Chase runs a soft pull for most checking accounts
Chase uses a soft inquiry (also called a soft pull) when you open a standard checking account. A soft pull checks your banking history and ChexSystems record but does not affect your credit score and does not appear on your credit report. You will not see it listed when you check your own credit.
This is the normal path for Chase personal checking accounts, including Chase Total Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking. The soft pull happens whether you open the account online, by phone, or in a branch. Chase is looking at whether you have had problems with previous bank accounts — overdrafts, fraud, or accounts closed due to negative balances — not at your credit history.
The soft pull takes minutes to complete. Chase will tell you on the spot whether the account is open or whether they have declined you. If declined, you can ask why, though Chase does not always give detailed reasons.
Key Takeaways
- Chase uses a soft pull for checking accounts, which does not lower your credit score or show up on your credit report.
- The soft pull checks ChexSystems and your banking history, not your credit file.
- A soft pull takes a few minutes and you get an immediate decision.
- If Chase declines you, the reason is usually a ChexSystems record, not your credit score.
What ChexSystems is and why Chase checks it
ChexSystems is a banking history database that tracks overdrafts, bounced checks, fraud, and accounts closed for cause. Banks use it to decide whether to open new accounts. It is not your credit score — it is a separate record kept by a company called Fiserv.
Chase checks ChexSystems because a history of overdrafts or fraud in a previous account suggests you may do the same with them. If you have never had a bank account, or if your previous accounts closed without incident, ChexSystems will show nothing and you will pass the soft pull.
You can request your own ChexSystems report for free once per year at www.chexsystems.com. If there is an error on your report — a closed account listed as fraud when it was not, or an overdraft from years ago that should have aged off — you can dispute it directly with Fiserv.
When Chase might run a hard pull instead
Chase runs a hard pull (also called a hard inquiry) when you open a credit card, not a checking account. A hard pull does lower your credit score by a few points and stays on your credit report for two years. But for checking accounts alone, Chase does not do this.
If you open both a checking account and a credit card at the same time, Chase will run a soft pull for the checking account and a separate hard pull for the card. The hard pull is only for the credit card application.
Some banks do run hard pulls for premium checking accounts that come with credit-building features or high interest rates. Chase does not. Even Chase Sapphire Checking, which has a higher monthly fee, uses only a soft pull.
What happens if Chase declines your checking account
If the soft pull uncovers a problem — usually a recent overdraft, a fraud claim, or an account you owe money on — Chase may decline you. When this happens, you have a few options.
First, ask Chase why you were declined. They may tell you it was a ChexSystems issue, in which case you can pull your own report and dispute any errors. If the issue is real — you did overdraft or close an account with a negative balance — you can wait for it to age off ChexSystems (usually five to seven years, depending on the item) or try a bank with a second-chance checking program.
Second, you can try a different Chase account type. If you were declined for Chase Total Checking, you might try Chase Sapphire Checking, though both use the same soft pull criteria. More likely, you will need to look at other banks that specialize in second-chance accounts, such as Chime, LendingClub, or regional banks in your area.
How a soft pull differs from a hard pull
| Soft Pull | Hard Pull |
|---|---|
| Does not affect credit score | Lowers credit score by a few points |
| Does not appear on credit report | Appears on credit report for two years |
| Checks banking history (ChexSystems) | Checks credit file (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) |
| Used for checking and savings accounts | Used for credit cards and loans |
| You see it only if you request your ChexSystems report | You see it on your credit report immediately |
How to check your own credit before applying
If you are worried about being declined, you can check your own credit score and ChexSystems report before you apply to Chase. Checking your own credit is always a soft pull and does not hurt your score.
For your credit score, use AnnualCreditReport.com (the official free site run by the three credit bureaus) or a free service like Credit Karma or Experian. These show you your score and report without penalty.
For ChexSystems, go to www.chexsystems.com and request your report. You can do this online or by mail. The report is free once per year. If you see errors, you can dispute them right there on the site or by mail.
Checking these before you apply means you will know whether a Chase decline is likely. If your ChexSystems report is clean and your credit score is reasonable, the soft pull should go through without issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will opening a Chase checking account hurt my credit score?
No. Chase uses a soft pull for checking accounts, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. Your credit score is unaffected by the account opening.
What if I have a negative ChexSystems record?
Chase will likely decline you. You can dispute errors on your ChexSystems report at www.chexsystems.com. If the record is accurate, you may need to wait for it to age off (usually five to seven years) or try a bank with a second-chance checking program.
Can I open a Chase checking account if I have bad credit?
Yes. Chase does not check your credit score for checking accounts, only your ChexSystems record. A low credit score will not disqualify you, but a history of overdrafts or fraud will.
Does Chase run a hard pull if I open a checking account and credit card together?
Chase runs a soft pull for the checking account and a separate hard pull for the credit card. Only the credit card hard pull affects your credit score.
How long does the soft pull take?
A few minutes. Chase will tell you immediately whether your account is open or declined. You do not have to wait days for a decision like you might with a credit card.