Most banks these days run credit checks to open an account, as well as checking with ChexSystems. It is easier to get an account with a bad credit score than with a negative Chex report. It is recommended that you do not try to open the account over the phone. Otherwise, a secretary runs your social security number thru their computer, and if the score is below a certain level, it just says no. Go into the bank, and talk with the branch or assistant manager. If there was a good reason for the bankruptcy (loss of job, health issues, etc) the manager has the ability to override the computer's answer, though your account will be monitored closely for awhile for NSF activity. If you have been reported to Chex, there are a few banks arund the country that will still open an account, if you're lucky enough to be in their state. You can find these lists on the Internet.