If you’ve ever been denied checking account privileges due to being blacklisted on ChexSystems, you know it can be difficult to do important things like get paid, pay bills, manage your money, and more. Here are several things you can do even with a denied bank account status to mitigate your issues until your problems with ChexSystems are resolved.

• Second Chance Banking

If you’ve been denied checking account privileges, finding a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems reports as criteria for approving or denying your application may be a solution for you. Second chance bank accounts allow you most of the same privileges you have with a regular checking account, but may charge higher fees if you have overdrafts or bounced checks, may or may not charge a fee for opening the account, and usually have a monthly service charge (although this may be waived if you have your paychecks deposited directly).

• Secured Credit Cards

If you have the wherewithal, you may be able to obtain a secured credit card. Secured credit cards can be a good first step to rebuilding a solid credit history if you also have issues with your credit, and most bills can be paid with a credit card. You’ll likely have to supply an initial deposit that is equal to the credit line, and may have to come up with an annual fee or monthly account fee. You’ll also pay high interest rates on unpaid balances, but this is an avenue worth considering if you need to build credit history.

• Prepaid Debit Cards

If you need a way to convert cash to a card to pay bills and shop online, a prepaid debit card can help. You may have to pay fees to load cash, maintain a monthly account using the same card, access money through ATMS, or other possible charges, but depending on how much money you plan to run through the card and how often you will be using it, you can find a card that works for you. Some cards are issued by major banks, others by third party financial institutions, and many can be reloaded at WalMarts or other locations.

• Money Orders

Money orders are far safer than cash for paying things like your rent, insurance, car payment, or other bills when you don’t have access to a checking account. The money order offers an extra layer of traceability as it has to be cashed and will prove you paid your bill. You’ll still need to ask for a signed receipt proving you made payment on time, as a money order will only show when it was purchased and when it was cashed, not when it changed hands. You can obtain money orders via Western Union, MoneyGram, or the USPS. Be aware that there are usually fees to pay when buying a money order, and dollar limits may apply (many locations will not provide money orders in excess of $500 or $1000.)

• Fight Back

The best thing to do if you have been blacklisted by ChexSystems is to contact CFS and request that your file be disputed. If you can clear your name and data from the system, you can return to normal financial status and avoid having denied checking account issues.