When it comes to having a bank account, it’s understandable why people don’t choose to have one. A survey by the FDIC cites that a large percentage of unbanked people don’t have enough money to meet minimum balance requirements or simply don’t trust banks to keep their money safe.
But what about those who want an account but are blacklisted from most banks due to their bad banking history? If you fall into this category, you may have been reported to ChexSystems. This consumer reporting agency is used by the majority of banking institutions in the country and keeps a database of customers’ banking history in an attempt to weed out people who have committed fraud or identity theft.
Unfortunately, many people get caught in the crossfire and are blacklisted from other banks because they have been unable to pay overdraft fees or have experienced several overdraft checks from previous banks. We want to assist you in finding a bank that understands your situation and wants your business!
There are many banks and credit unions in Indiana that offer second chance checking accounts that are designed for anyone that has gone through past financial hardships. In addition, there are plenty of options out there that won’t even look at your ChexSystems record. Here are our top recommendations that can assist you in getting the checking account you deserve.
Second Chance Banking in Indiana for October 2026
Get an Account Today!
Most people are familiar with Chase, and the Chase Secure Banking account might be a good fit for a second chance bank account.
Chase Secure Banking at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE Chase OnlineSM Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
- Quickly send and receive money with Zelle®
- Paper checks are not offered with the account
Chase makes it easy for you to access your money from anywhere with the Chase Mobile® app, plus thousands of ATMs and branches.
Earning the $175 Bonus
New Chase checking customers enjoy a $175 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure BankingSM account with qualifying transactions. Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, Zelle®, ACH credits, Chase QuickDepositSM or online bill payments. Your bonus will appear in your account within 15 days after completing the qualifying transactions.
What to Know About the Approval Process
Chase Secure Banking is the only account offered by Chase that doesn’t use ChexSystems but does use Early Warning Services (EWS). Additionally, if you’ve had an account closed by Chase in the past, your application will not be approved. Past account closures can include missteps such as non-payment of fees, excessive overdrafts, or suspected fraud.
Fees
Chase doesn’t offer overdraft services with this account as you can only spend the money you have available. You should also know that using non-Chase ATMs can cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction. Surcharges from the ATM owner/network may apply.
Chase Secure Banking carries a $4.95 monthly service fee, but it can be waived when you have electronic deposits made into the account totaling $250 or more during each monthly statement period or if the account owner is between 17 and 24 years old.
Other Account Features
Chase Secure Banking offers several other features we like. This includes:
- Zero Liability Protection. Unauthorized purchases on your debit card? Let Chase know right away. With Zero Liability Protection with Chase Secure BankingSM they’ll reimburse you for charges you didn’t make.
- Budgeting Tools. Manage your spending and get daily spending insights with Snapshot in the Chase Mobile® app.
- Credit and Identity Monitoring. Track your credit score, get a personalized action plan provided by Experian™ to help improve your score and receive identity monitoring for free through Chase Credit Journey®.
- Early Direct Deposit. Get that “just paid” feeling up to two business days sooner with early direct deposit.
If you’ve wanted to bank with Chase and wondered if you’d qualify, we think you’ll be happy with the Chase Secure Banking account.
One of the biggest challenges for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and gig workers is finding the right bank account for their growing business.
The Found Business Banking Account solves that problem by simplifying your financial journey. The sign-up process takes only a few minutes. There’s no credit check or ChexSystems.
Found Business Banking at a Glance
- No opening deposit required
- No minimum balance
- No required monthly fees2
- Free unlimited ACH payments
- Free unlimited invoicing
- Free mobile check deposits
- Free built-in expense management tools
- Accept bank transfers and card payments
- Easily connect to Quickbooks, Stripe, Venmo, PayPal, Etsy, etc.
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit1
- Send money to anyone within the U.S. using their phone number or email address
- Deposit cash at over 79,000 locations
- Access your account online or on the free app
- Found’s core features are free. They also offer two paid products: FoundPlus for $35/month or $315/year and Found Pro for $80 /month or $720/year.
Fast Approval Process
Time is money and Found respects both. Sign up for your business account online and the streamlined approval process ensures you’re up and running quickly. No lengthy paperwork needed to get swift access to your financial hub.
Easy Bookkeeping and Tax Management Tools
Managing your business finances shouldn’t be a headache. You get intuitive tools such as automated expense tracking, receipt capture, unlimited custom invoices, and the ability to manage 1099 contractor payments. Plus, you get the ability to auto-save for tax payments and automatically generate tax forms.
No Hidden Fees, No Surprises
Say goodbye to unexpected charges. Found.com believes in transparency. They’ve stripped away any required monthly fees2, leaving you with a straightforward banking experience. No hidden costs2—just clarity and peace of mind.
Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Business banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.3
Current1 offers an innovative account to consumers who want it all without the costs and hassles.
The Current Build account helps you build credit every time you use the card. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current does not check your credit.
Current at a Glance
- NO opening deposit required
- NO credit check
- NO minimum balance
- NO fees at over 40,000 Allpoint® ATMs in the U.S.
- Fee-free overdraft (and no overdraft fees EVER)
- Paycheck advances up to $750, deposited directly into your Current account if you qualify
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with qualifying direct deposit
- Earn up to a 4.00% bonus on your balance up to $6,000 with direct deposit; earn 0.25% without
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly without any added fees
- Crypto — buy and sell dozens of coins directly from spending balances, with no trading fees
- Custodial accounts — empower your kids with automatic allowances, instant transfers, and real-time spending alerts.
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
Swipe The Card and Build Credit
Using your Current Build account to BUILD your credit is simple. Here’s how it works:
- You add money to your account
- Swipe your card to make purchases, pay bills, or get money from an ATM machine
- The funds in your account pay for these transactions
- Current reports your payment to all three credit bureaus to build your credit history
Earning the $75 Bonus
When you set up direct deposit of $1,500 or more, Current will deposit $75 into your account.
Current Works Hard for You
Current offers a really unique service it calls Gas Hold Removals. What’s a gas hold? Some gas stations may apply a hold from $50 to $100 when you use your card to pump gas. If you only pumped $10 of gas, but the gas station places a $100 hold on your funds, you won’t have access to the $90 difference for up to 3 business days! The Current Build card will immediately remove the hold so you have access to all your funds. We haven’t found that benefit anywhere in the marketplace.
We love the features, we love the smartphone app, and we love Current. That makes us think you’ll love them too.
Individuals who work for, are a member of, or volunteer at a 3Rivers Partner are eligible for their Onward Checking account. Requiring no minimum balance and a small $8 monthly maintenance fee, this account has been crafted for those looking to get back on their feet after financial hardship.
Your Onward Checking account includes the following benefits:
- Free access to over 35,000 ATMs
- Bill pay services
- Online and mobile banking access
- Free debit card
To open an account, visit one of the numerous locations in and around the Fort Wayne area or submit an application on their website.
For a local option, check out AAA Federal Credit Union’s Fresh Start Program. This program caters to those who want an opportunity to re-establish their credit profiles and still enjoy the basics of a traditional bank account.
Fresh Start Checking comes with a debit or ATM card and has a moderate monthly service fee of $10. In return, you gain access to online and telephone banking, as well as direct deposit services. The Fresh Start Program also includes loan options to those who normally wouldn’t qualify.
To be eligible for membership at AAA FCU, you must live, work, attend school, worship, or volunteer in St. Joseph County. You can also join if you have an immediate family member who is already a member. Visit their website or one of their locations in South Bend or Mishawaka to get started!
Ally Bank has been one of the most highly rated online banks for the past several years. It’s not because they have the most features, but because they consistently make their customers delighted with the features the bank offers.
For starters, there’s no minimum opening deposit required. Ally doesn’t charge any monthly maintenance fee and there is no overdraft fee (more on that below). You’ll have access to 43,000+ ATMs and Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle if you get charged for using another institution’s machine.
You’ll become eligible for Ally’s overdraft program called CoverDraft 30 days after depositing a total of $100. Ally will activate CoverDraft automatically and send you an email when they do. You can turn CoverDraft off at any time, as long as your account balance isn’t negative. Otherwise, Ally will decline the transaction without payment. In either case, you won’t be charged an overdraft fee.
We like that you can use Zelle to send and receive money, get paid up to 2 days sooner with early direct deposit, and deposit checks remotely with Ally eCheck Deposit. We also like that Ally has high approval rates as long as you don’t have a ChexSystems or EWS fraud alert in your past.
For those who have had a rocky financial past, the Restart Checking account with Banterra is the perfect option to restore your financial relationship. Requiring only a $50 opening deposit along with a $6.95 monthly maintenance fee with a qualifying direct deposit, this account is a wise option for many.
In order to open an account, simply visit one of the three locations in Evansville or the single location in Newburgh. Many features come with your Restart Checking account including:
- Unlimited ATM transactions
- Free e-statements
- Online and mobile banking access
- Free Visa debit card
- Potential account upgrades after establishing a good financial history
Individuals who reside in a vast majority of Central and Southern Indiana counties are eligible to apply for a Opportunity Checking account with Centra Credit Union. This account has been created for those looking to rebuild their financial record. A new savings account with a $5 deposit is all that is required to get started. Once opened, your Opportunity Checking account will have just a $5 monthly maintenance fee with a qualifying direct deposit.
To get started visit one of their locations in Indianapolis, Columbus, Scottsburg, and many other cities to get open an account. Your new Opportunity Checking account includes:
- A MasterCard debit card with theft protection
- Free e-statements
- Online banking access
- Unlimited check writing
Instead of looking at a ChexSystems report, CommunityWide Federal Credit Union will refer to a credit report to determine eligibility. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, you should be good to go!
We recommend checking out their CW Checking account if you’re looking for an account that’s easy to manage and loaded with nice benefits. In addition to a free Visa debit card and ID Protect services, you will also get to earn dividends on any balance greater than $1. All that is needed to get started is a $15 opening deposit.
CommunityWide FCU has branches located in northern Indiana in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, Elkhart, Plymouth, Goshen, and Warsaw. Anyone can become a member at this credit union by meeting a few requirements or donating to one of their non-profits. Stop by a branch or visit their website to apply!
Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties are eligible for a Fresh Start Checking account with Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union. This account is ideal for those that have been previously been turned down due to credit problems.
To get started, a minimum deposit of $25 is required along with a recurring $10 monthly maintenance fee. With your Fresh Start Checking account, you’ll have the following benefits:
- Free bill pay
- Free e-statements
- Online and mobile banking
- Free Visa check card
Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union has five branches in Evansville and a singular branch in Newburgh for your convenience.
If you have past checking account problems, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union’s Opportunity Checking offers you a second chance. This simple checking account has a low monthly fee of $7.50. After 12 months of good banking habits, you are eligible to move into a free Debit Rewards Checking account.
With Opportunity Checking, you have the choice of either an ATM or a debit card. You receive:
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Direct deposit
- No minimum balance requirements
- Standard checking fees for non-sufficient funds
- Access to overdraft protection upon application
- Up to 10 free ATM withdrawals each month
Visit one of their locations in Evansville, Mt. Vernon, Newburgh, Princeton, and several other cities to get started. You can apply for membership online or in person. You don’t have to be a teacher to join, ETFCU has thousands of ways to be eligible.
First Financial Bank’s NoWorry Checking account offers a fresh start regardless of your checking history. There is a $25 minimum opening deposit, as well as a $10 monthly service charge. If you complete one of their approved financial education courses, the monthly service fee is discounted to only $5.
You’ll receive a debit card along with free ATM access and you even get a free gift when you open at a banking center. There are also plenty of digital features, including mobile deposits and online and mobile banking.
First Financial Bank offers locations throughout Indiana, including Indianapolis, Columbus, Greensburg, and several other cities for your convenience.
First Trust Credit Union is a non-ChexSystems bank that uses a credit report to determine if an applicant is eligible for a checking account. If you’re looking for an account with a fair amount of benefits and no pesky fees, look no further than their FREE Checking.
Like the name would suggest, FREE Checking has no monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. The account comes with a free Visa debit card, access to online banking, and direct deposit services. There is no minimum deposit required to open the account, but you will need to deposit $25 into a savings account when you first join the credit union.
First Trust CU offers membership to anyone who lives or works in LaPorte, Porter, Jasper, Newton, or Pulaski Counties. You are also eligible to join if you work for one of their select community partners or have family that are already members. Visit one of their branches in Michigan City, LaPorte, Valparaiso, or Wheatfield to get started!
GO2bank™ is an offering of pre-paid card giant GoBank and we think it’s a step in the right direction. Like some of the newer “challenger banks” GO2bank will deposit your direct deposit check up to 2 days early and has cashback rewards on several categories of purchases. This account also makes you eligible for the GO2bank credit card, which has no annual fee or required credit check.
One significant drawback to many online-only bank accounts is that they have no way to accept cash deposits. But GO2bank accepts cash deposits at over 90,000 Green Dot locations nationwide. However, participating retailers may charge you a fee.
If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $5.00 is waived. And, they offer a pretty sweet overdraft protection program, but it has a gotcha charge of $15 if you don’t replace the funds within 24 hours.
Account-holders will appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools, and a savings vault. In fact, they pay 1% on all money in the saving vault up to $5,000. Terms and conditions apply1.
Go Further from GTE Financial helps put you on the path to a better checking account. If you don’t qualify for a traditional account, the Go Further account will help you get there in as little as 12 months. We consider this a low-cost second chance checking. As long as you make a total deposit of $500 for the month, opt to receive eStatements and make 15 monthly transactions, the $9.95 maintenance fee is waived.
GTE Financial is one of the largest credit unions in the US. Membership is open to anyone through easy requirements and an online application process. The Go Further account includes:
- Free EMV-equipped debit card with built-in rewards
- Online and mobile banking tools
- Free bill pay service
- Easy money transfers through the Popmoney service
A Fresh Start Checking account with Horizon Bank is perfect for any individual looking to leave past checking account problems behind. With no minimum deposit and only a $5 monthly service charge, this account is a fantastic option.
To get started, simply visit one of their branches to open your account. With your new Fresh Start Checking account, you’ll have access to unlimited check writing, free e-statements, online and mobile banking, and free bill pay.
Horizon Bank has numerous locations throughout Indiana including Fort Wayne, Columbus, Indianapolis, and South Bend for your convenience.
Kentland Bank only requires two forms of ID at the time of account opening. That means you won’t have to worry about what might be on your ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or credit reports! Out of there several different account options, their Personal Checking account provides you with nice benefits while keeping costs low.
The low $6 monthly service charge can be waived in multiple different ways. The account comes with unlimited check writing, a debit card, and overdraft privileges if you qualify. It’s also important to note that a minimum deposit of $100 is required to open the account.
Kentland Bank has several locations in Kentland, Lafayette, Lake Village, Rensselaer, and DeMotte. Visit the branch nearest you to apply for an account!
Liberty Federal Credit Union’s Opportunity Checking account offers you a second chance to prove you can manage a checking account. We like this account because you’re able to upgrade to a fee-free checking account after 12 consecutive months of good standing.
With Opportunity Checking you will receive an ATM or debit card depending on what you qualify for. You can make up to 10 free ATM withdrawals a month, plus, Liberty Federal will never charge you additional fees for using another bank’s ATM. You can also link your account with direct deposit, online banking, overdraft protection, and bill pay.
There’s a $7.50 service fee for this account and no minbimum balance requirement. To learn more about this account, visit their website or visit one of their 12 Indiana locations in Evansville, Newburgh, Mt. Vernon, Fort Branch, and several other cities.
If you only have a negative history with ChexSystems, Members Source Credit Union could be a viable option for you. They are a non-ChexSystems bank that offers a Personal Checking account for all of your daily spending needs.
Personal Checking requires a steep $100 opening deposit, but won’t charge you any monthly service fees. You will also earn interest on your balance that is credited and compounded monthly. Compared to the average checking account, Personal Checking at Members Source CU has a lot to offer!
They extend membership to anyone who lives or works in Lake, Porter, Jasper, or LaPorte Counties. You can apply for membership online or visit one of their branches in Merrillville, Griffith, Hammond, or Dyer to join!
If you’ve had difficulties in the past with banks that use ChexSystems, MidWest America Federal Credit Union may be a viable option for you. Instead of ChexSystems, they use Telecheck when screening new applicants. If this sounds suitable to your situation, we recommend their Freedom Checking account.
With Freedom Checking you won’t need to worry about minimum balance requirements or per-check charges. If your average balance is more than $500 or you use your debit card five or more times each statement cycle, the monthly service fee will be waived. This account also offers overdraft protection and monthly eStatements.
MidWest America FCU extends membership to Select Employee Groups as well as those who live or work in the designated Allen County Investment Area or in Fort Wayne. You can also join if you have a relative that is already a member. Contact one of their several branches in the greater Fort Wayne area to see if you’re eligible!
No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members in Alabama and across the US. With no review requirements of your banking history, NFCU is an excellent choice for active duty or retired US military, family members and government contractors. There are two banking choices to choose from: Active Duty Checking and Free eChecking.
Both account options come with a free NFCU debit card. There is no monthly service fee with direct deposit. Your account is protected from overdrafts with free savings transfers, a checking line of credit or an optional overdraft protection service. You also receive:
- Free mobile deposits
- Free bill pay
- Free traditional name-only checks
- Dividends credited monthly
Novo understands small business owners and makes it easy to open and manage an account. As an online-only bank, you’ll find Novo strikes the right balance between technology, human touch, and real-world benefits. Here are some of our favorite features for Novo Business Checking:
- NO monthly fees
- NO minimum balance requirement
- NO NSF fees
- ATM fee reimbursement up to $7/month
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- FREE Mastercard debit card
- FREE mobile app
- FREE transfers, mailed checks, and incoming wires
- FREE invoicing to create, send, and track invoices
- FREE mobile check deposit
Application Process
It takes about 10 minutes to sign up for a Novo account. You’ll need personal and business information, which may include a social security number, business tax ID, and business formation documents. They do not check your credit or use ChexSystems.
Novo is growing quickly. Their offering is popular with small business owners. The account approval process is currently taking 1-2 business days and once you’re approved, you can get full access to your account with a simple $50 deposit.
The EZ Access Checking account with Old National Bank is a simplified checking account that skips the overdraft fees. Requiring a $10 minimum opening deposit and a recurring monthly service charge of $4.95, this account is perfect for those with past financial struggles.
To open an account, visit one of their branches to get started. Once opened, you’ll have the following benefits with your EZ Access Checking account: free e-statements, five free money orders each month, bill pay services, and a free Visa debit card.
Old National Bank has locations throughout cities in Indiana including Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Terre Haute, and Evansville for easy access to your account.
Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Lake or Porter county are eligible for a First Step Checking account with Regional Federal Credit Union. Requiring a direct deposit to the account as well as a recurring $8 monthly maintenance fee, this account is perfect for those looking to rebuild a good financial standing.
To open your First Step Checking account, visit one of their locations to start the process. With your new account, you are granted access to a Visa debit card, mobile and online banking, and financial education tools.
Regional Federal Credit Union has two convenient locations in Valparaiso and one in Hammond for all your banking needs.
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking AND savings account and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report to approve accounts.
SoFi Checking & Savings at a Glance
- FREE SoFi debit MasterCard
- FREE smartphone app. Manage your account online, too
- No opening deposit required
- No monthly minimum balance requirement
- No monthly maintenance fees
- No fees at 55,000+ ATMs
- Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
How to Earn the $475 Bonus
As soon as you get your SoFi Checking & Savings account and deposit $50 or more within 21 days, you’ll earn $50. Earn an additional $25 bonus when you enroll in SoFi Plus within 21 days ($10/mo). When you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to an additional $400 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit).
Using the SoFi direct deposit option unlocks additional benefits, too. First, if you overspend a bit, SoFi will cover up to $50 with no overdraft fees. Second, you’ll receive a much higher interest amount of 3.10% APY on savings account balances and .50% APY on checking account balances.
The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds. With over 14.7 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!
Claire M., SoFi CustomerSoFi has been great! The account was easy to open and I got my debit card a few days later. The smartphone app is easy to use and I can check everything from my computer, too. SoFi seems to be the perfect bank.
If you are looking for a membership in a credit union focused on getting you back on your feet, we recommend Staley Credit Union. Their Renew Checking is a simple checking option designed to help you monitor your money. The CardValet service helps you to stay in touch with your money through account alerts and monitoring.
We also like that SCU offers Renew Checking customers easy overdraft protection. If you happen to be short on checking funds, SCU simply transfers funds from your savings account or your Staley Visa Credit Card to cover the overdraft.
You can open a Renew Checking account with a $50 minimum balance. There is a low $7 monthly maintenance fee. SCU checking accounts feature:
- A debit card with EMV chip technology
- Free access to Staley Online and Mobile Banking
- Free bill pay
- Access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs
Visit Staley Credit Union’s website or their Indiana branch located in Lafayette to open your account and secure your financial future.
Right Start Checking, provided by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, is a go-to option for people who have been denied membership of a traditional account due to a negative history with ChexSystems. Opening a Right Start Checking account, with an initial deposit of $25, will allow you to write as many checks as you need and overdraft protection up to $250.
This account has no monthly fees associated and allows for eBanking from any device, meaning you’ll have access to your funds anywhere in the world that you have service. Building a positive checking history has never been easier with this second chance bank account.
While UNIFY FCU only has one branch in Princeton, they are in-network with several co-op shared branches where you’re able to make payments, transfers, check deposits, ect. Some of these branches can be found in Indianapolis, Louisville, and Fort Wayne.
Stated to be the perfect second chance account for those who have had past checking account issues, the New Day Checking account from United Fidelity Bank is a tremendous option.
This account simply requires a $25 minimum opening deposit and a recurring monthly service fee of $8 to get started. Once your account is opened, you’ll gain access to a Visa debit card after six consecutive months without an instance of insufficient funds. You’ll also have unlimited check writing, mobile and online banking in addition to free bill pay.
Open your account today at one of their easy-to-access branches in Evansville, Newburgh, Mount Vernon, Carmel, or Fort Branch.
Varo Bank is another internet-only bank with services based on their mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. Varo doesn’t charge fees at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs and offers strong budgeting tools and automatic savings programs.
Opening an account is easy and Varo doesn’t check your credit or use ChexSystems. Varo doesn’t even require an initial deposit to open an account, either. There are never any monthly maintenance fees, account balance minimums, overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Varo’s recent bank charter has them innovating more than ever. They have a very strong cashback program, a payroll advance option, and have started to offer their customers a secured credit card called Varo Believe.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
Want to earn cash back on Walmart purchases – up to $75 each year? Then you might love the Walmart MoneyCard.
It’s a debit card that has some strong features such as cashback on Walmart purchases, overdraft protection, interest on your savings, and a mobile app that lets you track your purchases and deposit funds into your account.
Walmart MoneyCard at a Glance
- Easy approval: no ChexSystems or credit check
- No initial deposit is required and there are no monthly minimums
- Deposit cash for free at any Walmart store and it shows up 10 minutes later
- Deposit checks using the Walmart MoneyCard smartphone app
- Easily request multiple cards for family use1
- Manage your account from your computer or the smartphone app
- 3% cashback on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cashback for Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back for use in-store2
- Earn 2.00% APY on money you set aside in a free savings account3
- With qualifying direct deposits4, you can opt-in and enjoy overdraft protection of up to $200 on eligible purchases5
- No monthly fee when you direct deposit $500+ in the previous monthly period. Otherwise, there’s a $5.94 monthly fee.6
The Walmart MoneyCard is available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Vigo County are eligible for a Second Chance Checking. This account has been crafted for those looking for a second chance to manage their finances.
To get started, simply visit Vigo County Federal Credit Union branch to get started. Once opening your Second Chance Checking account that has a recurring $5 monthly maintenance fee, you’ll obtain some of the following benefits: free checks for senior citizens, $2 money orders, and online banking.
Vigo County Federal Credit Union is conveniently located in Terre Haute for all your banking needs.
Wells Fargo changed the Opportunity Checking account to Clear Access Banking. And we like one change, in particular. Wells Fargo has done away with overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. Clear Access Banking is a debit card-only account (no paper checks available) and if you attempt to purchase something without sufficient funds, the transaction will be denied. That’s a lot better than having the transaction approved and then discovering you’ve been hit with a $35 overdraft fee.
There is a $5 monthly fee, but that is be waived for account holders 24 years old and younger. This account is available to residents in all 50 states.
- The largest number of branches in the U.S.
- Minimum deposit of $25 to open an account
- Online bill pay and smartphone app
- Mobile check deposit
- Includes a Visa debit card
- Send and receive money through Zelle
- Additional features include account alerts, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and zero liability protection for your debit card
Woodforest National Bank’s Second Chance Checking is designed for those with previous banking account challenges. With a minimum initial deposit of only $25 and a $9 one-time account fee, you can begin to build a positive banking relationship. The downside to banking with Woodforest is that they charge fees for services that most banks offer for free and you have to go in to a branch location to open this account.
You can lower your Second Chance monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. Woodforest offers:
- Online banking
- A mobile banking app
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Free platinum debit card
All services are easily managed online or in person at branches in Walmart Supercenters across the US. Woodforest National Bank has 45 locations in cities across Indiana including Indianapolis, Evansville, Portage, and many others.
Upgrade is a digital banking platform providing a range of financial services, including checking accounts, personal loans, and credit cards without annual fees.
Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus at a Glance
- Up to 2% cash back on purchases1
- NO opening deposit required
- NO monthly maintenance fees
- NO minimum balance requirement
- NO NSF or overdraft fees2
- Fee-free cash withdrawals at over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit3
- Accepts joint accounts
- 10%-20% lower interest rates on loans & credit cards through Upgrade
- Earn up to 5.21% APY with a free Performance Savings Account
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Earning 2% Cash Back
The Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus lets you earn 2% cash back rewards with debit card purchases. Eligible expenses include:
- Convenience and drug stores
- Gas stations
- Monthly subscriptions, including streaming services
- Restaurants
- Utilities and cellphone services
All other purchases will earn 1% cash back. To earn the reward your account must be “active”. An active account4 is one that has a monthly direct deposit of $1,000 or more.
But if you choose not to or cannot meet the monthly direct deposit requirement, the account cashback program is reduced from 2% to 1%. In our view, that’s still a very strong offering with very few fees.
Consumers Love Upgrade
Managing your transactions is effortless, facilitated through either an intuitive online dashboard or the convenient Upgrade mobile app, available for both iOS (4.8 out of 5 rating) and Android (4.7 out of 5 rating) users. You’ll also have free access to your credit score and will be notified of any changes.
Not only is the Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus one of our favorites, but the account also has very high approval rates.
The Citi® Access Checking account is a solid option if you’ve been blacklisted by ChexSystems or Early Warning Systems. As long as you haven’t been flagged for fraudulent behavior and don’t owe Citibank an outstanding amount, approval rates for this account are good.
There are no monthly service fees for the first 3 months after opening the account. The $5 monthly service fee can easily be waived after that time by depositing at least $250 per month.
We also like that there are no overdraft or returned item fees because if you don’t have enough money in your account, the item will be returned.
Citibank Access Checking at a Glance
- 65,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Send money to almost anyone with a U.S.-based bank account through Zelle®
- No overdraft or NSF fees
- $5 monthly fee can be waived with $250 in qualified direct deposits
- $0 liability for unauthorized charges
- Available in all 50 states and Washington DC
- No minimum opening deposit
The Capital One 360 Checking Account uses a proprietary approval process that does not include ChexSystems and might be a solid option for those who have had past financial challenges.
Available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Capital One acts more like an online bank than one with over 400 branches in a few states. Its highly-rated smartphone app gives customers full control of their account and you can access everything from a computer, too.
Capital One 360 Checking at a Glance
- No opening deposit is required
- No monthly or annual fees
- No minimum balance and no overdraft fees
- Add cash to your account at CVS® locations.
- No-fee access to over 70,000 ATMs nationwide
- No foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad
- Deposit checks and pay bills with the smartphone app
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Early direct deposit feature
- Monitor your credit score with Capital One’s CreditWise feature
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
How The Overdraft Feature Works
The account offers two overdraft services. The first is a free savings transfer where you link your checking account to a savings account. If you overdraw from your checking account, Capital One will cover the charge by making a transfer from your savings account.
The second option is a no-fee overdraft where the bank approves recurring debit payments, check payments, or bill pay payments even if it results in a negative balance for your account. To qualify, you’ll need to receive at least $250 in direct deposits during two of the three previous months.
Customer Service
In the era of chatbots and customer service-by-email, Capital One stands out for its personalized customer service. Once you set up an online account, you can chat 24/7 with a live customer service representative. If you want to speak with a representative on the phone, you can call between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Eastern Time.
The website is laid out well and easy to understand. The smartphone app is also easy to navigate and has received 4.9 out of 5 stars in the Apple store and 4.6 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.
Fast-growing Chime® is one of our favorite checking accounts. The account has some amazing features and Chime accepts almost all customers who apply… even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or the credit bureaus.
Chime at a Glance
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO initial deposit required
- NO minimum balance required
- NO monthly or annual fees
- NO NSF/overdraft fees1
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 47,000 ATMs2
- NO fees for mobile and online bill pay
- FREE cash deposits at 8,500+ Walgreens3
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit4
- Over 1,000,000+ 5-star reviews for the Chime smartphone app
- Instantly transfer funds to friends and family without additional apps5
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Savings Made Easy
Chime was one of the first to offer a “round up” option. If you use your Chime card on a purchase of $10.65, Chime gives you the option of automatically rounding up to $11.00 and putting the remaining $.35 in your free Chime savings account. And that adds up over time! Plus, Chime pays 1.25% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)6 in interest on that savings account.
We don’t think there is another company innovating for their customers like Chime.
Get a Chime Account Today!Best Second Chance Banks by State
To find more information and additional options available in your area, select your state from the list below and explore your options.
1Direct deposit funds may be available for use for up to two days before the scheduled payment date. Early availability is not guaranteed.
2Found’s core features are free. Found also offers optional paid products, Found Plus for $35/month or $315/year or Found Pro for $80/month or $720/year. Discount rates may apply. There are no monthly account maintenance fees, but other fees such as transactional fees for wires, instant transfers, and ATM apply. Read the Found Fee Schedule.
3Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Business banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. The funds in your account are FDIC-insured up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. FDIC insurance only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution. The Found Mastercard Business debit card is issued by Lead Bank pursuant to a license from Mastercard Inc. and may be used everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted.
1Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC.
The Current Visa® Debit Card issued by Choice Financial Group, and the Current Visa® secured charge card issued by Cross River Bank, are both pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required. Additional product disclosures can be found here.
1Eligibility requirements apply. Overdraft only applies to debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. Limits start at $20 and may be increased up to $200 by Chime. See chime.com/spotme.
2Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Cash deposit or other third-party fees may apply.
3Customers are limited to three $1,000 cash deposits at Walgreens each day and $10,000 each month.
4Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
5Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. Once you are approved for a Chime Checking Account, see your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Anyone Transfers details. Please see the back of your Chime debit card for your issuing bank. See Terms and Conditions.
6The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of January 29, 2026. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
1GO2bank™ cards are issued by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. Overdraft fees may apply. Apply to learn more.
1Family Accounts: Activated, personalized card required. Other fees apply to the additional account. Family members age 13 years and over are eligible. Limit 4 cards per account. See Deposit Account Agreement for details.
2Cash back, up to $75 per year, is credited to card balance at end of reward year and is subject to successful activation and other eligibility requirements. Redeem rewards using our website or app. You will earn cash back of three percent (3%) on qualifying purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app using your card or your card number, two percent (2%) at Walmart fuel stations, and one percent (1%) on qualifying purchases at Walmart stores in the United States (less returns and credits) posted to your Card during each reward year. Grocery delivery and pickup purchases made on Walmart.com or the Walmart app earn 1%. For the purposes of cash back rewards, a “reward year” is twelve (12) monthly periods in which you have paid your monthly fee or had it waived. See account agreement for details.
3Interest is paid annually on each enrollment anniversary based on the average daily balance of the prior 365 days, up to a maximum average daily balance of $1,000, if the account is in good standing and has a positive balance. 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield may change at any time before or after account is opened. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of 5/15/23.
4Direct Deposit: Early availability of direct deposit depends on timing of payroll’s payment instructions and fraud prevention restrictions may apply. As such, the availability or timing of early direct deposit may vary from pay period to pay period. Make sure the name and social security number on file with your employer or benefits provider matches what’s on your Walmart MoneyCard account exactly. We will not be able to deposit your payment if we are unable to match recipients.
5Opt-in required. $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid the fee. We require immediate payment of each overdraft and overdraft fee. Overdrafts paid at our discretion, and we do not guarantee that we will authorize and pay any transaction. Learn more about overdraft protection.
6No monthly fee with qualifying direct deposit, otherwise $5.94 a month. Waived when $500+ is loaded in the previous monthly period. First monthly fee occurs upon first use, the day after card activation or 90 days after card purchase, whichever is earlier.
1Rewards Checking Plus customers who set up monthly direct deposits of $1,000 or more earn 2% cash back on common everyday expenses at convenience stores, drugstores, restaurants and bars – including deliveries – and gas stations, as well as recurring payments on utilities and monthly subscriptions including phone, cable, TV and other streaming services, and 1% cash back on all other debit card purchases. 2% cash back is limited to $500 in rewards per calendar year; after $500, customers earn 1% cash back on all eligible debit card purchases for the remainder of the year. Rewards Checking Plus accounts with less than $1,000 in monthly direct deposits 60 days after account opening will earn 1% cash back on common everyday expenses and 0.50% cash back on all other eligible debit card purchases. Some limitations apply. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.
2There are no overdraft fees or annual fees. Optional out-of-network ATM withdrawals are subject to a fee of $2.50, plus any third-party fees. Debit card transactions with merchants outside the U.S. or in a foreign currency are subject to a 3% fee. Outbound domestic wire transfers are subject to a fee of $20 after your first fee-free transfer per calendar month. Please refer to the applicable Cross River Bank Checking Deposit Account Agreement and Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information.
3Early direct deposit requires set up of recurring electronic direct deposit from your employer, payroll, or benefits provider and is limited to direct deposits under $5000. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing in which we receive notice of impending direct deposit, which is generally up to two days before the scheduled deposit date.
4Active Accounts with a monthly direct deposit of $1000 are eligible for additional benefits on Rewards Checking Plus such as additional cash back rewards and more. See the Active Account page for more information.