Added on 05/07/08

Friends: Getting a great bank account can be hard, especially when you are on the ChexSystems list or have bad credit. I know, because I've been there. I used to have a great checking account at a local bank, and was always a good customer. Then I... See more

Friends: Getting a great bank account can be hard, especially when you are on the ChexSystems list or have bad credit. I know, because I've been there. I used to have a great checking account at a local bank, and was always a good customer. Then I ran into some work problems, and got laid off. Money was tight, and I bounced a few checks. My bank closed my account. I finally got another job, but couldn't find another bank that would let me open a new account. Each bank I went to told me the same thing: "We can't open an account for you - you are on the ChexSystems list." I never even knew that such a list existed! But boy, did being on that list cause me problems. To cash my paycheck, I had to go to a local check cashing store each friday. I'd wait in line with everyone else, and pay for the privilege of getting my paycheck cashed. Then, when I needed to pay rent or my phone bill, I'd go back to the check cashing store and buy a couple of money orders. The fees and wasted time were... See less