Applying for a checking or savings account won't impact your credit score, but here's what to watch out for (2024)

Opening a bank account or applying for a new credit card are smart financial moves to make. A checking and/or savings account both keep your money safe and secure until you're ready to use it, and a credit card helps you build a credit history so you can more easily get approved for loans in the future.

But before applying for any of the above, you should first know how doing so could affect yourcredit score.

Credit card applications require card issuers to pull your credit report in order to see if you are a trustworthy borrower. These result in a hard inquiry and will likely ding your credit score a few points temporarily. But opening a new bank account is different.

On the other hand, banks often screen an applicant's history through a reporting agency called ChexSystemswhen they apply for a new checking and/or savings accont. A ChexSystems report looks at your past savings and checking account history, as opposed to your credit history. This may include any unpaid negative balances (from overdrafting), frequent overdraft fees, bounced checks and/or suspected fraud.

Pulling a ChexSystems report has no direct impact on your credit score, butExperianpoints out that the report can reveal problem areas in your finances that impact both your credit and banking history. A negative mark on yourChexSystems report that causes you to be denied for a new bank account could signal that your credit is in danger, too.

There may be no relationship between the two, but something negative in your banking history serves as a bigger warning sign and can make you aware of things you didn't realize about your own finances. For instance, a negativechecking accountbalance could be sent to a debt collection agency, which could then go on to report it to one of thethree main credit bureaus. If this happens, your credit score will be affected.

To see what your ChexSystems report looks like, access a free copy once every 12 months by going to the consumer reporting agency'swebsiteorby calling 800-428-9623.

Whether or not you are worried about your credit, you should make a habit of checking it regularly. Doing so will give you peace of mind when you go to apply for any new financial product, whether it's a rewards credit card or a personal loan.

Start by signing up forcredit monitoring, which keeps you up to date in real-time with any changes made to your credit report.A service like Experian free credit monitoringcomes at no cost and gives you access to yourcredit reports and customized alerts.

Once you know where your credit stands and you've taken a look at your ChexSystems report, consider shopping around for the best checking and/or savings account for your money.

For a no-fee checking account, consider theDiscover® Cashback Debit Checking for itsfree overdraft protection and debit card rewards program: 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month. Cardholders, take note: That's up to $30 cash back per month and $360 annually.