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Checking Account Reports: Finding and Disputing Errors

A report about past checking account activity can affect whether you can open another account. A mistaken balance, an unfamiliar account, or an old problem shown inaccurately deserves the same attention as an error on a credit report. Obtain the report, identify the specific entry, and keep copies of the evidence you send with a dispute.

The questions below use selected Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidance, adapted and organized by Fynoptic. Source links and the dates displayed by those sources are provided at the end.

How do I get a copy of my checking account consumer report?

To get a copy of your checking account consumer report, you must request the report from the company that compiled it.

Tip

If you’ve had difficulty opening or managing a checking account, see our consumer guide to checking account denials.

Banks and credit unions use checking account specialty consumer reports to help decide whether to offer you a checking account. Checking account reporting companies compile these reports using information about your checking account and transaction history from all the banks and credit unions you’ve held accounts with. Keep in mind that your checking account consumer report is not the same as your credit score or credit report. It’s possible to have a great credit score and a not-so-good checking account report.

Checking account reporting companies include:

By law, you have the right to request a free copy of your checking account report every 12 months. You are also entitled to a free copy if you have received an “adverse action” notice. For example, if a bank or credit union turns you down for a checking account based on a report, the bank must give you a notice that includes the name and contact information of the checking account reporting company that provided the report.

Review your consumer report carefully and make sure the information is accurate. Your report should indicate which bank, credit union, or company provided the information in your report. If you find any errors or inaccurate information, you have the right to dispute that information.

How do I dispute an error on my checking account consumer report?

To dispute inaccurate information on your checking account consumer report, you should file a dispute with the checking account reporting company that compiled the report.

You should also file a dispute with the bank, credit union, or company that provided the information to the checking account reporting company.

Checking account reporting companies must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This means they must follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy of the information they provide to the banks, and they can’t include most negative information that’s more than seven years old

Tip

If you've had difficulty opening or managing a checking account, see our consumer guides on choosing and managing checking accounts. You might also consider getting a prepaid card.

All checking account reporting companies must reasonably investigate consumers’ disputes of inaccurate information on their reports and correct any inaccurate or incomplete information. Banks and credit unions that report information to checking account reporting companies also have an obligation to investigate and correct disputed information found in their investigation.

Nationwide checking account reporting companies must provide consumers with one free annual report per year, upon request. You have to request the reports individually from each reporting company. View a list of checking account reporting companies, along with information about how you can obtain copies of your reports.

You also have the right to request a free report if you have received an adverse action notice. For example, if a bank turns you down for a checking account based on a checking account report, the bank must provide you with an adverse action notice that includes the name and contact information of the checking account reporting agency from which the bank got the report. You can contact the reporting company and request a free copy of the report.

How to dispute information in your checking account consumer report

1. File a dispute with the checking account reporting company that compiled the report.

Use the company’s contact information provided on the report or on their website. If you received an adverse action notice, use the contact information provided on the notice. If you don’t have that information, our list of consumer reporting companies includes contact information for the two largest checking account reporting companies, Chex Systems, Inc. and Early Warning Services, LLC.

View sample letter to dispute inaccurate information

2. Next, file a dispute with the bank or credit union that provided the information to the checking account reporting company.

You should be able to find this information on your report.

View sample letter to dispute inaccurate information

Hint: If you find inaccurate information on your report, you may also want to check your other consumer reports especially if it appears that the inaccurate information is the result of identity theft.

3. Have your Social Security card and other identifying information ready.

If you’re a victim of identity theft, the company may require you to provide a copy of your Social Security card with your dispute. It may also be helpful to report the identity theft with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

If the investigation does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you also have the right to send a brief statement explaining why you think the record is inaccurate to the checking account reporting company to keep in your file. The reporting company must include your statement about disputed information in a report it issues about you.

Submit a complaint

If you have a problem with credit reporting, you can submit a complaint online. We'll forward your complaint to the company and work to get you a response.

Sources and further reading

The CFPB source passages are U.S. government work in the public domain. Fynoptic has selected, organized, and adapted the material for this guide, including corrections identified through the additional sources listed above. Sources accessed October 27, 2026. This use does not imply agency endorsement or affiliation.

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