Opening a bank account or applying for a new credit card are smart financial moves to make. A checking and/or savings account both keep your money safe and secure until you’re ready to use it, and a credit card helps you build a credit history so you can more easily get approved for loans in the future.
But before applying for any of the above, you should first know how doing so could affect your credit score.
Credit card applications require card issuers to pull your credit report in order to see if you are a trustworthy borrower. These result in a hard inquiry and will likely ding your credit score a few points temporarily. But opening a new bank account is different.
On the other hand, banks often screen an applicant’s history through a reporting agency called ChexSystems when they apply for a new checking and/or savings accont. A ChexSystems report looks at your past savings and checking account history, as opposed to your credit history. This may include any unpaid negative balances (from overdrafting), frequent overdraft fees, bounced checks and/or suspected fraud.
Pulling a ChexSystems report has no direct impact on your credit score, but Experian points out that the report can reveal problem areas in your finances that impact both your credit and banking history. A negative mark on your ChexSystems report that causes you to be denied for a new bank account could signal that your credit is in danger, too.
There may be no relationship between the two, but something negative in your banking history serves as a bigger warning sign and can make you aware of things you didn’t realize about your own finances. For instance, a negative checking account balance could be sent to a debt collection agency, which could then go on to report it to one of the three main credit bureaus. If this happens, your credit score will be affected.
To see what your ChexSystems report looks like, access a free copy once every 12 months by going to the consumer reporting agency’s website or by calling 800-428-9623.
Concerned about your credit history?
Whether or not you are worried about your credit, you should make a habit of checking it regularly. Doing so will give you peace of mind when you go to apply for any new financial product, whether it’s a rewards credit card or a personal loan.
Start by signing up for credit monitoring, which keeps you up to date in real-time with any changes made to your credit report. A service like Experian free credit monitoring comes at no cost and gives you access to your FICO credit score, credit reports and customized alerts.
Ready to open a checking and/or savings account?
Once you know where your credit stands and you’ve taken a look at your ChexSystems report, consider shopping around for the best checking and/or savings account for your money.
For a no-fee checking account, consider the Discover Cashback Debit Account for its free overdraft protection and debit card rewards program: 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. Cardholders, take note: That’s up to $30 cash back per month and $360 annually.
When it comes to saving your cash, look for an online high-yield savings account that offers you a greater return on your money than a traditional savings account. The Ally Online Savings Account offers an annual percentage yield (APY) that is 16 times greater than the national average rate, as well as zero monthly fees and no minimum deposits or balance requirements.