What is ChexSystems?

ChexSystems provides deposit account verification services to its financial institution members to aid them in identifying account applicants who may have a history of account mishandling (for example, people whose accounts were overdrawn and then closed by them or by their bank). ChexSystems is also licensed to do business as ChexSystems Collection Agency providing debt collection services to members participating in this service.

Is ChexSystems a credit bureau?

ChexSystems is a consumer-reporting agency governed by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other laws. ChexSystems Collection Agency is a debt collector subject to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and other laws. The Federal Trade Commission enforces the FCRA and FDCPA.

How long does the report stay on file? How do I get it deleted?

Each report submitted to ChexSystems remains on our files for five years, unless the bank or credit union that filed the report requests its removal or ChexSystems becomes obligated to remove it under applicable law. The decision to delete a report is entirely up to each bank or credit union and its individual policies.

I paid the bank. Why wasn’t the report removed?

A reporting member is under no obligation to remove an accurate report of account mishandling due to payment of monies owed. However, if a collection amount is reported, the member is obligated to mark the account as paid.

How can I see what is in my file?

You can order a copy of your report from ChexSystems.

How do I dispute information?

Our Consumer Relations Department helps people who believe their file contains misinformation. Visit disputes for more information.

Why do I have to give you personal information, like my social security number and drivers license number?

We ask for this information to ensure that we make a complete and accurate search and are able to identify all information that may pertain to you.

Why did you tell the bank not to open an account for me?

ChexSystems neither approves nor declines accounts for banks and credit unions. The decision is entirely up to them.

Why wasn’t my ChexSystems report removed when I filed bankruptcy?

A bankruptcy filing only affects the collection of outstanding debts. It does not require the removal of accurate factual information concerning your account.

Why can’t I get a copy of my spouse’s report?

We are required by law to deal directly with the individual to whom the information pertains. We strictly adhere to this to protect consumer privacy.

To discuss the information with anyone else, we must receive a notarized Power of Attorney or specific written instructions, signed by the consumer whose information is being requested, authorizing us to disclose the information to the person named in the Power of Attorney.

What does NSF activity mean?

NSF – or non-sufficient funds – activity refers to overdrafts that occur on an account.

If I have an outstanding debt, do I pay ChexSystems or the bank?

It depends.

If your report contains a record of an outstanding debt and you have received collection notices from ChexSystems Collection Agency, you may send your payment directly to ChexSystems Collection Agency at the address provided in the collection notice. In other cases, you pay the bank or credit union directly.

How do I add a statement to my file?

You are entitled to add a brief statement to your consumer file describing the nature of your dispute of the information. If you wish to add a statement to your file, please submit your statement in writing with a clear indication that you wish the statement to be added to your file, ensuring that you sign the request. If you would like assistance in writing a clear summary of your statement, you may contact ChexSystems.

How do you handle online security?

How can I tell if my online session is encrypted?

If you are running Netscape Navigator, look in the lower left-hand corner of the browser. You will see a small closed lock icon as an indication that your session is running in an encrypted mode. When your session is not encrypted you will see an open lock icon.

If you are using Internet Explorer, you will see a lock icon displayed in the bottom right corner of the window when you are on a secure page.