According to FDIC Report, 87% of banks require a third-party screen of account histories prior to opening a checking account.
Early Warning Service is one agency that banks may use to determine if you can open a bank account.
Early Warning Services (EWS) is a consumer reporting agency, similar to ChexSystems. You are entitled to a free consumer report from Early Warning Services under the Fact Act every 12 months.
How to Order an Early Warning Services Report
At this time there is no way to get an EWS report immediately, you must follow these steps to get a copy of your EWS report:
1. Complete the EWS Online Request Form
You can find it here at: Early Warning Services Customer Service
2. Submit the Completed Request Form
- (By Mail) at: Early Warning, Attn: Consumer Services, 5801 N Pima Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85250
- (By Fax) at: 480-656-6850
- (Electronically) at: EWS secure transfer portal. Go to consumerservices.earlywarning.com. When prompted for the Early Warning email address, enter consumerservices@earlywarning.com. Follow the online instructions to create your User ID and password and upload the documents to be transmitted to Early Warning.
3. Alternative Option to Order EWS Report
Call for assistance at: 800.745-1560. The Call Center hours are: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
Unfortunately, at this time there is no way to get your EWS report instantly online like at ChexSystems.
What you need to order an EWS Report
EWS will try to collect as much information as possible about you. DO NOT help them.
While the Fair Credit Reporting Act gives them the right to verify your identity, it does not say you have to disclose current employment, previous address, bank account, voided checks or even telephone numbers to get your EWS Report.
The only information EWS needs to verify your identity is one of these types of identification:
- Driver’s license
- ID card
- Passport
- Other government-issued identification
If they refuse to provide a copy of your EWS Report file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
How long does it take to receive your EWS report
Your EWS consumer report will be sent by U.S. mail or electronically within fifteen (15) days* with the exception of residents living in these states due to abiding by state laws:
- Rhode Island: 4 business days
- California, Connecticut and Louisiana: 5 business days
- Maine: Promptly
What to expect from an Early Warning consumer report
EWS reports contain fraudulent and suspicious activities customers may have in their past account history including:
- Prior history of fraud
- Account abuse
- Forgery
- Counterfeiting
- Check Alterations
- Paperhanging
- Check Kiting
- Identity verification
- Account owner authentication
If your EWS report contains inaccurate information, you have the right to dispute Early Warning Services directly or dispute with the bank who reported you.
How to Get a New Account while in EWS
If you are unable to get a bank account due to Early Warning Services try a second chance checking account to get back into traditional banking.
Your past checking account mistakes does not mean you are shut out of banking. Second chance banking gives you options to start rebuilding your banking history.
More EWS Resources
- List of banks that don’t use EWS or ChexSystems to screen new accounts and second chance banking options.
- Guide to dispute EWS records under the FCRA federal law.
- Discover what it really means when banks report EWS fraud and how to remove the notation.
- ChexSystems is another checking account reporting company that often causes bank account verification fails that can prevent people from opening accounts.
- Learn about Telecheck and the code reasons why a check might be declined.
