Which bank or CU should I look at?

[follie]

Hi all!

I've been without a checking account for about a year now. I had an account with Suntrust for about 3 years, got into a lot of trouble (creditors automatically debiting things), and my account was closed with a -1100 balance. Which I IIB. I also had one bounced check on Chex, for $18 to a supermarket.

Now, I'm looking for a new checking account for after my BK is discharged (or do I not need to wait?). Which bank or CU would be the best to try for? I would prefer a free checking account, but realize I may not get it and am totally ok with that. I refuse to use Wells Fargo, since they nickeled and dimed me to death when I had them years ago. It's the principle of the thing.

TIA!

[HHM]

Shoot for regional or state banks, they tend to be more lenient. The only draw back is, if you travel alot, etc, you will pay high fees for ATM usage, etc.

[follie]

Thanks!

Should I wait until after discharge, or can I open up an account now?

[HHM]

You can try now...I forget the rules of whether banks can/do check credit reports for checking accounts (they ultimately will after you sign up so they can see if they can offer you other products, see the fine print in your checking account agreement).

It won't hurt you in anyway to see if you can go open a checking account now, the worst case scenario is that they say no.

[follie]

Thank you!

[Princesskina]

Hi all!

I've been without a checking account for about a year now. I had an account with Suntrust for about 3 years, got into a lot of trouble (creditors automatically debiting things), and my account was closed with a -1100 balance. Which I IIB. I also had one bounced check on Chex, for $18 to a supermarket.

Now, I'm looking for a new checking account for after my BK is discharged (or do I not need to wait?). Which bank or CU would be the best to try for? I would prefer a free checking account, but realize I may not get it and am totally ok with that. I refuse to use Wells Fargo, since they nickeled and dimed me to death when I had them years ago. It's the principle of the thing.

TIA!

Try chexvictims.com they have a list of Banks that u can use that dont check chex systems.

[CindyLou]

what state are you in?

[follie]

OOoohh Princesskina, thank you for the link. I think I may have found someone to try first!

Cindy, I'm in Maryland.