how to open a checking account
setting up a checking account at a bank or credit union is generally easy the directions for opening a checking account differ from one financial institution to another generally here s what you can expect if you open an account in person or apply online being denied a checking accountbanks and credit unions review your credit report and checking account report before approving a new account application the bank might reject your application if you ve racked up a history of writing bad checks negative information typically stays on your report for up to five years repeatedly bouncing checks failing to pay overdraft fees committing fraud or having an account closed for cause can result in a financial institution turning down your application for a checking account if a bank has closed your checking account or you can t qualify for a new one you might turn to second chance checking accounts which many financial institutions offer after maintaining the account in good standing for a certain period you can graduate from a traditional checking account federal law lets you request a free checking account report once a year from each of the nationwide agencies including certegy chexsystems early warning services and telecheck you have the right to dispute any inaccurate information 