Early Warning Services (previously known as
Primary Payment Systems) is a database similar to ChexSystems and
Telecheck. It is used by banks to decided whether to open a checking
account for a new customer.
EWS is jointly owned by Bank Of America,
BB&T Corporation, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, Wachovia, and
Wells Fargo.
Their account opening services include identity
verification, a database of account-related information, such as unpaid
overdrafts, and verification of outside accounts that are being used to
fund an opening deposit.
EWS
is also used by banks when screening job applicants, and may
specifically contain employment information, such as being fired for
financial misconduct.
