What is check systems?
It is just like a credit report in the sense that banks will report any problem customers. The problem customers are defined as someone who has either left an unpaid balance with the bank, fraudulently written checks...
However you could have been placed in this by mistake and you can dispute this. You must write a letter and include your name, address, phone number, and any documentation you have to support your dispute. For example if you are a victim of identity theft you could include a police report showing that your wallet or purse was stolen.
How long will you be in check systems?
You will be in this little black book for five long years. This book is shared among almost every major bank. This means that even if you move from state to state or region to region you will still be unable to open a checking account.
You may be able to open an account for a few days but once this report is checked your account will be closed. We have heard estimates of over 94% of all operating banks will check this before issuing an account and likewise report their own problem customers.
What are your options?
You may be able to work something out with your bank. They may require you to place a deposit down and then issue you a secured card with a credit limit equal to the amount of your deposit. For example if you made a deposit of $300 the bank would then issue you a card with a limit of $300.
Another option is to ask a good friend or relative to do you a big favor. They can co-sign on your checking account. What this means is that if you overdraft your account then your co-signer would be responsible for the overdrawn funds. Please use caution with this as we would hate to see friendships and relationships fall apart over financial reasons.
Instead we recommend you get a prepaid debit card as this will give you free direct deposit. Additionally many of these cards give you a method to pay your bills using a bill payment center typically accessed online.