A survey by the FDIC shows that nearly 110,000 households in Kentucky are “unbanked”, meaning no person in the household has a checking or savings account. There are a lot of reasons why a person may not have a bank account. A lot of people don’t have enough money to meet the minimum balance requirements, while others have a hard time getting an account due to a bad credit score.
If you’ve had a hard time opening a checking account due to past banking mistakes, you may have been reported to a consumer reporting agency called ChexSystems. ChexSystems is used by the majority of banks and credit unions in the U.S. and will blacklist anyone that demonstrates questionable behavior. Even though this agency is supposed to protect banks from people who commit fraud and identity theft, a lot of people get caught in the crossfire and are flagged simply for making common banking mistakes.
Whether you’ve had one too many overdraft fees or had your account closed involuntarily, odds are you’re in the ChexSystems database and will have a hard time opening an account at other institutions. We can help you find a bank or credit union that will assist you in opening the checking account that you deserve.
Many banks offer second chance checking accounts that are specifically intended for those that have experienced past banking mistakes. Other banks we recommend do not use ChexSystems at all during the application process. No matter your situation, there are still plenty of banks and credit unions in Kentucky that want your business!
Second Chance Banking in Kentucky for October 2026
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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.
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.
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems record, Armed Forces Bank will refer to a credit report and Certegy check services to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you only have issues with ChexSystems, there’s a good chance you will be approved.
We like their Access Checking account because it provides all of the banking necessities while remaining affordable. The account comes with digital banking access, free eStatements, a free Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. To waive the moderate $10 monthly service charge, you just need to enroll in direct deposit.
To get started, all you will need is $25 for an initial deposit. As the name may suggest, Armed Forces Bank offers accounts to anyone who is actively enrolled or retired from the U.S. Army. You can find their Kentucky branch conveniently located in Fort Knox.
If you are looking for a second chance at banking, Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union offers their Fresh Start Checking account. With only a $20 opening deposit and a $10 monthly service fee, you receive all of the normal checking perks. Your checking account includes:
- An instantly issued Visa Check Card
- myACFCU online services
- Free bill pay
- Monthly e-Statements
- Early check deposits with direct deposit
ACFCU does not have minimum balance requirements or check writing charges. You also receive a free financial check-up to help you improve your credit score.
To become a member you must live, work, worship or attend school in Clinton, Jackson, Wayne or McCrery County. You can also join if you have a relative who is already an ACFCU member. Visit one of their branches in McKee or Berea to get started!
Bank of Clarkson will look at your credit report in lieu of ChexSystems, Telecheck, and EWS when you apply for a checking account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries on your credit report, you should be able to get an account.
Out of the several account options, we recommend Better Than Free Checking if you want to avoid pesky service fees. All you need to get started is at least $50 for the opening deposit. Once you open the account, you won’t need to worry about monthly service fees, per-check charges, or minimum balance requirements! You also get all the necessities like online banking access and free notary services.
To get an account, contact one of their two branches located in Clarkson and Leitchfield!
Banterra is one of our favorite Kentucky options for second chance banking. The Banterra Restart Basic and the Banterra Restart Checking both offer the opportunity to open a traditional checking after establishing a good checking relationship with Banterra. The only difference between the two accounts is the ability to write unlimited checks with a Restart Checking account.
All you need to open a Restart account is an opening balance of $50. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you choose to direct deposit your paycheck, your monthly service charge is reduced from $9.95 to $6.95. Both Restart accounts offer:
- Free digital banking
- Free online statements
- Free Visa debit card with a daily $750 merchandise limit and $300 cash limit
- Paper statements for an additional $1 per month
- Free ATM transactions at Banterra ATMs
Banterra Bank has two locations in Kentucky that are both in Paducah. You can visit their website to fill out an application or apply in-person at a branch.
If your ChexSystems record is keeping you from a checking account, The Cecilian Bank wants to help you rebuild your financial reputation. With Choice Opportunity Checking, you have a second chance at successfully managing a checking account. You only need a $50 minimum deposit to open a Choice Opportunity account.
If you sign up for direct deposit, your monthly service fee is reduced to $8, a savings of $2 a month. In addition to unlimited check writing and debit transactions, you receive:
- A free Visa debit card
- Free online banking with statements
- Free mobile banking and bill pay
- No minimum balance requirements
The Cecilian Bank has seventeen locations in Kentucky. You can find branches in Bradenburg, Cecilia, Elizabethtown, Hardinsburg, Irvington, Leitchfield, Radcliff, Rineyville, Sonora and Vine Grove.
The Opportunity Checking Account from Centra Credit Union is a good option for getting your finances in order. Credit unions traditionally offer a lot of perks to members. Opportunity Checking includes:
- A Mastercard debit card
- Online banking
- BillPayer
- Electronic statements
- Phone banking
- Unlimited check writing
With limits on debit card usage and check-cashing, CCU helps you stay on track. We like that they offer overdraft protection to Opportunity Checking account holders.
To become a CCU member, you must first open a savings account with a $5 minimum deposit. You must live, work, worship or study in Bullitt, Jefferson, Henry, Shelby, Oldham, Trimble or Spencer County. There are multiple convenient branch locations in Louisville, Kentucky.
It only takes one year to rebuild your banking history with Central Bank. After 12 months of positive checking with a Clean Start Checking account, you can request to move into a traditional account.
We consider Clean Start Checking one of the easiest accounts to open. The initial opening deposit is only $10. If you sign up for direct deposit, your monthly service fee is reduced from $10 to $8. As an added perk, if you have a loan through Central Bank, you receive a 0.50% loan discount when you sign up for automatic payments from your checking.
It’s important to note that you will need to apply in person for this account. There are many Central Bank locations in Kentucky, including: Berea, Lexington, Louisville, Crestview Hills, Florence, Nicholasville, Covington, Fort Mitchell, Winchester, Richmond and Georgetown.
Instead of referring to ChexSystems, Citizens Bank & Trust Co. utilizes Telecheck to determine if you are eligible for an account. Out of their several different account options, their Regular Checking is a straightforward option for everyday banking.
The account comes with free online banking, free eStatements, and checks available for purchase. There is an opening deposit requirement of $100 and a monthly service charge of $7. If your daily balance is greater than $700 for the entire statement cycle, the monthly fee will be waived.
Citizens Bank & Trust Co. is a Kentucky-based bank. They have branches located in Jackson and Beattyville. Contact a branch nearest you to get started with an account!
Citizens Guaranty Bank believes that everyone deserves another chance. Their Clean Slate Checking offers you a fresh start, no matter your financial track record. The account comes with a free Visa debit card and unlimited check writing.
To open the account, you need a $25 minimum deposit. Although there is no minimum balance requirement, you do have a $10 monthly service fee. Signing up for direct deposit lowers your monthly fee to $8.
Clean Slate Checking allows you to keep track of your spending through free online banking, free mobile banking and convenient eStatements. You are required to have the account open for at least 180 days.
Apply online or at one of the Irvine, London or Richmond locations.
City National Bank helps you get back on track with Bounce Back Checking. City National Bank understands that mistakes happen, and Bounce Back account holders have their first two non-sufficient funds fees waived.
Low fees help you keep your money where it belongs–in your account. There are no minimum balance requirements. If you sign up for direct deposit, your monthly fee is only $6.99.
All City National Bank accounts feature:
- Free eStatements
- Free mobile banking
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free text banking
- Access to more than 90 branches and ATMs
City National Bank has many convenient locations in Northern Kentucky. You can find branches in Carlisle, Mt. Sterling, Lexington, Grayson, and many other cities across the state.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Community Trust Bank refers to EWS to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you have only had issues with ChexSystems banks in the past and haven’t been reported to EWS, you should be able to get an account.
We like their Flexible Checking account because it has the least amount of fees and still offers notable benefits. In addition to a debit card and monthly statements, you will get your first 20 checks for free. The opening deposit is a steep $100, but after the account is open there are no monthly service fees or balance requirements.
Community Trust Bank has dozens of locations across the state in most major cities. You can find them in Lexington, Virgie, Ashland, and many others. Stop by a branch nearest you to get started!
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
Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union has locations in Bowling Green, Henderson, Louisville and Owensboro. 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 & Peoples Bank does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS when screening new applicants. Instead, they opt to utilize a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. Out of their three checking options, we recommend Hometown Living Checking.
Hometown Living Checking provides all the necessities without charging any monthly service fees. You will get free eStatements, a debit card upon approval, and three free checks per month. They don’t have a huge online presence, but they do offer an online banking tool called NetBanker.
First & Peoples Bank is Kentucky-based and has branches located in Russell, Flatwoods, Greenup, and South Shore.
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 has a few locations in northern Kentucky in Hebron, Burlington, and Edgewood. Visit their website or a branch nearest you to get started!
We like First Southern National Bank because they only require two forms of ID (one of which must be government-issued) when you apply for a checking account. If you’ve had problems in the past with ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS, this could be a great option for you.
They offer a few different checking account options suited to fit your needs. If you prefer a bare-bones account with just the necessities, we recommend Online Checking. With this account you will receive a free Visa debit card, access to online and mobile banking, and overdraft protection services. If you want an account with a few added benefits, we recommend Traditional Checking that is interest-bearing and includes unlimited check writing.
You can find First Southern National Bank branches located across the state in Nicholasville, Lancaster, Lexington, Princeton, and many other cities. Visit their website to find a convenient location near you!
Rather than going through ChexSystems, First State Bank utilizes a credit report to determine your eligibility for a checking account. They won’t necessarily look for a particular score, but they will look at the overall health of your report. You should have no problem getting an account as long as there aren’t too many negative entries.
Out of their five different checking options, we recommend the Free n’ Easy Checking account. After an initial deposit of at least $25 you won’t need to worry about pesky service charges or minimum balance requirements. The account comes with a debit card, free eStatements, and access to online and telephone banking.
To get started, visit one of their convenient locations in Hardinsburg, Irvington, or McDaniels. Everyday banking can be simple with a Free n’ Easy Checking account!
First United Bank & Trust Company wants to help you leave the past behind and move forward with Fresh Start Checking. This is a check-only account, but you can request the addition of an ATM/Debit card. After a year of positive account balance, you have the option of moving into a traditional checking account.
Fresh Start Checking makes it easy to always know where you stand. You have free access to online banking, mobile banking and bill pay. Your E-Statements include check images. Telephone banking allows you to check your balance 24 hours a day.
You can open a Fresh Start Checking account online with a $10 setup fee and a $50 minimum opening deposit. There is a $14 a month service fee and no minimum balance requirements. First United Bank has locations in Earlington, Beaver Dam, Marion and Madisonville. The Madisonville, Marion and Beaver Dam locations can instantly issue a debit card when you open an account.
Start Again Checking from FNB Bank is an excellent choice for a fresh start. If you’ve been turned down for checking accounts in the past, Start Again Checking is a simple way to rebuild a banking relationship.
Although there is a steep $100 minimum deposit, we like how easy FNB Bank makes managing your money through their in-branch Digital Guides. This service walks you through the process of using all of the online and mobile banking features offered with Start Again Checking. Don’t worry about getting it all under control in just one visit, you can always reach out to a Digital Guide for additional help at any time.
Start Again Checking has a $10 monthly service fee and no minimum balance requirements. You have unlimited check writing abilities. After twelve months of positive balance, you are eligible for a standard checking account.
Kentucky has FNB Bank locations in Mayfield, Paducah, Murray, Cadiz and Wingo.
When you apply for an account at Forcht Bank, they won’t use ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit report during the screening process. Instead, they only require two forms of ID. As long as you don’t owe them any money, your chances are good for getting an account.
We recommend their Easy Checking account if you want an easy, low-cost account for day-to-day spending. This account includes all the necessities such as online banking access, free eStatements, and a MasterCard debit card. You can also purchase checks and enable overdraft protection services. It’s important to note that there is a $50 minimum opening deposit and a $6 monthly service charge if your balance falls below $100.
To get started, contact one of their branches. You can find them all over the state of Kentucky including Barbourville, Burlington, Lexington, Louisville, Greensburg, and several other cities.
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
Sometimes people struggle and need a chance to start again from square one. That’s why Hearthside Bank of Kentucky created its Square One Checking. With this account, you will need a $50 to opening deposit, plus a one-time $10 activation fee.
Hearthside Bank also offers Overdraft Privilege, which means they’ll notify you if your transaction will overdraft your account so that you can manage your finances with confidence. Square One checking also rewards you for directly depositing your paychecks by discounting the steep monthly service fee from $19.99 to $12.99.
Once you’ve shown positive progress and kept your Square One Checking account in good standing for long enough, you can move up into a traditional checking account once again. For more details on the Square One Checking account, you can visit their website or one of their branches located in Middlesboro and Harlan.
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 minimum balance requirement. To learn more about this account, visit their website or visit one of over a dozen branches in Kentucky located in Owensboro, Henderson, Bowling Green, Louisville, and other cities.
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, work, worship, or attend school in Allen, Barren, Christian, Monroe, and Trigg Counties. You can also join if you have a relative that is already a member. Contact one of their branches in Hopkinsville or Scottsville 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 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.
South Central Bank offers Green Tree Renew Checking to those who don’t qualify for a traditional checking account. If you’ve had issues in the past with ChexSystems or have a damaged credit report, this account can help you rebuild a positive checking history.
Green Tree Renew Checking comes with a free Visa debit card and check writing abilities. There is a $50 required opening deposit as well as a $12.95 monthly service fee that can be reduced to $8.95 if you use direct deposit. After 12 months of good standing, you can request to upgrade to a Free Checking or Green Tree Checking account.
To open an account, you can apply via their website or visit one of their branches to apply in person. You can find South Central Bank branches in Glasgow, Cave City, Edmonton, Elizabethtown, Bowling Green, and several other cities across Kentucky.
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 Georgetown, 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 Stanton, Florence, and Louisville.
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.
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
Instead of resorting to ChexSystems, Wilson & Muir Bank will pull a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long your credit report is somewhat healthy and doesn’t reflect too many negative entries, you should be able to get an account.
If you’ve had issues in the past with checking accounts and want something affordable and hassle-free, check out their Free & Easy Checking account. There is a requirement opening deposit of at least $100, but after that the account is free of monthly service charges and balancer requirements. The account also includes unlimited check writing, access to online banking, and overdraft protection services.
Wilson & Muir Bank is entirely Kentucky-based and provides convenient branches located in Bardstown, Bloomfield, Vine Grove, Elizabethtown, Leitchfield, Big Clifty, and Louisville. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!
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. There are multiple Kentucky locations, especially in the Louisville and Lexington areas.
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.