1. Keep current with your bank

One of the best ways to stay off the ChexSystems list is to pay your bank what you owe. Don’t get behind in terms of paying off your debt. Ensure that you have enough in your account to pay for the NSF fees and the overdrawn amount if you’ve overdrawn your account once or twice. If you hardly ever open your account, check your account regularly to ensure you have enough money there to cover monthly or annual fees. Getting behind in your bank debt will land you in the ChexSystems list.

2. Protect your account details

Check the companies you’re giving your account details to. If you have never done business with an entity, initiate the transaction before giving your account details. There are people who may try to withdraw money from your account using a demand draft or remotely created check. Criminals may also try to make an electronic transfer.

Don’t fall for scams that ask for your debit or credit card number, and personal details that can open your account. If your account gets used for illegal activities, or if you let these scammers overdraw your account, you will end up on the ChexSystems list.

3. Monitor your monthly statement.

You must know about all activities in your account, including checks, debits, auto-debit payments, recurring billing and withdrawals. Look for transactions you know nothing about and notify your bank immediately. Check if your bank has online banking transactions. If it does, you can check bank statements at least every other day even if your monthly statement has not arrived by mail yet. Check your transactions at any time so that you can avoid any surprises or errors. Also, you can catch fraudulent activity easily if you do this.

4. Contact your bank as soon as you notice errors

Some users who get into the ChexSystems list wonder if there has been a mistake. Sometimes, being on the list simply means you did not monitor your account frequently enough. Notify your bank so that you can deal with problems as soon as they arise.

Get problems resolved as soon as you can. If the case is serious (like fraud etc), you may need to write a formal letter to your bank. If this happens, you must keep copies of documents you give and receive from the bank until the error is fixed. Contact your state attorney general if the case has something to do with fraud or criminal activities.

5. Make sure your account has enough money before you authorize the debit or release a check.

Bounced checks put most people on ChexSystems. Processing for checks is faster now, which means money may be debited sooner. Don’t issue checks now and plan to deposit money on a later date. Many institutions will not wait that long before converting your check, which means you’re in danger of bouncing your check if your account does not have enough money. You could find yourself paying a fee or worse, you could end up on ChexSystems.