If you are denied a bank account, verify your application details, review consumer reporting records and consider banking alternatives.
Margarette Burnette is a NerdWallet authority on savings, who has been writing about bank accounts since before the Great Recession. Her work has been featured in The Associated Press , USA Today and other major newspapers. Before joining NerdWallet, Margarette was a freelance journalist with bylines in magazines such as Good Housekeeping, Black Enterprise and Parenting. She is based near Atlanta, Georgia.
Assigning Editor Yuliya Goldshteyn
Assigning Editor | Banking
Yuliya Goldshteyn is a former banking editor at NerdWallet. She previously worked as an editor, a writer and a research analyst in industries ranging from health care to market research. She earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of California, Berkeley and a master's degree in social sciences from the University of Chicago, with a focus on Soviet cultural history. She is based in Portland, Oregon.
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Just as an application for a credit card might not be approved, a bank or credit union could deny an account application. If this happens to you, be aware that you have other options.
A bank can deny your request to open an account because of past accounts that were closed due to negative balances, a history of overdrafts or problems verifying your identity.
If you're unable to open a bank account, here are some tips on what to do next.
When you apply to open a bank account , you usually have to provide your name, address, Social Security Number, driver’s license or passport details and other personal information. Your bank will likely work with third-party companies to electronically verify your application. If the information can't be confirmed, it may lead to a denial. If you believe you may have listed incorrect data on your application by mistake, consider reapplying.
It’s possible your bank may have confirmed who you are, but denied opening an account because of other reasons, such as a record of an unpaid balance from overdraft charges. Banks rely on consumer reporting agencies such as ChexSystems or Early Warning Services for information on applicant banking histories. When this information causes a denial, you have the right to receive a copy of your file.
The file could list outstanding debts from old accounts, the status of those debts (paid or unpaid) and whether a past account was closed due to suspected fraud. You can use the information from the report to contact the previous bank and pay off any outstanding fees or dispute errors. You could also file a dispute directly with the reporting agency. To reach ChexSystems, call 800-428-9623. For Early Warning Services, call 800-745-1560.
Cash Management Money Market Learn MoreSoFi Checking and Savings
SoFi members with Direct Deposit or $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 4.50% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either Direct Deposit or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.20% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi members with direct deposit are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 8/27/2024. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet.
Min. balance for APY Learn MoreEverBank Performance℠ Savings
Min. balance for APY Learn MoreBarclays Tiered Savings Account
Min. balance for APYThese cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
These cash accounts combine services and features similar to checking, savings and/or investment accounts in one product. Cash management accounts are typically offered by non-bank financial institutions.
Learn Moreon Wealthfront's website
Wealthfront Cash Account
Min. balance for APY Learn Moreon Betterment's website
Betterment Cash Reserve – Paid non-client promotion
*Current promotional rate; annual percentage yield (variable) is 5.50% as of 4/2/24, plus a .50% boost available as a special offer with qualifying deposit. Terms apply; if the base APY increases or decreases, you’ll get the .75% boost on the updated rate. Cash Reserve is only available to clients of Betterment LLC, which is not a bank; cash transfers to program banks conducted through clients’ brokerage accounts at Betterment Securities.
Min. balance for APYCDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
CDs (certificates of deposit) are a type of savings account with a fixed rate and term, and usually have higher interest rates than regular savings accounts.
Learn MoreMarcus by Goldman Sachs High-Yield CD
4.60% APY (annual percentage yield) as of 09/13/2024
Federally insured by NCUA
Alliant Credit Union Certificate
Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 09/13/2024
Checking accounts are used for day-to-day cash deposits and withdrawals. Checking accounts are used for day-to-day cash deposits and withdrawals.
Discover® Cashback Debit
Chase Total Checking®
Deposits are FDIC Insured
Chime Checking Account
Monthly fee Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features. Money market accounts pay rates similar to savings accounts and have some checking features.
Discover® Money Market Account
It’s difficult to have a bank account approved if you have a consumer reporting agency record. In addition, young adults and recent immigrants may not have a U.S. banking history for these agencies to verify. This may mean you can’t open a traditional account today, but it doesn’t have to stop you from accessing banking services. Here are some other options to consider.
Second chance checking
Some institutions offer second chance checking accounts specifically for customers who can’t qualify for a traditional option. The alternative account might lack some features such as overdraft protection or the ability to avoid monthly fees, but it gives customers a chance to develop a solid banking history. (Note that this option generally doesn’t involve applying for loans, so it won’t help you build a credit history.)
If you keep a second chance account in good standing for 12 months, your bank may switch it to a regular checking account. Once you reach that milestone, you could also shop around for top-notch checking and savings accounts or, if you live far from a bank branch, consider a free online checking account .
» Immigration status keeping you from opening an account? Learn how to open a bank account without a Social Security Number
Prepaid debit cards
Many prepaid debit cards let you access important banking functions, such as direct deposit, online bill pay and electronic bank transfers to savings accounts (which can help you build your savings balance). They are generally available to customers regardless of banking history. Some of the best choices have no or low monthly fees and access to thousands of ATMs.
Not being able to open a bank account shouldn’t mean not being able to access banking. Whether you resolve the account issue directly with the institution or choose to shop around, there are a number of solid financial service companies that would be happy to have your business.
Bank on a brighter future See how to find a bank with great service for you and a mission to make the world better for us all. LEARN MORE
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Margarette is a NerdWallet authority on savings. Her work has been featured in USA Today and The Associated Press. See full bio.
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