In comparison to the rest of the United States, Louisiana has one of the highest populations of “unbanked” households, meaning that no one living in the home has a checking or savings account. To put it in perspective, there are 11.4% of unbanked households in the state, which equates to nearly 200,000 Louisiana homes.
There’s a whole laundry list of reasons why a person lives without a bank account. A survey by the FDIC shows that the majority of unbanked people cite that they don’t have enough money to meet minimum balance requirements or they simply don’t trust banks. A growing amount of the population has also experienced being blacklisted by a consumer reporting agency called ChexSystems, making it next to impossible to open an account.
If you’ve ever experienced hardships in the past when it comes to managing a bank account, you may have been reported to ChexSystems. Whether you’ve experienced a number of overdraft fees, unpaid debts, or involuntary account closures at a previous financial institution, ChexSystems will flag that behavior and keep it in its database for other financial institutions to see.
We can help you locate banks and credit unions in Louisiana that will look beyond a ChexSystems record and even a bad credit score. Our list contains banks and credit unions that offer second chance checking accounts that specialize in getting customers back into the banking system. In addition, some banks on this list won’t view your record with ChexSystems at all during the application process. Here are the banks and credit unions that want your business!
Second Chance Banking in Louisiana 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.
Alive Credit Union offers a second chance to consumers through their Fresh Start Checking account. In fact, this account is designed around helping you re-establish your checking account history.
The Fresh Start Checking account has a lower monthly fee of $5 and provides you with a free Visa debit card, access to online banking, and plenty of other general account perks. This account also includes a financial wellness counseling if you want to learn more about money managing strategies.
If you keep the account in good standing for 12 months, you’re eligible to upgrade to free checking or their other types of accounts! To apply for the account you can go on their website or visit their branch located in Hammond.
BancorpSouth has one of the best options if you want to get back on your feet fast. They offer a Budget Smart Checking account that rewards good financial behavior. With a Budget Smart Checking account, you can enjoy the ease of access to your funds with a debit card and free access to online budgeting tools to help you out.
With this account, you’ll also be eligible to level up to a regular checking account in as little as 12 months as long as no more blemishes pop up. This account costs only $5 monthly and requires a $25 deposit to open the account.
With plenty of locations, it will be easy to find a branch when needed. BancorpSouth has over 35 locations in Louisiana in cities such as Pineville, Alexandria, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and many others.
If you’ve had problems with a ChexSystems bank in the past, Bank of Montgomery (BOM) could be a good option for you. They utilize Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. Out of their several different account options, we recommend Economy Checking.
Economy Checking is an affordable account that comes with all the basics. You get access to online banking, unlimited check writing, and direct deposit if you choose to enroll. There is a $100 minimum required as an opening deposit as well as a moderate $7.50 monthly service fee if your balance falls below $500.
As the name would suggest, BOM is an Alabama-based bank and has several branches located in Montgomery, Natchitoches, Cloutierville, Many, and several other cities in Louisiana. You can visit their website to apply online or stop by a location most convenient to you!
BankPlus is here to help those who need financial help. If you’re in a situation where you’re unable to get a traditional checking account and want to rebuild your credit, they offer a product called CreditPlus.
In addition to a CreditPlus Checking account, you can use the product to help you get out of a Payday Lending cycle. They offer small, low-interest loans that are provided as an alternative to expensive Payday Lenders and Check Cashing services. To get started with any part of this program, you will need to complete a financial literacy course.
To open a CreditPlus Checking account, you will need $100 as an opening deposit. With locations in nine cities across Louisiana, it is definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for a helping hand with your finances. Their locations include Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, New Orleans, and several others.
If you have been turned down from a traditional checking account due to past financial hardships, Barksdale Federal Credit Union has you covered with their Fresh Start Checking account. Like the name would suggest, this account can provide you with a fresh start no matter what you’ve experienced in the past.
Fresh Start Checking comes with a free Visa debit card, unlimited check writing capabilities, and access to several online banking tools to help you keep track of your money. To open the account, you can either deposit at least $100 or set up direct deposit. There is a monthly service fee of $10 and an additional $6 fee if your balance falls below $200.
Barksdale FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Bossier, Caddo, Webster, Rapides, Allen or Grant parishes. There are also several other ways you can join. Visit their website or one of their branches in Shreveport, Fort Polk, Oakdale, and other cities across Louisiana to see if you’re eligible!
We like Community Bank of Louisiana because they do not use ChexSystems or Telecheck when they receive new account applications. Instead, all they require are two forms of ID; one of which is required to be government-issued.
We recommend the Traditional Personal Checking account because it’s a simple and affordable account. With this account you will receive a free debit card, access to online banking with bill pay, and unlimited check writing. If your balance falls below $1,000.01, you will only need to pay a $3.50 monthly service charge. We recommend enrolling in eStatements to avoid an additional $3.50 paper statement fee.
To get started, stop by one of Community Bank of Louisiana’s convenient branches located in Bossier City, Gloster, Logansport, Mansfield, Many, Shreveport, and Stonewall.
If you have a negative history with a ChexSystems bank but haven’t been reported to Telecheck, Crescent Bank may be a viable option for you. As long as there aren’t any red flags when they run a Telecheck report, you should be able to get an account.
We like their Personal Checking account because it provides you with a simple, straightforward way to manage your money. It’s important to note that there is a $100 required opening deposit and a monthly service charge that is dependent upon your balance. The higher your balance, the lower your service charge. The account also comes with online banking, unlimited check writing, and a debit card for everyday spending.
Crescent Bank has three locations in the greater New Orleans area including branches in Metairie and Mandeville. Stop by a branch today to get started!
Fort Sill National Bank is an excellent choice for those looking for second chance checking. Their Basic Checking account does not require a credit check. We like that you aren’t required to enroll in direct deposit or pay high service fees. If your account balance is over $75, your monthly service fee of $6 is waived. If your account balance is over $500, you begin to earn interest.
All you need is $5 to open an account at one of their branches in Bossier City or Shreveport. The Basic Checking account comes with:
- A free Visa CheckCard
- Unlimited check writing
- Surcharge-free ATM withdrawals at FSNB locations
- Access to the Savings Round Up program
- Online, mobile, and text checking options
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
Home Bank utilizes Telecheck in lieu of ChexSystems when you apply for a checking account. We recommend Choice Checking because it’s a low-cost account that is packed with noteworthy account features.
Choice Checking comes with all of the necessities like access to online banking with bill pay, free eStatements, a Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. All that is required is a $100 opening deposit. There is an $8 monthly service fee that can be waived by meeting one of the following transaction types each statement cycle:
- Write 5 checks
- Utilize bill pay 5 times
- Use your debit card for 5 point-of-sale transactions (excluding ATM transactions)
- OR if the primary account holder is 24 years and younger
You can apply for Choice Checking online or visit one of Home Bank’s branch locations. You can find them in cities across southern Louisiana including New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Slidell, and several others.
Hope Credit Union is looking out for those who need a second chance. If your credit is low or you’ve had issues with ChexSystems in the past, their Easy Checking may be a great option for you.
You’ll need to keep a $25 minimum balance, but the $9.95 monthly fee can be waived with a $200 minimum balance. Plus, there is an opening deposit of $25 that is required. On the upside, you’ll get a free debit card and free eStatements along with online banking, bill pay, mobile/smartphone app, free telephone customer service, and free direct deposit.
Hope Credit Union has 2 locations in Louisiana both located in New Orleans. You can open an account online or visit a branch nearest to you to apply in person.
Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union offers a clean slate to those who have a less-than-perfect banking history with their Second Chance Checking account. This account includes all the basics and can be an excellent first step in re-establishing yourself financially.
Second Chance Checking comes with a free Visa debit card and requires that you receive eStatements instead of paper statements each month. If you enroll in direct deposit, the monthly service fee of $11.95 will be reduced to $9.95. You can also access your balance any time of day via online banking.
Jefferson Financial FCU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of six eligible parishes. You can also join if you have a relative who is already a member or if you are a student or staff member at one of their eligible school systems. Their branches are located in and around New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Mandeville, and Lake Charles.
La Capitol Federal Credit Union is another example of a non-ChexSystems option that utilizes Telecheck instead. As long as there aren’t any red flags that come up with your Telecheck report, you should be able to get an account.
We like their Simple Checking account because it provides you with easy access to your money while remaining affordable. You can access your balance at any time using online banking or their smartphone mobile app. There is a monthly service fee of $8, but that can be waived if you enroll in direct deposit or use your debit card for non-ATM transactions at least 10 times throughout the month.
To get started with a Simple Checking account, you can fill out an application online or apply in-person at one of their branches in Pineville, Ruston, Alexandria, Oakdale, and several other cities across Louisiana.
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to start your financial future over again but being met by dead ends from banks that won’t give you a second chance. That’s why we like the Reboot Checking account from Louisiana FCU.
You only need $50 to open the account and the monthly maintenance fee is $10. Since direct deposit is required with Reboot Checking, your money will go right into your account on payday to encourage you to spend wisely. You’ll also get a debit card to help you spend only what’s in your account, as well as overdraft protection when you link your savings account.
Once you’ve kept your account in good standing for the allotted time and met the other requirements, you can seamlessly move over to a traditional checking account and continue improving your financial future. To open an account, visit one of their branches located in Gonzales, Gramercy, Hammond, LaPlace, and Norco.
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
Instead of referring to your ChexSystems report, Neighbors Federal Credit Union utilizes Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. If you’re looking for a free checking account that rewards you for spending money, look no further than the Free Cash Back Checking account.
This account only requires a $25 opening deposit and won’t charge you any monthly service fees. Plus, if you use direct deposit and enroll in eStatements, you become eligible to receive cashback on everyday purchases. You can earn up to $300 in cashback rewards every year!
Neighbors FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of nine eligible parishes. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Port Allen, Prairieville, Zachary, or Walker to see if you are eligible!
New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union is a non-ChexSystems option that runs a report through Telecheck instead. As long as everything comes up clear, you should have no problem getting an account.
We like their InControl Checking account because it provides you with great benefits while remaining low in cost. This account comes with online banking with bill pay, a free debit card, and overdraft protection services. You can also waive the $4 monthly service fee by signing up for eStatements or use your debit card eight times throughout the month. If you fulfill both of those requirements, they will even refund you on ATM fees!
As the name would suggest, New Orleans Firemen’s FCU extends membership to current or retired New Orleans firefighters. They also extend membership to those who are employed by one of their select employee groups and those who have a connection to St. James, Tangipahoa, and Plaquemines Parishes. Contact a branch location nearest you to see if you’re eligible!
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.
Pelican State Credit Union offers their Horizon Checking account to anyone who has been turned down by other financial institutions. We recommend this account especially for those who have low credit scores and want to improve their credit standing.
Horizon Checking has a $10 monthly service fee and comes with online banking capabilities, free eStatements, and a free Visa debit card. This account is unlike other second chance accounts because it gives you the opportunity to apply for a traditional account after only six consecutive months of good standing! We think that is definitely worth noting.
All that it takes to open a Horizon Checking account is a $25 initial deposit. Pelican State CU offers membership to anyone who lives in Rapides, St. Landry, or St. Tammany Parish. You can also join if you are part of one of their select employee groups. Their branches are located all over Louisiana in cities including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and many others.
Opening a Fresh Start Checking account with Red River Credit Union can be a great step towards better financial wellness; even if you have a ChexSystems record. This account has most of the benefits of a standard checking account for a reasonable price.
Benefits include a free Visa debit card with purchase alerts, access to online banking, and a reasonable maintenance fee of $10 a month. This account also offers money management tools that can help you stay on track with your finances.
To become a member of RRCU, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Caddo or Bossier Parish. You can also join if you have a relative who is already a member. To see if you’re eligible, visit their website or contact one of their branches in Shreveport.
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.
Southwest Louisiana Credit Union offers its members a true second chance when it comes to re-establishing your banking history. Their Fresh Start Checking account can help you keep track of your money while keeping costs down.
When you apply for the account, you will need $50 for the opening deposit and two forms of ID. There is a moderate monthly service charge of $10, but in turn you get a free Visa debit card, overdraft protection from your savings, and free online banking access. It’s important to note that with this account there are daily limits on ATM use and debit card transactions.
Southwest Louisiana CU extends membership to anyone who is a relative of a current member or anyone who works for one of their select employee groups. Their select employer list includes hundreds of businesses in the area, so there’s a good chance you or someone you know is eligible. Contact one of their branches in Lake Charles or Sulphur to see if you can join!
The First Bank offers an entire program developed to assist customers who need a myriad of financial tools to help them better their finances. TheFirst Step Checking account is a great place to start if you’re looking for a low maintenance account that comes with most of the perks of a traditional checking account.
A small $15 deposit is required to open TheFirst Step Checking account and there is no minimum balance required to keep the account open. We like this account because the monthly maintenance fee is only $3! You also get a debit or ATM card, but there are no paper checks are allowed.
After six months of opening the account, you can request a review to determine if you qualify for an account upgrade. Through this program at The First Bank, you can also gain access to loan services that have fewer requirements compared to other loans out there. To open an account, visit one of their branches in New Orleans, Prairieville, Baton Rouge, and several other locations in Louisiana.
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
Rather than referring to a ChexSystems report, WESLA Federal Credit Union utilizes Telecheck to screen new applicants. If you prefer a checking account free of service charges and overbearing requirements, look no further than their Free Checking account.
With Free Checking you can enjoy all of the necessities like overdraft protection, direct deposit, and monthly statements. This account doesn’t have any service charges, minimum balance requirements, or per-check charges. All that is required to get started is a $25 into a savings account to establish membership. They will deduct $5 from that amount as a one-time fee, but the rest will remain in the savings account.
WESLA FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Caddo or Bossier Parish. Family members of current members are also welcome to join. You can find several branch locations in Shreveport and Bossier City for your convenience.
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 monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. Woodforest offers:
- Online and mobile banking
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Additional financial services to meet your needs
All services are easily managed online or in-person at branches in Walmart Supercenters across the US. Woodforest National Bank has countless locations in cities across Louisiana including New Orleans, Monroe, Alexandria, Lake Charles, 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.