Q: Do I have to be a resident of the City or County of Denver to open an account?

A: It depends if you are opening an account at a bank or credit union.

If you are opening an account at a bank, then no, banks do not have any requirements that you have to be a resident of a specific city or county.

If you are opening an account at a credit union, then, yes, credit unions only serve people who live, work, worship, or attend school in a specific geographic area.  Or, they may only serve specific companies or occupations, such as teachers.  Ask the credit union you are interested in what “their field of membership is;” but do not be discouraged by this.  Credit unions are very flexible with membership.

Q: Are only banks in the City or County of Denver offering these accounts?

A: No, some banks and credit unions have participating branches throughout the region and some even offer these products in other states.

Q: Where should I go to open a bank account?

A: Click here to find a participating branch or specific product near you,

Q: How can I find a participating bank or credit union that has someone who can speak my language?

A:  Click here to find out what languages are spoken at a specific bank or credit union. If the language you speak is not spoken at a bank or credit union you are interested in, contact info@bankondenver.org and we can arrange for a translator, with advance notice, including sign language interpreters.

Q: How do I choose the bank account that’s best for me?

A: Meet with a Financial Coach through the Denver Financial Empowerment Center to review your options. There is never a charge for this service. Or, review Bank On Denver Products on your own.

 

Q: Can I open an account if I’ve had trouble with a bank account in the past?

A: Yes, many banks and credit unions offer “second chance” opportunities, but you will need to go to a branch and speak to the bank directly to learn what that bank/credit union’s specific policies are.  If you are turned down by a financial institution, contact a Financial Coach at the Denver Financial Empowerment Center who can help you figure out a plan to resolve this over time.

Q: What kind of identification do I need to open an account?

A: Financial institutions typically require (2) forms of identification when opening a new account and this often includes alternative ID’s, such as a Mexican Matricular Consular Card. Click here to find out what ID is accepted by Banks in the Bank On Denver network.

Q: Do I need a Social Security Number to open an account?

A: A Social Security Number helps, but is not always required.  In many instances, other forms of ID are accepted, such as a passport.  Click here to find out what ID is accepted by participating banks/credit unions in the Bank On Denver network.

Q: How can I avoid overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees?

A: The easiest way to avoid these fees is to avoid spending more than you have in your account. If you choose an account that provides checks, by law, you have the right to decline this, but you must tell your financial institution that “you do not opt-in for overdraft services.”  Another good way to avoid these fees is to select an account that does not offer checks or that meets the Bank On National Account Standards.

Q: I went to a participating branch to open a Bank On Denver account and the bank could not help me.

A: If you experience difficulty opening a Bank On Denver account—we want to hear from you. Please contact us at info@bankondenver.org.

Q: What is the difference between a bank and a credit union?

A: Credit unions and banks offer many of the same products and services, but credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that are owned by their members while banks are for-profit entities that are either privately owned or owned by shareholders.  Credit unions have “members” and often have a criteria for membership while banks have “customers”.  Both credit unions and banks are regulated and insured to keep your money safe.

Q: A bank told me I am in ChexSystems or Early Warning and will not open a bank account for me. What does this mean?

A: Financial institutions use banking history reports such as ChexSystems or Early Warning to determine if they will allow you to open an account with them. If they find previous banking issues or fraud on your report, they may not open an account for you.

Q: If I am in ChexSystems or Early Warning, how can I resolve this problem?

A: First, you need to request a copy of your ChexSystems or Early Warning report, also known as your Consumer Disclosure Report, to help you understand why you have been denied opening a bank account.  Click here to request your ChexSystems report or call (800) 428-9623.  To obtain a copy of your Early Warning report, click here to download and complete the form, and then mail or fax it to Early Warning.

Mail: Early Warning
Attn: Consumer Services Department
16552 N. 90th Street
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Fax: 480-656-6850

If the report reflects inaccurate information, you have the right to file a dispute to correct it.

Q: I am a Mexican citizen and don’t have a Colorado driver’s license. How do I get a Mexican Matricula Card?

A: To apply for a Mexican Matricula Card from the Colorado Mexican Consulate Office you will need an appointment, click here to make an appointment or call (303) 331-1110.

If you have additional questions, contact info@bankondenver.com.