Why might a bank say no to a checking account in the United States?

A bank may say no because a checking-account report has negative information about past accounts. The CFPB says banks send that history to companies such as Chex Systems and Early Warning Services. The page lists an unpaid negative balance after the bank closed the account, suspected fraud or bad checks, and a joint account with someone who had those problems. If the bank uses that report to say no, it must give you a written notice with the reporting company's name. You can ask that company for a free copy. Most negative information cannot stay on the report more than seven years. If you see a mistake, dispute it in writing. Each bank sets its own rule.

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