Is PIF for Delete Possible with Chexsystems (thru WAMU), or should I just dispute? Options

[AllWorkingOut]

I can't find the answer to this one anywhere, so I'm asking.

Talked to WAMU Risk Recovery. They'd take the $270 my hubby owes on a charged-off account that REALLY shouldn't have happened. By the time we got back in the country, they'd closed the account 2 days earlier and most of the $270 is overdraft fees (on about a $2 original overdrawn). NOTHING we have done will make them either re-open the account, reduce the amount owed or anything else.

WAMU Risk Recovery will take our money to pay in full, but says they WON'T have Chexsystems remove, just note PAID on the account, which as I understand it won't help us with Chexsystems, getting an account or anything else we need here.

WAMU says we can contact another branch, the Customer Fulfillment Department and perhaps they would do PFD, not sure.

QUESTIONS:

1. Would you do this? Write the bank directly to seek a Pay For Delete?

2. What would a sample PFD letter for THIS, which is different than with a credit card company, look like? I've checked and can't a Sample Letter to a bank with this issue addressed?

3. Would it be better to dispute with Chexsystems directly first, even though he does technically owe the debt (we don't agree with the amount at ALL)?

*4. And finally, our immediate goal is just to get him a checking account. Should he just do that with one of the 2nd Chance folks for now and clean up the rest as we can?

This is a jungle, and I'm trying to weed through it all. However, big THANKS because we got one Chexsystem item on my husband REMOVED RIGHT AWAY just by calling twice to WAMU Risk Recovery because he was a signer on the account and not an owner and should NEVER have been reported on that to Chexsystems to begin with. I never would've known that without these boards, and would not have known to dispute directly and it's fun to have such immediate & positive results. Thanks!

And BIG THANKS, too, for any help with these issues and how to best proceed!

[Googie]

[mca]

The risk recovery dept has told you correct, if you pay in full they will not remove you from chexsystems and simply update the report to paid. Also, WAMU is well known for making the 5 year reporting period from the time of the last payment. So if this is an old account, I would consider that factor before making payment.

WAMU says we can contact another branch, the Customer Fulfillment Department and perhaps they would do PFD, not sure

1.This is a lie... the WAMU recovery dept will determine alone if you are to be removed from chexsystems and they never remove anyone

2.You can ask the bank for a PFD but chances are they will not agree to it. If they do, Make sure you get it in writing.

3. How old is your chexsystems report. Most of the time yes, you should always dispute with chexsystems before the reporting bank.

4. Finding an account, what is your zip code? Options for a new account depend on where you live. Sometimes banks like TAB and People's are the best solutions but many times I can help find more local options. My list is also on my site www.chexvictims.net

[AllWorkingOut]

Wow, thanks! This is invaluable info and I had a feeling that I was making a mistake. SO GLAD that I didn't just pay them and now, I'll dispute w Chexsystems first.

Where are we? Good question. Our permanent address is in Southern California, but right now we will be in Atlanta area for a few weeks before traveling some more so we probably will need to try and get him an account here (our mail is forwarded to us while we travel).

I guess THAT'LL be interesting since we are opening an account so far from home. I will check out your site and if you have any recs for banks in Atlanta, perhaps w SoCal branches, that would be best. My husband looked at Ing Direct, which I think you've recommended but he has to have an EXISTING bank account which he no longer has in order to obtain checking with them.

Thanks again -- this info is SO helpful!

[AllWorkingOut]

P.S. The other thing that WAMU Risk Recovery told us is that if we PIF, then we can take the receipt that we did pay and open a NEW account with them there on the spot. I wonder if that's a lie, too. If not, it might be worth considering.

[mca]

I highly doubt that they would allow you to open a new account. They do not allow others that are reported to chexsystems to open accounts when the reporting banks are PIF. It sounds to me as if they are just trying to get you to pay them the money. Typical for WAMU. Also, they now close accounts if you are reported to EWS even if you do nto have a chexsystems report