If you’ve struggled with unpaid bank fees or bounced checks, odds are that you’ve received negative marks in the ChexSystems database. And since most banks and credit unions in New York use the ChexSystems database to screen new accounts, getting a new account can seem almost impossible.
That is why so many New Yorkers turn to payday loans, check-cashing services, and other non-traditional financial alternatives. But there is another way.
There are banks and credit unions who want your business. They offer second chance checking accounts. Even if you’ve struggled with bad credit or have been flagged in ChexSystems. Some of these banks and/or credit unions have branches throughout the state, while others have online offerings with all the perks and none of the fees. Your banking past doesn’t need to dictate your banking future.
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance checking accounts. We’ve selected the best accounts in New York based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. Best of all, you can open an account today!
Second Chance Banking in New York 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.
The people over at Adirondack Regional FCU understand that your past banking history shouldn’t determine your financial future. They offer their New Beginnings Checking account to anyone with less-than-perfect credit, a history of bounced checks, unpaid fees, or account closures.
The only difference between this second chance account and one of their standard checking accounts is that they monitor your overdraft fees differently. As long as you have less than 5 overdrafts within the first 12 months, you become eligible to upgrade to a standard checking account.
New Beginnings Checking does not have any transaction limits or minimum balance fees. It’s a simple, straightforward account. To get started, visit their website or one of their locations in Plattsburg, Tupper Lake, and Potsdam.
We highly recommend Affinity Federal Credit Union if you’ve had trouble getting a checking account in the past. They don’t use ChexSystems or a credit score when you apply for an account. All that you’ll need to provide are two forms of ID, one being government-issued.
Once you’re approved as a member, you’ll be able to get an Affinity Cash Back Debit account. There is no minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly fees if you opt for eStatements! Plus, you’ll receive 1% cashback on all the transactions you make with your debit card. We don’t see account features like these every day!
Becoming a member at Affinity FCU is accessible to everyone in the state. If you don’t live within their eligible communities, all you have to do is donate $5 to one of their financial literacy organizations. They have quite a few branches in New York in cities including Stony Point, Bardonia, Greenburgh, and several others.
Ally Bank has been one of the most highly rated online banks for the past several years. It’s not because they have the most features, but because they consistently make their customers delighted with the features the bank offers.
For starters, there’s no minimum opening deposit required. Ally doesn’t charge any monthly maintenance fee and there is no overdraft fee (more on that below). You’ll have access to 43,000+ ATMs and Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle if you get charged for using another institution’s machine.
You’ll become eligible for Ally’s overdraft program called CoverDraft 30 days after depositing a total of $100. Ally will activate CoverDraft automatically and send you an email when they do. You can turn CoverDraft off at any time, as long as your account balance isn’t negative. Otherwise, Ally will decline the transaction without payment. In either case, you won’t be charged an overdraft fee.
We like that you can use Zelle to send and receive money, get paid up to 2 days sooner with early direct deposit, and deposit checks remotely with Ally eCheck Deposit. We also like that Ally has high approval rates as long as you don’t have a ChexSystems or EWS fraud alert in your past.
For individuals who live in the Ithaca area and are looking to rebuild their financial standing, a Fresh Start Checking account with Alternatives Federal Credit Union is the perfect solution. With no minimum opening deposit, it’s easy to get started.
Simply visit your closest Alternatives Federal Credit Union branch to open your own account today. With your new Fresh Start Checking account, you’ll get unlimited check writing, online and mobile banking, and free eStatements. We like this account because there are no monthly service fees!
Alternatives Federal Credit Union has one location in Ithaca and is in-network with other co-op shared branches where you can conduct most of your in-person banking needs.
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems record, Armed Forces Bank will refer to a credit report and Certegy check services to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you only have issues with ChexSystems, there’s a good chance you will be approved.
We like their Access Checking account because it provides all of the banking necessities while remaining affordable. The account comes with digital banking access, free eStatements, a free Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. To waive the moderate $10 monthly service charge, you just need to enroll in direct deposit.
To get started, all you will need is $25 for an initial deposit. As the name may suggest, Armed Forces Bank offers accounts to anyone who is actively enrolled or retired from the U.S. Army. You can find their New York branch located on-base at Fort Drum.
If you’re looking to avoid banks that use ChexSystems during the screening process, look no further than Bank of Richmondville. They will not look at your ChexSystems history when you apply for an account.
Out of their several different checking options, we like their Basic Checking account because it provides you with the necessities while remaining affordable. There is a $25 required opening deposit and a monthly service fee of only $3. With this account, you will receive an ATM card, access to online banking with bill pay, and overdraft protection linked to a savings account.
As the name would suggest, Bank of Richmondville is based out of Richmondville. They also have other branches located in Cobleskill and Schoharie. Visit their website or a branch nearest you to get started!
If you’ve been turned down by other banks, we recommend the Pathway Checking account from Bank OZK. Many accounts limit your access to features, but this second-chance checking option gives you all the benefits of a traditional checking account.
There is a minimum opening balance of $50 and a $10 monthly service fee. However, there is no minimum balance requirement. Pathway Checking includes:
- Free debit card
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free telephone banking
- Free online bill pay
- eStatements
- Unlimited check writing
Bank OZK offers a branch location in New York City at Rockefeller Plaza, but most people open the account online.
BankUnited is a great example of a bank that is more lenient with ChexSystems when it comes to opening new checking accounts. If you only have one bank that reported you to ChexSystems, all items on your record are paid, and there is no indication of fraud, it’s likely you’ll be approved for an account.
We like their Value Checking because it offers the basics and is a low-cost account. It requires a $50 opening deposit and has a $7 monthly service fee that can be waived in one of three ways:
- Maintain an average monthly balance of $500 or more
- Enroll in direct deposit and receive $500 or more in your account each month
- Use your BankUnited debit card ten times or more each statement cycle
You can find four BankUnited locations across the state of New York in Brooklyn, Melville, and New York City.
Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union has their own way of screening new accounts instead of relying on ChexSystems. If your main issue has been with a ChexSystems bank, this may be a good option for you.
We recommend their Simple Checking account as an easy way to manage your money. The account comes with an ATM or debit card and includes unlimited debit transactions. You will also get access to online banking with bill pay and 4 free ATM withdrawals each month. There is a low monthly service fee of $6 and can be waived if your balance remains above $1200.
As the name would suggest, Brooklyn Cooperative FCU extends membership to anyone who has a connection to one of their eligible districts in Brooklyn and Queens. Visit their website or one of their branches in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick to get started!
Centennial Bank offers a second chance account with the opportunity to move up to a regular checking account. Their Opportunity 100 Checking account helps you rebuild your checking history. If you keep the account in good standing for one year, you can upgrade to a traditional checking account!
Although there is a $100 minimum deposit to open the account, Centennial Bank does not require a minimum daily balance. If you sign up for direct deposit, your monthly service charge is reduced from $12.95 to $9.95. With Opportunity 100 Checking, you receive:
- Surcharge-Free ATM access
- Online banking, mobile app, and text options
- Internet bill pay and mobile payment options
- Coin machine transactions
- Free eStatements
It’s important to note that this account must be opened in person. Centennial Bank has one location in New York located in New York City.
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS, Compass Credit Union requires a proper form of ID to become a member and get an account. They offer membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, volunteers, or attends school in Oswego county.
Once you deposit $5 into a savings account to establish your membership, you can apply for a Share Draft Checking account that comes with all of the necessities. The account comes with access to online and mobile banking, optional direct deposit, and even a free first box of checks! We like this account because there are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fees.
To get started, visit their website or contact one of their branches in Oswego and Fulton to see if you’re eligible for membership.
Individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Erie County are eligible for a 2nd Chance Checking account with Financial Trust Federal Credit Union. This account has been crafted to provide those with past financial hardships a second chance at proper money management.
With just a $10 monthly maintenance fee, this account has some of the lowest fees around. To open your own 2nd Chance Checking account, stop by your local branch to get started. Your new account will allow you access to all the following benefits: free bill pay, Visa check card, direct deposit, and unlimited check writing.
Financial Trust Federal Credit Union has locations in Cheektowaga, West Seneca, Orchard Park, Grand Island, Blasdell, and Buffalo for your financial convenience.
Fulton Savings Bank offers a checking account designed for individuals who have had banking challenges in the past and are working to improve their financial reputation.
Their New Opportunity Checking account features unlimited check writing, no per-check charges, a free debit card, and access to online, mobile, and telephone banking services. There is a $9.95 monthly service fee that can be reduced to $7.95 if you set up direct deposit.
To apply for the account, you will need to visit one of their branches. Fulton Savings Bank has one branch in Fulton and one in Baldwinsville for your convenience.
For individuals who have had past financial difficulties, the Fresh Start Checking account with Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union is the perfect option to help manage your finances. This account is available for a low monthly maintenance fee of $6 and comes with consistent financial support from the staff at Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union.
Your account includes bill pay services, online and mobile banking, and e-statements. You’ll be able to upgrade to a free checking account after six months without any negative activity. To open your own account, visit one of their locations to get started.
Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union has convenient locations in Geneseo, Warsaw, and Dansville.
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
When you apply for Maple City Savings Bank, they only require that you provide proper ID. Valid forms of ID can be an unexpired New York State license or passport. Once you’re approved, we recommend applying for a Free Checking account.
Free Checking is a simple, hassle-free account that can help you stay on top of your finances. We like this account because you won’t have to worry about any pesky monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. You also receive a free Visa debit card, gain access to online banking, and even earn competitive interest! There is a $25 opening deposit required.
To get started, you can easily apply for the account online or visit one of their two locations both located in Hornell.
If you’ve had problems in the past with ChexSystems but your credit has remained intact, Meridia Community Credit Union could be a great option for you. They refer to your credit report to determine your eligibility. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, you should have no problem getting an account.
They offer one general Checking Account that doesn’t require an initial opening deposit or minimum balance. The account also comes with overdraft protection, free mobile check deposit, and a free Visa debit card.
You will need to apply for membership to Meridia Community Credit Union. Once approved, you can add checking to your account on their website or in-person at one of their branches in Hamburg and Eden.
To apply for a checking account at Mohawk Progressive Federal Credit Union, all that is required is a form of valid identification. Regardless of your history with ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS, you still may be able to get an account.
Their general Share Draft Checking account comes with all of the necessities while avoiding unnecessary fees. There is no minimum balance requirement, no monthly service charge, and no per-check fees. We like they offer overdraft privilege services and provide you with your first 40 checks for free!
To become a member at Mohawk Progressive FCU, you must live in Schenectady or work for one of their eligible employee groups. To see if you qualify, visit their website or contact one their branch in Schenectady.
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
Neighborhood Trust Federal Credit Union only requires a valid form of government-issued ID as well as a proof of address when you apply for an account. If you have negative marks with ChexSystems, this may be a good option for you.
They offer one general Share Draft Checking account that provides you with a simple and affordable way to access your money. There is a required $25 opening deposit and a $6.50 that can be waived if you keep a minimum balance of $500 or enroll in a qualifying direct deposit. Share Draft checking includes a debit card, checks, online and mobile banking, and free eStatements.
To become a member at Neighborhood Trust FCU, you can apply online or visit their location in New York City.
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.
If you apply for an account at People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union, they won’t look at your ChexSystems report or EWS status. Instead, they will use Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for an account. Out of their several different checking account options, we like PAFCU Standard Checking the best.
Standard Checking is inexpensive and includes all the basics. You won’t need to worry about any minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. If you want an account that earns dividends or is designed for members 55 and older, they have options for that as well.
PAFCU has a myriad of membership eligibility requirements, so feel free to visit their website or one of their branches located in Jamaica, Brooklyn, Ronkonkoma, Hauppauge, Westbury, or Yonkers to see if you qualify!
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems report, Rochester and Monroe County Employees Credit Union uses an Experian credit report. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, you should be good to go.
Their internet presence is limited, but they offer a Checking Account with all of the basics like debit/ATM cards, access to online banking, payroll deduction, and direct deposit.
Rochester and Monroe extends membership to all employees working for the City of Rochester and the City of Monroe. They also extend the membership circle to a few other surrounding towns and villages. Visit their website or contact one of their branches in Rochester to see if they’re a good fit for you!
If your main issue is with ChexSystems and your credit report has remained somewhat healthy, RT Federal Credit Union may be a good option for you. As long as your report does not have too many negative entries, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get an account.
RT FCU is another option that unfortunately does not have an outstanding internet presence. However, they do offer a general Checking Account that comes with a few simple features like online banking, a free Visa debit card, fee-free ATM access, and direct deposit.
RT FCU extends membership to anyone who works for one of their select employee groups. You can also join if you are a student, employee, or retiree from one of over a dozen eligible schools in New York. You can find their branch located in Rome.
Sidney Federal Credit Union reportedly does not use ChexSystems when verifying new accounts. So if you’ve been reported by a ChexSystems bank in the past, this may be a viable option for you.
They offer one general checking account that is jam packed with nice features. There are no minimum balance requirements or monthly service charges to worry about. You also get access to online and mobile banking, a MasterCard debit card, and if you enroll in direct deposit you will receive free checks!
To become a member at Sidney FCU, you must live, work, or attend school in Oneonta, Sidney, or the surrounding areas. To get started, you can apply for membership online or apply in-person at one of their nine branches in Walton, Oneonta, Norwich, Hancock, Greene, Delhi, Bainbridge, and Sidney.
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.
UFirst Federal Credit Union is known to only require a proper ID when you apply for a new checking account. They ask that you provide your government-issued ID, proof of address, social security number, and telephone number at the time of account opening.
We like their Everyday Checking account because it is an easy way to manage your money while avoiding unnecessary fees. You won’t need to pay any monthly service fees or worry about minimum balance requirements. The account also comes with a fee Visa debit card, online banking with bill pay, and overdraft protection options.
UFirst FCU extends membership to anyone who has a connection to Clinton County. If you live, work, worship, or attend school within that county you are eligible for membership. Visit their website or one of their branches in Plattsburgh and Rouses Point to apply!
Rather than going through ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS to determine your eligibility for an account, US Alliance Financial only requires a government-issued ID and social security card. This is definitely worth a try for anyone who has a negative history with one or more of the previous agencies.
We like their MyLife Checking account because it comes with a bunch of great features while avoiding pesky service fees. In addition to a Visa debit card and a free first order of checks, you’ll also receive a free monthly credit score to track your finances. Our favorite feature of this account is that you’re able to get paid up to two days early if you enroll in direct deposit!
To get started, visit their website or one of their many New York branches located in the Bronx, Hopewell Junction, Napanoch, New York City, Port Chester, Purchase, and Woodbourne.
Van Cortlandt Cooperative FCU reportedly does not use ChexSystems when screening new applicants. Instead, they require that you meet their eligibility requirements.
In order to join, you must be residents of the Amalgamated, Park Reservoir, Mutual, Orloff Towers, or Cannon Heights Cooperatives. You can also join if you are the immediate family member of someone who is also a member. There are additional ways you can join, so be sure to visit their website if you’d like to see a complete list.
They offer a Free Share Draft Checking account that does not have any per-check fees or minimum balance requirements. The account also comes with a Visa debit card and optional overdraft protection. Visit their location in Van Cortlandt and deposit $5 into a savings account to establish your membership!
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.
For those looking to move on from past financial management issues, the Opportunity Checking account with Webster Bank is the perfect opportunity. This account requires a simple minimum opening deposit of $50 as well as a recurring $11.95 monthly maintenance fee with a qualifying direct deposit.
Opening your own Opportunity Checking account is as easy as visiting your nearest Webster Bank branch. Upon opening, you’ll be given access to many account benefits including paperless statements, online and mobile banking, and a free Visa debit card
Webster Branch has branches in Larchmont, Scarsdale, Yonkers, Rye, White Plains, and New Rochelle.
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. Wells Fargo has over 80 branch locations in New York.
- 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
Westside Community Federal Credit Union extends services to anyone within their field of membership. Regardless of past mistakes, you may still be able to get a checking account. In order to be eligible, you must live or work in Chili, Churchville, Ogden, Riga, or Sweden.
If this fits your situation, they offer a general Share Draft Checking account that has no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no per-check charges. You also get access to a Visa debit card and overdraft protection from a savings account.
To get started, you will need to fill out a membership application and deposit $5 into a savings account once you’re approved. Their only branch can be found in Churchville.
Woodforest National Bank’s Second Chance Checking is designed for those with previous banking account challenges. With a minimum initial deposit of only $25 and a $9 one-time account fee, you can begin to build a positive banking relationship. The downside to banking with Woodforest is that they charge fees for services that most banks offer for free and you have to go in to a branch location to open this account.
You can lower your Second Chance monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. Woodforest offers:
- Online banking
- A mobile banking app
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Free platinum debit card
All services are easily managed online or their branch locations in Glenmont, Albany, Herkimer, Fulton, Rochester, Newark, Rome, Canandaigua, Horseheads, Olean, Watertown, Hamburg, Niagara Falls, and Batavia.
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.