Can a bank or credit union refuse to open a checking account for me?

For example:

A history of writing bad checks. Some people are listed in a database of customers who have been identified as having mishandled checking accounts in the past, which means the bank or credit union is less likely to let them open a checking account.

Failure to provide adequate identification. A bank or credit union may refuse to open a checking account for someone who cannot provide the identification that it requests.

Tip:

If you can’t get a checking account because you are listed as having a prior problem with handling a checking account, try another bank or credit union. Policies vary about how a prior problem will interfere with opening a new account.