Wow, I had no idea ChexSytems report also contains inquiries similar to the inquiries that we have in TU, EQ and EX credit reports.

So since past few months every bank has been declining me of checking accounts. This includes Citi, Santander, a local credit Union and Bank of America. I was able to get approved for BOA after the manager's intervention.

I asked one of these institutions (the local CU) what was the reason for rejecting me and they said it was because of the high number of inquiries on your ChexSystems report. I ordered a copy of my report and saw there were 14 inquiries. I didn't know inquiries on Chex report also matter. I spoke with their CSR and he said inquiries on Chex report fall off after 3 years. I think he is right since I do not see inquiries before 3 years period.

But what I don't understand is why this is happening with me. This didn't happen with my wife while he has about the same number of inquiries as me. Also I never heard of banks denying of the checking accounts. After all, I'm not asking them for credit or lend me anything. My income is above six figures and my credit/debit history is perfectly clean. I asked them if I can do something about it and they say only the bank can get them removed.

What has been your experience about this? Is it fairly common to get denied for checking accounts?