According to a study by the FDIC, 5.7% of households in Michigan are “unbanked”, meaning no one in the household has a checking or savings account. This may not seem like a large number, but it accounts for over 200,000 households in the state that don’t have any bank accounts at all.
There are plenty of reasons why people choose to live without a bank account. Many people don’t have enough money to meet the minimum balance requirements, while others distrust the big banks to keep their money safe. In addition, a growing amount of people are reported to a company called ChexSystems after dealing with banking hardships at a previous bank.
ChexSystems is designed to be a safety net to protect banks from people who use a bank account to commit fraud or identity theft. The problem is that ChexSystems ends up blacklisting everyday people for lesser offenses like unpaid debts, too many overdraft fees, or involuntary account closures. People make mistakes, so why wouldn’t you deserve a second chance?
You have options. Despite ChexSystems being used in the majority of banks across the country, there are still banks out there that want your business! Many institutions offer second chance checking accounts, which are designed for those who have had difficulties in the past. Others don’t use ChexSystems at all during the application process. In fact, some may not even look at your credit score to determine your eligibility!
Here are our top picks that we’ve researched that are sure to give you the checking account that you deserve.
Second Chance Banking in Michigan 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.
If you’re looking for a wide array of options, then Advantage One Credit Union is a great choice for you. Advantage One Credit Union has up to 4 different checking account options, each designed to meet a different need.
What’s great about Advantage One Credit Union is that they offer accounts that far outpace traditional checking accounts when it comes to interest and benefits. If you want a checking account that makes your money work for you, this is the ideal choice.
Advantage One Credit Union even has a checking account designed specifically for veterans to provide them with more benefits than any other account they offer.
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.
Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union offers a simple solution for those who have been turned down for traditional bank accounts in the past. Their New Beginnings Checking account comes with all the basics and can be a good first step in rebuilding a positive banking history.
The account comes with an ATM card, unlimited check writing, and online banking access. After a period of good standing, you can apply for a standard account. To get started you will need to deposit $5 into a savings account to establish your membership at Birmingham Bloomfield CU.
To get started, you can call, email or visit one of their several locations in Birmingham, Holly, Lake Orion, or Waterford.
Instead of consulting your ChexSystems report, Central Savings Bank pulls a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long as you don’t have too many negative entries on your credit report you should be able to get an account.
Out of their two checking account options, we recommend the Personal No Charge Checking account. It’s a simple account that doesn’t require a minimum balance and won’t charge any monthly service fees. To get started, they require an initial deposit and two forms of ID.
Central Savings Bank is Michigan-based and has nine locations in the state. You can find branches in Sault Ste. Marie, Kincheloe, Cedarville, Pickford, St. Ignace, DeTour Village, Rudyard, and Mackinac Island.
Community First Federal Credit Union is a non-ChexSystems bank that pulls a credit report when screening new applicants. As long as your credit is somewhat healthy, you should have no problem getting an account.
They offer one general Checking Account that comes with all of the basics like a debit card, checks for purchase, free eStatements, and access to online banking. We like this account because you can be paid dividends each month if your daily balance is more than $1,000.
To get started, become a member of Community First FCU by applying at one of their branches and pay a $10 membership fee. You can find them located in Lakeview, Howard City, Trufant, and Morley.
Consumers Credit Union is another example of an institution that utilizes your credit report in lieu of ChexSystems. If your main issue has been with ChexSystems and your credit report has remained intact, this may be an excellent option for you.
We like their Simple Checking account because it’s very affordable and includes all of the necessities. You can enjoy a free debit card, access to online banking, unlimited check writing, and access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Plus, if you enroll in eStatements you won’t have to pay any monthly service fees!
You can find Consumers CU branches across southeast Michigan. They’re located in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Holland, Kalamazoo, and many other cities and towns. Stop by a branch nearest you to get started!
Instead of using ChexSystems, Copoco Community Credit Union utilizes Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for an account. They offer two general Checking Account options; one with direct deposit and the other without direct deposit.
If you enroll in direct deposit, there are no monthly service fees. If direct deposit is not an option, there is only a monthly service fee of $2 if your balance falls below $300. Both accounts come with a free MasterCard debit card, overdraft privilege to those who qualify, and even a free order of checks!
Copoco Community CU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Bay, Arenac Midland, Saginaw, Isabella, and Gladwin Counties. There are other ways to join, so visit their website to see if you qualify. Their branches are located in Bay City and Saginaw.
CoVantage Credit Union pulls a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long as your credit is in decent condition, you should be able to get an account. They offer one personal checking account option called Fee-Free Checking.
Like the name would suggest, the account does not have any monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. You will also receive a free debit card, online and mobile banking, and overdraft protection services. We like this account because you are able to earn dividends on your balance if it is above $500.
CoVantage Credit Union is primarily based in Wisconsin, but you can find their Michigan branches in Crystal Falls, Iron River, and Menominee. Contact a branch nearest you to see if you qualify for membership!
The Basic Checking account from Credit Union One is designed to be a second chance checking account that allows people to build up their banking history. With only a $25 deposit required to open an account, it is easier than ever to gain access to a checking account regardless of your history.
One of the benefits of this second chance opportunity for a bank account is that you will experience many of the benefits that standard checking accounts are able to enjoy. This includes things like access to 30,000 free ATMs nationwide, low monthly fees, and automatic bill pay. If you want to enjoy an array of checking account features in a second-chance checking account, this is the perfect way to do it.
Credit Union One offers membership to anyone who lives or works in the state of Michigan. You can find their branches located in cities including Troy, Sterling, Ferndale, Traverse City, and dozens more.
Eaton Community Bank will approve you for an account based on your standing with Telecheck. As long as everything checks out, your history with ChexSystems will not be a factor. If you’re looking for an account that is simple and fee-free, look no further than their Everyday Checking account.
To open an account, all you need is a $50 deposit. From there, you won’t need to worry about any pesky monthly service fees. The account also includes a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and overdraft protection services. There is a fee for paper statements, so be sure to enroll in eStatements to avoid the fee.
To get started, contact one of their convenient locations in Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Gregory, Nashville, Olivet, and Stockbridge.
If you have had issues with ChexSystems banks in the past, Family First Credit Union could be a viable option for you. They use a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. As long as they don’t see anything of concern on your report, you should be good to go.
Their Basic Checking account comes with a free debit card, no minimum balance requirements, and even a free first box of checks! You can avoid the monthly service fee by enrolling in eStatements. You can also earn interest on balances over $2,500.
You can apply for membership online or visit one of their branches in Saginaw or Freeland to apply in person.
First Independence Bank has a good option for people who want control of their own money with tools to help them manage it wisely. If you are starting over again after making some common banking mistakes, First Choice Checking could be the answer you’re looking for.
First Choice Checking gives you easy access to your money with free online banking, mobile deposits, and bill pay options. You won’t ever incur overdraft fees and there’s only a $3 monthly maintenance fee. This account also includes free eStatements, and paper statements only cost $2. We like this account because you’re able to apply online and don’t have to visit a branch to get started.
When you open up your First Choice Checking account, it comes with a combined ATM/debit card with moderate limits to help you stay in control of your spending. Once you’ve kept your account in good standing for the required amount of time, you can upgrade to a traditional checking account. Both of their Michigan branches are located in Detroit.
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
If you are looking for an account that is very easy to start, then this Fresh Start Checking by Horizon Bank is a great option. This Fresh Start account does not require that you open the account with any minimum balance, which creates as little barrier of entry as any bank in the state.
As far as maintenance fees, it’s about as low as it gets. It only costs $5 a month to maintain your account and get access to a variety of features that will make your financial life easier and set you on the right track to getting things back in order.
You can use a Fresh Start account to pay bills, make deposits, and do any other banking that you need to. If you keep the account in good standing, you can easily upgrade to a standard account. Horizon Bank’s Michigan branches are in Midland and Grand Rapids for your convenience.
IH Credit Union is another example of an option that will refer to your credit report rather than your history with ChexSystems. As long as your credit report doesn’t have too many negative entries, you should be good to go.
We recommend their Step Up Free Checking account because it is simple and easy to keep open. With this account you won’t need to worry about pesky monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer direct deposit services and provide free eStatements each month.
IH CU is primarily Ohio-based, but they offer services to any resident of the state of Michigan. You can become a member by joining the American Consumer Council, which is a non-profit organization that is free to join. At this time they only have physical branches located in Ohio.
Looking for a fresh start? Then check out the Fresh Start Checking account from Marshall Community Credit Union. This checking account is designed to help those with a checkered past when it comes to checking accounts and financial history.
Many banks will turn people away based on this, but this Fresh Start Checking account is much more forgiving. For that reason, you might find it to be a great option for you. Though the account doesn’t afford you every feature that a standard checking account has, it does provide you with many of the essential ones such as bill pay, check writing, debit card use, and online banking.
To open a Fresh Start Checking account, you will need to pay a fee of $8 per month. You can reduce the cost by $1 if you enroll in eStatements and further reduce it by $2 if you use direct deposit. Marshall Community CU has offices in Marshall, Battle Creek, and Coldwater.
The Pathways Checking account was established to help anyone gain access to crucial banking features that they need. It is comparable to other second chance accounts that are offered to those wanting to rebuild a positive banking history.
With their user in mind, Meijer Credit Union has custom-tailored the features of this checking account by providing no minimum monthly balance, online banking, bill pay, e-statements, and debit card use. All of this is available for a $5 a month fee. Everyone qualifies for this checking account.
We like this account because you can easily apply online. Meijer CU has two branches located in Grand Rapids and Rockford.
With only a $25 minimum deposit required, this Fresh Start Checking account by Members First Credit Union is the perfect way to get started back on the path to success. This checking account is designed for those with past checking account trouble, but you wouldn’t know it based on the number of features that it has available.
With online banking, check writing, ATM access, and a plethora of other features, this checking account will give you everything you need to function in the economy and practice responsible money management. Also, the monthly service fee is only &7.95 if you enroll in direct deposit.
Anyone that is a resident of Michigan is welcome to join Members First CU. You can apply for an account online or visit one of their several branches in Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Gladwin, Clare, Harrison, Evart, Grand Rapids, and Jenison.
For just $20 a month, you can have access to a traditional checking account once again. Though the Classic Checking account by MFCU is billed as a second chance checking account, it has all of the features that you could want of a regular checking account. The fees are higher due to the nature of the account, but you can switch to a Premier Checking account after six months of keeping your account in good standing.
A Premier Checking account is free on a monthly basis. With either of these accounts, there is no monthly minimum balance and you will gain access to over 30,000 free ATMs. You’re provided with one free ATM withdrawal a month with an out-of-network ATM, which is more than plenty for most people.
Membership is available to all residents of Michigan. Visit their website to apply for membership or stop by one of their branches in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.
This second chance checking account is called Rebuild Checking and is offered by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. This checking account only costs $10 a month in maintenance fees and provides you with access to all the features you need to manage your money including direct deposit and online bill pay.
Access your account any time of the day or night with online banking or by visiting one of their many branch locations in the greater Lansing area. You can write unlimited checks and bank easily. Most importantly, however, you’ll be able to rebuild your banking history in the hopes for a better future.
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.
Instead of using ChexSystems, Portland Federal Credit Union pulls a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. They offer a general checking account that provides everything you need to manage your money while avoiding excessive fees.
Once you get an account, there is no minimum balance or monthly service charge. You get access to online banking with bill pay, a PFCU debit card, and checks for purchase. The account is also available with Courtesy Pay that can help you avoid overdraft fees.
To get started, you can apply for membership to PFCU on their website. Their branches are located across the state in Portland, Ionia, Westphalia, Lake Odessa, Lansing, Lowell, Caledonia, Durand, Flint, Genesee, Owosso, Swartz Creek, and Flint.
Instead of looking at your ChexSystems record, Public Service Credit Union utilizes Telecheck when screening new applicants. If you prefer a checking account that comes with all of the basics for a low cost, we recommend the Basic Checking account.
Basic Checking includes helpful features such as online and mobile banking access, a debit card, and free bill pay. You will also need to pay a moderate monthly service fee of $8.95 if your balance falls below $250. If you use direct deposit and receive $800 or more monthly, you may want to sign up for a Direct Advantage Checking account to avoid those monthly fees.
To get started, visit their website or one of their branches in Romulus, Detroit, Flat Rock, Garden City, Grosse Ile, Trenton, Taylor, Oak Park, or Redford!
We like Settlers Federal Credit Union because they only require applicants to provide a valid form of government-issued ID when opening an account. They offer one Share Draft Checking account that is suitable for everyone.
We like that the account comes with all of the basics like a MasterCard debit card, overdraft protection services, and fee-free ATM access. You even get the opportunity to earn dividends on your account that are paid quarterly. This Share Draft Checking account is very simple and is a great option for day-to-day spending.
To open an account, you will need to join the credit union first. Settlers FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Ontonagon or Gogebic Counties. They have two offices located in Bruce Crossing and Watersmeet.
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.
Rather than looking at your ChexSystems report, South Central Credit Union pulls a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long as your credit is in decent shape, you should be able to get an account.
Their general Checking Account is fee-free and comes with all of the necessities. We like this account because it doesn’t even require an opening deposit to get started! Once it’s opened, you get access to online banking with bill pay, free eStatements, direct deposit, and overdraft privilege services. You also get a MasterCard debit card for everyday purchases.
There are countless ways to be eligible for membership at South Central CU. Visit their website to see all of the qualifications for membership or visit their main branch in Jackson.
At Straits Area Credit Union, they only require a form of government-issued ID when you apply for a checking account. As long as no red flags pop up when they run your information through their system, you should be good to go.
Their Totally FREE Checking account is… well… totally free! You won’t need to worry about any monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. You also get the basics like online banking, a MasterCard debit card, and access to over 28,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
Unfortunately, you can’t apply for this account online, but you can stop by a Straits Area CU location in Cheboygan, Indian River, and Mackinaw City. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!
Tahquamenon Area Credit Union is another option that only requires a government-issued ID when you first apply for an account. As long as no red flags pop up on their end, you should be able to get an account with ease.
They offer a general Share Draft Checking account that has no minimum balance requirement after the first week or two of the account being opened. This account has a low monthly service fee and includes a MasterCard debit card for everyday use. It’s important to note that there is a $2,000 daily spending limit to prevent fraud, but if you need that changed you just have to contact one of their branches.
To become a member at Tahquamenon Area CU, you are required to deposit $5 into a savings account. They offer membership to anyone who lives or works in Luce, Chippewa, Mackinac, Schoolcraft and Alger Counties. You can also join if you live or work in Seney or Burt. They have three convenient branches located in Newberry, Engadine, and Rudyard.
If your main issue is with ChexSystems and your credit report remains somewhat intact, TBA Credit Union is likely to offer you an account. We like their Free Checking account because it doesn’t include any excessive fees or requirements.
With this account you receive a free debit card, access to online banking and a smartphone app, and free eStatements each month. You can get peace of mind knowing you won’t be charged for any monthly service fees or required to have a minimum balance in your account. Plus, you get access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide!
To see if you’re eligible for membership, you can contact one of their branches in Traverse City. After an initial deposit into a savings account, you will be on your way to re-establishing a positive banking history!
Team One Credit Union utilizes a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems when you apply for a checking account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, there’s a good chance you will get an account.
If you prefer simple, no-fuss options for checking, look no further than their Standard Checking account. You get a free personalized debit card, unlimited check writing, and online banking access to manage your money any time of day. You also can earn dividends on your balance of $1,000 or more!
To get started, you can apply for an account online. Anyone who is living, working, worshipping, or attending school in Michigan is welcome to join Team One CU. You can find their branches located in Bay City, Flint, Owosso, and Saginaw.
Right Start Checking from UNIFY Financial Credit Union is perfect for those starting out with a new checking account. You can easily open a UNIFY account online with a $25 deposit. You aren’t required to have a minimum balance or direct deposit for this opportunity to build a positive checking account history.
All UNIFY checking accounts offer:
- Free online eBanking
- Free Visa debit card
- Free UNIFY ATM access
- Free online eStatements
- No check fees
UNIFY FCU has branches located in Ann Arbor and York. They are also in-network with dozens of co-op branches throughout Michigan where you can handle most of your in-person banking needs.
If you’ve been turned down from a ChexSystems bank in the past, United Bay Community Credit Union may be a viable option for you. They refer to Telecheck when verifying new account inquiries.
A general checking account doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement and provides you with access to online banking with bill pay. In addition, you get access to thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide. The account is very simple but will help you rebuild a positive checking history nonetheless.
We like United Bay Community CU because they allow all residents of Michigan to join. You can find their branches located across the state in Bay City, Pinconning, Portage, and Mattawan.
Finding a bank account when you have a troubled record is more difficult than it should be. However, United Financial Credit Union is here to help. They offer a Fresh Start Checking account that allows you to get back on track and overcome past hardships. If you are looking for an account that will provide you with access to crucial banking features, this is a great choice.
This Fresh Start account offers you the opportunity to upgrade your account in 6 months as long as you keep the account in good standing. It represents one of the easiest paths towards financial success after a checkered history with checking accounts. You’ll be able to enjoy online banking, bill pay, and check writing all for a low $5 monthly service charge.
United Financial CU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in any county in the State of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. You can print out an application online or apply in-person at one of their branches located in Auburn, Saginaw, Chesaning, Freeland, and Bay City.
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.
Vibe Credit Union is an excellent choice for those who have a somewhat healthy credit report. Regardless of your ChexSystems history, you should be able to get a checking account if your credit has remained intact.
Their general checking account includes all of the necessities such as online banking access, access to thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide, and a free debit card for day-to-day purchases. We like this account because it won’t charge you a monthly service fee if you enroll in eStatements.
Vibe CU has 14 locations in Michigan. You can find them in cities including Berkley, Clarkston, Novi, Oxford, and several others. Visit their website to apply for membership or visit a branch nearest you to apply in person!
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
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.