Chex Freeze Automatically Lifted after 5 Years

[Menta33]

I just discovered that my Chex Security Freeze was removed after seeing on my TransUnion report, in the supplemental information section, info about Chexsystems and checking account inquiries.

 

I called them up and they informed me that previously they automatically cancelled your security freeze after 5 years, but their policy has now changed and they are now permanent. I explained removal without my permission sounded like a violation of California state law.

 

I had to call their freeze department at 800-887-7652 and request a new security freeze be added to my credit report again.

[tmcgill]

Why are you freezing Chex?

[Menta33]

For security so checking accounts are not easily opened in my name and to know when a new account requires a pull and decide if I want another inquiry.  You could get denied on opening a new checking account if you had too many opened recently.

[tmcgill]

Thanks for the reply. It gives others info on why they may want to freeze their Chexsystems report.

[DCY030]

Consumer must be aware that more banks and CU are adopting EWS instead of ChexSysem. While visiting a branch, we often find a small sign on a banker's table that states, "All accounts application will be verified through ChexSystem," but what is missing there is a disclosure about EWS. In comparison to EWS, the Chex seems to be limited in scope of information it retains and report. EWS that was initially just an inter-banks risk data sharing, is becoming a hub for retail authentication and risk management. 

 

I would encourage everyone to request their comprehensive EWS report (not a short report) to review for authenticity.

 

A frozen ChexSystem have rerouted the institution (at least in my personal case) to pull EWS as well.

[tmcgill]

Many banks and credit unions have customized programs that run a combo report; Chexsystems and EWS simultaneously for the same application. However, they only mention Chexsystems when you inquire after a decline.

 

I recommend getting free annual reports from both Chexsystems and EWS to review your data. FYI: I also request Telecheck and Lexis annually.

Edited March 11, 2019 by tmcgill