is any error or inaccuracy in this information, you have a right to dispute it and ask that it be corrected or removed. This is powerful stuff -- often, they are unable to verify the information, and simply remove it from your report. Each item that is removed from your report puts you one step closer to being off the ChexSystems bank list. You'll also see one or more "Inquiries Initiated By Consumer Action". These are the things you reportedly did to cause someone to pull your report. There may also be one or more "Retail Information" listings, which are reports from other check writing databases, "Inquiries Not Initiated By Consumer Action", which are reports that other people have pulled about you without your permission, and a history of checks you've ordered and your social security number and drivers license information. Look for any errors or inaccuracies in this information! If there are errors or inaccuracies, you are entitled to request that the information be removed.

Once you have your proof, it's time to go on the offensive. Get the incorrect information taken off your report as quickly as possible. A law called the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires ChexSystems and all other Consumer Reporting Agencies to let you dispute any information that's inaccurate or incomplete. Start your dispute by sending a letter to ChexSystems detailing the errors on your report. By sending this letter, ChexSystems is required under the FCRA to reinvestigate those errors within thirty days. If you send additional information during that thirty day period, they may take forty-five days. If they can't verify the information you've disputed, ChexSystems must remove it from your record.

If you're stuck in the limbo of being on the ChexSystems bank list, unable to open an account, it's worthwhile to spend a few minutes looking for errors, and writing a letter to dispute them. The only cost to you is time and a stamp, and if you succeed, your record could be entirely clean. Consider using a letter like example letters on the Website listed below. Be sure to clearly point out all errors. If you use the example letter, be sure to replace all the italicized or bracketed comments. Clarity and politeness are important, as is accuracy. Send the letter either via fax, or by Express Mail, and be sure you keep a copy.

Once you've mailed your letter, ChexSystems may contact you for more information. Make sure you remember when you sent your letter, and be sure to put a note on your calendar. If you don't hear back from them within thirty days, you'll need to follow up. Check back at this website to find sample letters that you can use for the follow up process. It only takes a few minutes to find out what errors are on your ChexSystems report, and the benefits can be huge. Imagine being able to get a bank account again, with a clean record!