Unbanked using check cashing service

[desperation]

How do trustees look at checking accounts?

I messed up huge with last bank, and have about $1000 in debit overdraft charges.
The first time ever in my entire life!

I've since closed all my accounts that I have credit card debt with (attorneys advice) and opened an account with a bank I'd rather not name.

I've also opened a savings account with ING Direct which I understand is Chex free, and Tele check free.

Not much in ING, and not much cash in my current checking account. I'm terrified to do direct deposit because I understand the account can be frozen?

I've resorted to using a local check cashing service 24/7 that doesn't bat an eye about my situation, but it does cost ...3% of my paycheck.

I'm not trying to hide money or anything like that, but I'm tired of my current bank holding my check for 5 days, and if they decide to freeze my account because of chexsystems ....then it means no gas to get to work...no money for food....you get the picture.

Will the chap 7 trustee hold it against me that I'm using a check cashing service instead of a typical bank account?

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Overdraft

How do trustees look at checking accounts?
They just see what you've spent you money on and if there is anything out of the ordinary they'll question you. For example I had a $800 cash withdrawal which I gambled away. The Trustee didn't question me but I noticed he had it highlighted when I peeked at his paperwork at the 341. It was obvious where the money was withdrawn from (a casino). Anywho, he didn't question me on it, but I'm sure it was on his mind.

I messed up huge with last bank, and have about $1000 in debit overdraft charges.
The first time ever in my entire life!
Don't sweat it .. I had $500 overdraft and listed as one of my debts on the BK forms. End result: DISCHARGED !


I've since closed all my accounts that I have credit card debt with (attorneys advice) and opened an account with a bank I'd rather not name.
I also had closed all my accounts, well actually I couldn't close them I just stopped using them and left like $0-$5 bucks in em' as I had loans and cc's tied to the accounts - so the banks wouldn't let me physically close them out. I oepned up a new account at a different bank and redirected my paychecks to the new bank a couple of months before I filed.

I've also opened a savings account with ING Direct which I understand is Chex free, and Tele check free.
I opened up a savings account with EMIGRANT.

Not much in ING, and not much cash in my current checking account. I'm terrified to do direct deposit because I understand the account can be frozen?
It can be if you filed the checking account in BK, but if its brand new, for example: my new checking account just before I filed (and I have two checking accounts at the new bank) were untouched.

I've resorted to using a local check cashing service 24/7 that doesn't bat an eye about my situation, but it does cost ...3% of my paycheck.

I'm not trying to hide money or anything like that, but I'm tired of my current bank holding my check for 5 days, and if they decide to freeze my account because of chexsystems ....then it means no gas to get to work...no money for food....you get the picture.
My first deposit with the new bank was held for 5 days. I have no clue why, maybe just verification purposes? But as I mentioned my new accounts were untouched.

Will the chap 7 trustee hold it against me that I'm using a check cashing service instead of a typical bank account?
I don't think so ? There are lots of people that don't believe in checking accounts and prefer to be charged a certain percentage at those "check cashing/pay day loan offices," around the world than go on to purchase money orders to pay for their bills. I wouldn't sweat it.


BEST OF LUCK, Catchmeifyoucan

[emoney]

No one can seize your bank accounts without a court order (judgment), or you owe that bank money and have signed an agreement that allows them to do that.
Chex System is a company that stores data from banks on account holders who abuse their accounts. It is similar to the three national CRAs who store data on credit accounts.
Regards,
emoney

[FilingOnMyOwn]

I've resorted to using a local check cashing service 24/7 that doesn't bat an eye about my situation, but it does cost ...3% of my paycheck.

Will the chap 7 trustee hold it against me that I'm using a check cashing service instead of a typical bank account?

Its your paycheck. Cash it wherever you want. But I would stop using those ripoff check cashing places though. You can cash it for free at the bank it is issued from, or use a bajillion other places like grocery stores to cash it for a couple dollars.

[SinkingFast]

If your paycheck is less than $1K, you can cash it at Wal-Mart for $3.

Just a tip for you.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Walmart

If your paycheck is less than $1K, you can cash it at Wal-Mart for $3.

Really now ?? Never heard of that ! Interesting !

[CindyLou]

I'm tired of my current bank holding my check for 5 days.....

If you talk with your bank manager and tell them your regular place of employment and provide check stubs for a few months, usually you can have them lift the "hold" on payroll deposits from that employer. Just remember each time you make the deposit you need to ask the teller to get a authorization to lift the hold. I bank at Wells Fargo and this is what I did. Or, hey, just use the $3 thing at wal mart and be on your way!!

[emoney]

Hold times on checks are set by FDIC in Regulation CC. Most checks, if they are local, full credit to the account must be given the next business day.
Please read the full text on the FDIC web site for full details.
To accomplish a goal I try to follow in the path of sucessful people who I can follow. I do not know any rich people that do not use checking accounts for money managment and to keep tract of the payments of bills owed. Try getting help from a money order company if the utility company claims that they were not paid. Duplicate checks can be obtained from banks the next business day which is why I alway use checks or direct pay from checking accounts for my bills.
Regards,
emoney

[desperation]

Walmart turned me flat out down when I tried to cash paycheck there....something to do with Certigy. So I bombed out there. Same thing with grocery store....they only cash up to a certain amount.

Paychecks are out of state, but on the check Wachovia is issuing bank. I haven't had the nerve to try and cash it at a Wachovia bank yet....afraid they will find out I owe Chex and take the paycheck. I know how paranoid this sounds, but I have no knowledge on what banks can or cannot do (like courtesy overdrafts in the amount of $1000 from last bank, and yes I'm an ignorant fool) , and I'm not big on risk taking. Fear of the unknown and all that....which is why I'm here seeking info.

With the bank account I did obtain before being reported to Chex ...well they insist upon a 5 day hold before depositing funds even though I have asked the bank manager if there is any way a hold cannot be placed. At best they will release $100 to my account. I don't owe this bank any money, and I've been very careful since my foul up with last bank. Still though the hold, and with gas at $3.00 a gallon I cannot afford not having access to cash as I spend at least $10.00 a day for trip to work, and not to mention I need money for food, and my nasty cigarette habit.

Sorry so long. I truly appreciate all the advice given so far, and I'm very glad to have found this forum.

[FilingOnMyOwn]

Wachovia can't take your money. If the check is issued from them, all you have to do is take it to them with your ID and they will cash it.

[demismom]

With the bank account I did obtain before being reported to Chex ...well they insist upon a 5 day hold before depositing funds even though I have asked the bank manager if there is any way a hold cannot be placed. At best they will release $100 to my account. .

Our new bank did that, but it was only for 30 days, after that we had no problem. I think that's an FDIC rule, you may want to verify with that manager if it's only for the first 30 days.