Answer: -It should fall off the system in 2 years, if the dent has been paid you can contact the bank that reported you they should be able to give you something that t least shows it was paid. Also some banks will give you "scaled down" account so you can at least write checks and deposit your pay. Chexsystems does affect your FICO score it is only a interbank system -like everyone else says, go to www.annualcreditreport.com and check your credit score and what is on there. I have a friend in Virginia that specializes in educating people about their credit and the government. Shes retired from Experian and TransUnion and she taught me a lot. If thats the only outstanding debt on your credit, if it is listed as a charge-off or a write-off, then call the company that it is from and have it removed from your credit or otherwise it will continue to bring down your credit score 40-60points. If your debt is more than 25,000-50,000 then you need to get a report from TransUnion because they only give reports for things on your credit such as house mortgage and car payments. To help repair your credit, go at least 6 months without applying for anything because the more you apply, it brings your score down 20 points. Do not have your credit report monitored by anyone. Check it at least 60 months because if you have it monitored, it goes down 40 points each time. As far as getting a credit card, try looking into getting a Secured credit card, like from BAnk of America or of that sort. A secured credit card is valued more than a regular credit card because you will be paying one set monthly bill instead of paying different amounts like with a regular credit card. It builds credit quicker. I have the lady's card and her website is www.fmking.com. she can tell you a whole lot more as far as rebuilding your credit and what can lower your credit. I hope this very helpful to you.