Here's what to do if your bank account application was denied

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Getting denied for a bank account can be frustrating, especially when you're not sure why it happened. Banks and credit unions can reject applications for several reasons, from problems verifying your identity to negative marks in your banking history.

If your bank account application was denied, understanding the reason can help you fix the issue and find another way to open an account.

Getting approved for a new bank account isn't guaranteed; a bank or credit union may deny your application if there's something in your banking history that is considered a red flag.

Fortunately, a denial doesn't mean you have no recourse. First, should you understand the possible reasons your account application was denied. Knowing the cause can help you determine the appropriate course of action.

Reasons your bank account application could be rejected

There are many possible reasons your bank account application was denied. Banks may not always provide a precise explanation for the rejection. However, some common occurrences can lead to denial.

For instance, you might have a history of overdrafts, accounts closed with negative balances, or unpaid bank fees. In that case, the bank may not be confident in your ability to keep your account in good standing.

Another reason your application might be denied is if you can't provide appropriate identification, or if you do provide ID, the bank can't verify your identity with it.

Unlike credit card issuers, banks don't check your credit report when you apply for an account. Instead, they rely on banking-specific reports to check your history, such as ChexSystems or Early Warning. These reports focus on your banking history, which shows unpaid fees, overdrafts, and bounced checks, among other issues.

What to do if you're denied a bank account

Being denied a bank account can feel deflating, but it doesn't mean you have no chance of opening one. The steps below may help you open an account even if initially denied.

Check your ChexSystems report for errors

Banks and credit unions often use the ChexSystems report to check your banking history. If you are denied a bank account and don't believe the action is justified, you can start by checking this report for errors.

Looking up your ChexSystems report is simple, and the company provides instructions on requesting a report for yourself or someone else. If you want your report, you must fill out a one-page form and provide the following:

A notarized copy of specific written instructions signed by the consumer

Correspondence must include consumer's full name, current address, date of birth, and Social Security number

The process is more involved if you want to request the form for a minor, as you must provide several pieces of documentation.

A common reason bank account requests are denied is that the applicant has past-due bank fees that appear on their record.

If you have past-due fees, you can pay them and see if that changes the outcome of the application. You can also communicate this to the bank and ask how long you should wait before applying again.

Paying these fees may not always make a difference, but it's worth a try, especially if you strongly desire to open this particular bank account.

If you're unable to resolve the issue with the bank and your application is still denied, consider a second-chance bank account. As the name suggests, second-chance accounts give people with checkered banking histories another chance.

These accounts are not always ideal, as they may have higher fees, fewer benefits, and more restrictions than standard accounts. However, they let consumers establish a healthier banking history, which they can use later to open a standard account.

Choose a bank that doesn't use ChexSystems

While many banks use ChexSystems, not all of them review this report when approving account applications. And some of the banks that don't use ChexSystems also have minimal fees and excellent benefits, including SoFi, Capital One, Chime, and Varo Bank.

Can you open a bank account with bad credit?

You can usually open a bank account even if you have a bad credit score. But negative banking history is likely to cause you problems. Here's what to know about opening a bank account with bad credit.

What is ChexSystems, and how do you find out if you're listed?

ChexSystems collects information about your banking activity and provides reports to financial institutions. You could have trouble opening a new bank account with a negative ChexSystems report.

I got denied for my first credit card — now what?

It’s easy to get discouraged if your first credit card application is denied. Take these steps to get back on track and start building credit.

What is a second-chance checking account?

A second-chance checking account can help you avoid the expense and headache of using alternative financial products when you don’t qualify for a regular bank account.

Can your bank close your account, and what should you do if it happens?

Was your bank account recently closed? Here's what to do if your bank closes your account, and how to avoid this problem in the future.

Can non-U.S. citizens open a bank account?

If you aren't a U.S. citizen, you may be wondering: "Can a foreigner open a bank account in the U.S.?" The short answer is yes, but you must follow certain guidelines. Here's what you need to know.