- ACCIÓN USA
- Asian Americans for Equality
- Catholic Charities Community Services
- Centro Cívico Cultural
Dominicano, Inc. - Champion Access
- Children’s Village
- Community Service Society
- DC 37
- East Harlem Asthma Center of Excellence
- Flatbush Development Corporation
- Gay Men’s Health Crisis
- Goddard Riverside Community Center
- Grameen USA
- Henry Street Settlement
- Hope Community Inc.
- International Rescue Committee
- Iris House
- Lantern Organization
- Lenox Hill Neighborhood House
- Lower East Side Family Union
- National Coalition of 100 Black Women Manhattan Chapter
- New York Urban League
- Operation HOPE
- The Carter Burden Center for the Aging
- The Education Alliance
- The Financial Clinic
- The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center
- United Way of New York City
- Violence Intervention Program, Inc.
In this section, find answers to common questions about opening a bank account. If you don't find your question below, or if you need additional resources, call 1-877-646-2BANK.
Answers to common financial questions:
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
Dominican Republic: Click here to access the Dominican Consulate's website.
Mexico: Click here to access the Mexican Consulate's website.
Guatemala: Click here for the consulate office address and contact information.
Haiti: Click here to access the Haitian Consulate's website.
Russian: Click here to access the Russian Consulate's website.
For a list of all other foreign consulates in New York City click here.
Asking yourself certain questions can help you to decide if opting into Overdraft Protection makes sense for you. For example:
You should also know that there are other forms of Overdraft Protection. If you have a savings account, you can link it to your checking account in case of an overdraft. If you choose to do that, when you overdraft the bank will draw money from your savings account for a smaller fee than if the bank advances you the money. However, you need to be sure that there is enough money in your savings account to cover the cost.
You can request and view your report online. Click here to view your report.
The Federal Reserve Bank has published a pamphlet that explains your credit report, why your credit score is important, and how to use your report. Click here to view this tool.
Answers to common financial questions:
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
I am a not a U.S. citizen and I don't have a New York driver's license. How do I get a Consular card from my country of origin?
What is Overdraft Protection and should I sign up for this service?
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
A bank told me I am on ChexSystems. What does this mean and how do I get a copy of my ChexSystems report?
A copy of your ChexSystems report can help you understand why you have been denied the opportunity of opening a bank account. If it has been denied in the past 60 days because of ChexSystems, you can access your report online. Otherwise you can write to ChexSystems, Inc. to have your report sent to you. Click here to access your report.Back to Top
I am a not a U.S. citizen and I don't have a New York driver's license. How do I get a Consular card from my country of origin?
Chinese: Click here to access the website for the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in New York.Dominican Republic: Click here to access the Dominican Consulate's website.
Mexico: Click here to access the Mexican Consulate's website.
Guatemala: Click here for the consulate office address and contact information.
Haiti: Click here to access the Haitian Consulate's website.
Russian: Click here to access the Russian Consulate's website.
For a list of all other foreign consulates in New York City click here.
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What is Overdraft Protection and should I sign up for this service?
An overdraft occurs when you make a purchase or ATM transaction but don't have enough money in your account to pay for it. For a flat fee of about $20-30 each time you overdraw your account, your bank will cover you when you become overdrawn. This fee can apply each time you overdraw your account. For example, if you make a purchase with your debit card for $150 but only have $100 in your account, your account will be overdrawn by $50 and your bank will charge you a fee. If you then make an ATM withdrawal for $50 your account will be overdrawn by $100 and you will be charged another fee. In this example, if the fee your bank charges for its standard overdraft practices is $30, you will pay a total of $60 in fees. As of July 1, 2010, all financial institutions must obtain your signed consent to include Overdraft Protection as a feature on your checking account.Asking yourself certain questions can help you to decide if opting into Overdraft Protection makes sense for you. For example:
- Do you track your account balance closely enough to avoid accidentally triggering Overdraft Protection and incurring fees?
- Do you have less expensive ways to cover expenses when short on cash (credit card with a lower APR)?
- Are you willing to pay a $20-$30 fee per transaction to make purchases when you don't have enough money to cover them?
You should also know that there are other forms of Overdraft Protection. If you have a savings account, you can link it to your checking account in case of an overdraft. If you choose to do that, when you overdraft the bank will draw money from your savings account for a smaller fee than if the bank advances you the money. However, you need to be sure that there is enough money in your savings account to cover the cost.
Back to Top
I have no idea what my credit is like. Where can I get a copy of my credit report?
You are entitled to one free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Transunion, Experion, and Equifax) every year.You can request and view your report online. Click here to view your report.
The Federal Reserve Bank has published a pamphlet that explains your credit report, why your credit score is important, and how to use your report. Click here to view this tool.