If a bank denied your checking account application, your Early Warning Services (EWS) report could be the reason. EWS tracks your banking history and flags anything that might suggest fraud, unpaid fees, or accounts closed in bad standing. Many banks use it as a screening tool before approving new accounts.
This guide breaks down what’s in your EWS report, how it can impact you, and what steps you can take to fix errors or clean it up. Whether you’re trying to open a new account or rebuild your banking history, knowing how EWS works can help you move forward.
What is Early Warning Services (EWS)?
Early Warning Services (EWS) is a nationwide consumer reporting agency that tracks your banking history. It doesn’t deal with loans or credit cards like a credit bureau—it focuses strictly on your behavior with checking and savings accounts. That includes signs of fraud, account misuse, or unpaid negative balances.
Unlike ChexSystems or TeleCheck, which mostly flag overdrafts or bounced checks, EWS is designed to catch more serious issues like suspected fraud or identity theft. It’s used by big banks that want deeper insight into risk—not just whether you’ve overdrawn an account.
Participating banks include Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, PNC, Truist, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. If you’ve been denied a checking account at one of these institutions, your EWS report could be the reason. Banks often reject applications automatically if the report shows red flags—especially anything tied to fraud. That’s why it’s critical to review your report and clear up any errors.
What’s in an EWS Report?
Your EWS report includes personal and account-related information that helps banks decide whether to open an account for you. Here’s what they’re looking at:
- Personal information: This covers your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact details.
- Account history: This shows checking and savings accounts you’ve had, including when they were opened or closed, whether they were shut down for unpaid fees, and any issues flagged by the bank.
- Inquiry history: Every time a bank pulls your EWS report, it leaves a record. These inquiries show who reviewed your report and when.
- EWS deposit score: Similar to a credit score, this number reflects how risky you are as a banking customer. It’s based on your account activity and any red flags in your banking past.
If you’re trying to open a new account, banks use this report to assess your risk. Even a single bad mark can lead to a denial.
How the EWS Deposit Score Works
The EWS deposit score gives banks a snapshot of your banking habits. It’s a predictive score based on your past activity with checking and savings accounts. A high score shows responsible banking. A low one suggests risk.
Some of the things that can hurt your score include:
- Repeated overdrafts: If you frequently overdrew your account and didn’t fix it quickly, that’s a red flag.
- Closed accounts with unpaid balances: Accounts closed by a bank because you owed money will lower your score.
- Fraud reports: Any record of fraud—whether it was proven or just flagged—can cause serious damage to your score.
Banks use the deposit score to help decide whether to approve your application. If the score is low, they may deny you automatically or require extra verification.
How to Get a Copy of Your EWS Report
You’re allowed to request one free copy of your EWS report every 12 months under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This lets you see what banks see—and correct anything that’s wrong before it blocks you from opening an account.
To request your report:
- Call EWS: Dial (800) 325-7775 during business hours (Mountain Time).
- Mail a request: Download the Consumer ID form from the Early Warning Services website. Fill it out and send it by mail to the address listed on the form.
- Timeline: Reports usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days.
If you’ve been denied a bank account in the last 60 days because of EWS, you can request another free copy—even if you already used your annual report.
How to Dispute Errors on Your EWS Report
Errors on your EWS report can prevent you from getting a bank account. If you find something that doesn’t look right, you have the legal right to dispute it and request a correction.
Start by gathering what you need:
- Your Consumer ID number: Found on your EWS report.
- Details about the error: Include the account number, the bank name, and what you believe is incorrect.
- Proof: This could be a bank statement, letter from the bank, or anything that backs up your claim.
Next, send your dispute to both EWS and the bank that reported the information. Make sure your letter is clear and includes all supporting documents. Keep copies of everything you send.
EWS usually takes up to 30 days to complete their investigation. They’ll contact the bank to verify your claim and send you the results once they’re done. If the information is corrected, you’ll receive an updated report. If not, you can add a personal statement to your report to explain your side.
How to Clean Up a Negative EWS Report
If your EWS report has negative marks, start by paying off any outstanding balances with the reporting banks. Once the debt is cleared, ask the bank to update your status with EWS. Some banks will voluntarily remove the entry or mark it as resolved, which can help your standing.
If the issue remains on your report, consider adding a short consumer statement explaining the situation—especially if there were extenuating circumstances. While it won’t remove the item, it gives banks additional context when reviewing your application.
In rare cases where an item is clearly inaccurate but not removed, legal help may be worth considering. A consumer protection attorney can guide you on next steps if you’ve exhausted the dispute process.
Best Second Chance Bank Accounts If You’ve Been Denied
If you’ve been denied a traditional bank account due to a negative EWS report, second-chance banking options can help you rebuild your banking history. Here are some top options to consider:
SoFi Checking and Savings
SoFi’s Checking and Savings account offers easy access and high savings rates:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits.
- No Monthly Fees: Enjoy a fee-free account with no minimum balance.
- High APY: Earn up to 3.80.00% on savings with direct deposit.
SoFi provides access to 55,000+ ATMs through the Allpoint® Network, with no overdraft fees.
Current Mobile Banking
Current is a fintech option that doesn’t rely on ChexSystems or credit checks, offering:
- Fee-Free Overdraft: Up to $200 for eligible accounts.
- Early Paycheck Access: Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.
- ATM Access: 40,000+ fee-free Allpoint ATMs.
With no minimum deposit requirement, Current offers features like credit building through debit card use and savings options with up to 4.00% APY.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking
U.S. Bank offers the Smartly® Checking account, which is a good fit for those with past banking issues. Highlights include:
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $400 for new accounts (limited-time offer through May 6, 2025).
- Monthly Fee: $6.95, waived with a $1,500 minimum balance or a $1,000 monthly direct deposit.
- ATM Access: Free transactions at U.S. Bank and 40,000+ MoneyPass® ATMs.
U.S. Bank does use ChexSystems, but may approve applicants with minor records if there’s no fraud history.
Second-chance accounts are an effective way to get back on track with banking. They may come with a few limitations, like restricted overdraft protection or fewer branches, but they’re a practical solution for re-establishing a positive banking record.
Final Thoughts
A negative EWS report can feel like a dead end—but it’s not. You still have options. Between disputing errors, settling old debts, and choosing the right second-chance account, you can rebuild your banking profile and get back on track.
The key is to act early. Get a copy of your report, fix what you can, and choose a bank that gives you a fresh start. Over time, positive activity can outweigh past mistakes—and open the door to better financial tools.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with your report. It’s free, and it’s the first step toward getting approved again.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does negative information stay on an EWS report?
Negative information generally stays on your EWS report for up to five years. However, some banks may report certain issues for shorter periods, depending on their policies.
Will EWS affect my credit score?
No, EWS does not impact your credit score. EWS reports focus solely on your banking history and are not shared with credit bureaus like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
Can I open a business bank account if I have a negative EWS report?
It depends on the bank. Many financial institutions use EWS for both personal and business account screenings. If your EWS report has red flags, you may be denied a business account as well. Look for banks or credit unions that don’t use EWS or offer second-chance business accounts.
How do I know if a bank uses Early Warning Services?
Most banks don’t publicly list which consumer reporting agencies they use. The best way to find out is to ask a bank representative directly before applying. You can also search online forums or reviews, as other customers often report their experiences with EWS-related denials.
Can I sue a bank or EWS for reporting incorrect information?
Yes, if the information is inaccurate, and they fail to correct it after a proper dispute. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you have the right to take legal action if errors on your report cause financial harm and are not addressed. Keep records of all communication to support your case.
How long does it take for paid-off accounts to update on my EWS report?
It usually takes 30 to 60 days for paid accounts to reflect as resolved, depending on how quickly the bank reports the change. If you’ve cleared the debt and your report hasn’t updated after two months, follow up with both the bank and EWS.
