Ctizens Bank won't allow me a checking account

[Pretzel Boy]

citizens bank will not allow me to open a checking account because Equifax told them over the phone not to. This is all the info Equifax gives the bank: yes or no. I got a copy of my credit report from equifax and all it has on there is my chapter 7 bankruptcy which was discharged in Nov. 2004. I'm at a loss and i need a checking account. Does anyone have any sugestions?

[HHM]

Somehow, I don't think that is what happened (although it is possible since your BK dischage is so recent). Banks typically do not check credit reports when evaluating someone for a new account. Also, its the banks decision not Equifax's, Equifax would not say, yes or no, they only provide information, ultimately some account manager at the bank will make the decision.

Instead, banks typically receive a report from ChexSystems or Telecheck. My guess is you had some bad checks or un-repaid overdrafts in your past (and maybe even included them in you Bankruptcy) as that is the most common reason a person is denied a checking account.

As for what to do, try going to another bank, and if they deny you, ask more pointed questions about why and see if it really is your credit report, or is it something in ChexSystems or Telecheck.

[Pretzel Boy]

no bad checks

No i don't have or never had any bad checks i never covered for. I never included any bad checks in my bk because i never had any. And the bank officer opening the account told me they call equifax and they tell them yes or no and they go by equifax, its their rule (citizens bank). I am going to another bank to try and see whats up. Thx for the help

[HHM]

No i don't have or never had any bad checks i never covered for. I never included any bad checks in my bk because i never had any. And the bank officer opening the account told me they call equifax and they tell them yes or no and they go by equifax, its their rule (citizens bank). I am going to another bank to try and see whats up. Thx for the help

Then it might just be that your BK discharge is so recent. Did you have a checking account before the BK, and what happened to it if you did?

[Pretzel Boy]

No had'nt had a checking account for so long because i paid everything cash so i could have everything paid as quickly as possible. Because i was making such little money it didnt make sense to have checking just to have all the money gone from it every time i put it in. But now i have to buy a car and i need an account.