You might be surprised by the number of people in the U.S. that are not eligible for a regular checking account. According to the FDIC, about 7.7% of American households, or almost 17 million people, are unbanked, and part of the reason involves having bad credit or poor banking histories.
Making mistakes with a bank account, such as not paying overdraft fees, can put you on a list to let other banks know you’re a risky customer, and you might be denied an account because of it. This “list” is a consumer database called ChexSystems, and nearly 85% of all banks in the country use it during the application process.
If you’ve ever searched for “the best second chance banks near me”, this article will answer your questions. We give our highest recommendations for the best-in-class institutions that offer second chance checking accounts.
The Top Banks For Second Chance Checking
Open an account today!
Most people are familiar with Chase, and the Chase Secure Banking account might be a good fit for a second chance bank account.
Chase Secure Banking at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE Chase OnlineSM Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
- Quickly send and receive money with Zelle®
- Paper checks are not offered with the account
Chase makes it easy for you to access your money from anywhere with the Chase Mobile® app, plus thousands of ATMs and branches.
Earning the $175 Bonus
New Chase checking customers enjoy a $175 checking account bonus when you open a Chase Secure BankingSM account with qualifying transactions. Qualifying transactions include debit card purchases, Zelle®, ACH credits, Chase QuickDepositSM or online bill payments. Your bonus will appear in your account within 15 days after completing the qualifying transactions.
What to Know About the Approval Process
Chase Secure Banking is the only account offered by Chase that doesn’t use ChexSystems but does use Early Warning Services (EWS). Additionally, if you’ve had an account closed by Chase in the past, your application will not be approved. Past account closures can include missteps such as non-payment of fees, excessive overdrafts, or suspected fraud.
Fees
Chase doesn’t offer overdraft services with this account as you can only spend the money you have available. You should also know that using non-Chase ATMs can cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction. Surcharges from the ATM owner/network may apply.
Chase Secure Banking carries a $4.95 monthly service fee, but it can be waived when you have electronic deposits made into the account totaling $250 or more during each monthly statement period or if the account owner is between 17 and 24 years old.
Other Account Features
Chase Secure Banking offers several other features we like. This includes:
- Zero Liability Protection. Unauthorized purchases on your debit card? Let Chase know right away. With Zero Liability Protection with Chase Secure BankingSM they’ll reimburse you for charges you didn’t make.
- Budgeting Tools. Manage your spending and get daily spending insights with Snapshot in the Chase Mobile® app.
- Credit and Identity Monitoring. Track your credit score, get a personalized action plan provided by Experian™ to help improve your score and receive identity monitoring for free through Chase Credit Journey®.
- Early Direct Deposit. Get that “just paid” feeling up to two business days sooner with early direct deposit.
If you’ve wanted to bank with Chase and wondered if you’d qualify, we think you’ll be happy with the Chase Secure Banking account.
One of the biggest challenges for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and gig workers is finding the right bank account for their growing business.
The Found Business Banking Account solves that problem by simplifying your financial journey. The sign-up process takes only a few minutes. There’s no credit check or ChexSystems.
Found Business Banking at a Glance
- No opening deposit required
- No minimum balance
- No required monthly fees2
- Free unlimited ACH payments
- Free unlimited invoicing
- Free mobile check deposits
- Free built-in expense management tools
- Accept bank transfers and card payments
- Easily connect to Quickbooks, Stripe, Venmo, PayPal, Etsy, etc.
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit1
- Send money to anyone within the U.S. using their phone number or email address
- Deposit cash at over 79,000 locations
- Access your account online or on the free app
- Found’s core features are free. They also offer two paid products: FoundPlus for $35/month or $315/year and Found Pro for $80 /month or $720/year.
Fast Approval Process
Time is money and Found respects both. Sign up for your business account online and the streamlined approval process ensures you’re up and running quickly. No lengthy paperwork needed to get swift access to your financial hub.
Easy Bookkeeping and Tax Management Tools
Managing your business finances shouldn’t be a headache. You get intuitive tools such as automated expense tracking, receipt capture, unlimited custom invoices, and the ability to manage 1099 contractor payments. Plus, you get the ability to auto-save for tax payments and automatically generate tax forms.
No Hidden Fees, No Surprises
Say goodbye to unexpected charges. Found.com believes in transparency. They’ve stripped away any required monthly fees2, leaving you with a straightforward banking experience. No hidden costs2—just clarity and peace of mind.
Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Business banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.3
Current1 offers an innovative account to consumers who want it all without the costs and hassles.
The Current Build account helps you build credit every time you use the card. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current does not check your credit.
Current at a Glance
- NO opening deposit required
- NO credit check
- NO minimum balance
- NO fees at over 40,000 Allpoint® ATMs in the U.S.
- Fee-free overdraft (and no overdraft fees EVER)
- Paycheck advances up to $750, deposited directly into your Current account if you qualify
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with qualifying direct deposit
- Earn up to a 4.00% bonus on your balance up to $6,000 with direct deposit; earn 0.25% without
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly without any added fees
- Crypto — buy and sell dozens of coins directly from spending balances, with no trading fees
- Custodial accounts — empower your kids with automatic allowances, instant transfers, and real-time spending alerts.
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
Swipe The Card and Build Credit
Using your Current Build account to BUILD your credit is simple. Here’s how it works:
- You add money to your account
- Swipe your card to make purchases, pay bills, or get money from an ATM machine
- The funds in your account pay for these transactions
- Current reports your payment to all three credit bureaus to build your credit history
Earning the $75 Bonus
When you set up direct deposit of $1,500 or more, Current will deposit $75 into your account.
Current Works Hard for You
Current offers a really unique service it calls Gas Hold Removals. What’s a gas hold? Some gas stations may apply a hold from $50 to $100 when you use your card to pump gas. If you only pumped $10 of gas, but the gas station places a $100 hold on your funds, you won’t have access to the $90 difference for up to 3 business days! The Current Build card will immediately remove the hold so you have access to all your funds. We haven’t found that benefit anywhere in the marketplace.
We love the features, we love the smartphone app, and we love Current. That makes us think you’ll love them too.
No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members 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
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.
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
GTE Financial is based in Florida, but anyone in the 50 states can open an account online for free.
Acorns is making a name as a place to invest money for the long term, but what we really like is that they offer both checking and savings accounts. That makes Acorns another of our favorite bank accounts. As a company built to compete with the largest banks, Acorns offers some extraordinary benefits.
We love the heavy metal tungsten Visa debit card and the world-class smartphone app that allows you to manage every aspect of your new checking account such as budgeting, spending, and security.
Another nice option is the ability to round up on every purchase and Acorns will take that money and automatically put it in a savings account. This really helps build a nest egg.
It takes about 2-3 minutes to sign up and not only do you get a checking and savings account, but you also have access to an investment account once you’re ready to consider that. And, it’s free. Here’s more:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- FREE bank-to-bank transfers
- FREE physical check sending online or through the mobile app
- FREE mobile check deposits
- FREE access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs
- NO minimum balance or overdraft fees
- NO credit check
- $3 monthly fee
- FDIC insured
Acorns was built to give everyone the tools to manage their finances which makes it one of our top picks.
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.
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.
United Bank does not use ChexSystems or a credit report when you apply for their Essential Checking account.
Essential Checking has no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. All you’ll need to get started is a $25 opening deposit. You’ll also gain access to their mobile smartphone app where you can deposit checks and monitor your account.
There is no monthly fee for customers 25 and under. For customers 26 years of age or older, there is a $5 monthly fee with eStatements and a $7 monthly fee if you want paper statements.
You can apply for a United Bank checking account if you live in Washington D.C. or one of the following 7 states: Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia.
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.
Top 5 Second Chance Checking Accounts in Every State
Unfortunately, most major banks don’t offer second chance checking, but many community banks and credit unions have them under various names, such as Opportunity Checking and Fresh Start Checking.
Here are our top 5 picks for every state in the U.S. that want your business, regardless of your ChexSystems history. Most of them offer second chance checking accounts, while others do not use ChexSystems at all during the application process.
Alabama
- Cadence Bank – My Way Checking
- Central State Bank – Central Checking
- First National Bank – On Us Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- West Alabama Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>
Alaska
- MAC Federal Credit Union – eChecking
- Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union – Share Draft Account
- Northrim Bank – Simple Checking
- Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union – E-Z Checking
- True North Federal Credit Union – True Options Checking
- View the full list >>
Arizona
- Banner Federal Credit Union – Opportunity Checking
- BOK Financial – Opportunity Banking
- Copper State Credit Union – Try Again Checking
- First American Community Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- View the full list >>
Arkansas
- Cadence Bank – My Way Checking
- Chambers Bank – New Opportunity Checking
- First Community Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- Red River Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- View the full list >>
California
- Bank OZK – Pathway Checking
- Excite Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- North County Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Strata Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Union Bank – Bank Freely Checking
- View the full list >>
Colorado
- 5Star Bank – E-Checking
- BOK Financial – Opportunity Banking
- NuVista Federal Credit Union – Last Chance Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>
Connecticut
- Community Credit Union of New Milford – Share Draft Checking
- Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank – Restart Checking
- FineX Credit Union – Re-Start Checking
- New Haven Bank – Second Chance Checking
- Webster Bank – Opportunity Checking
- View the full list >>
Delaware
- Del-One Credit Union – Rewards Checking
- FSNB (Fort Sill National Bank) – Basic Checking
- View the full list >>
District of Columbia
- Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union – Renew Checking
- Library of Congress Federal Credit Union – Free Checking
- Transit Employees Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Account
- United Bank – United Free Checking
- View the full list >>
Florida
- Bank OZK – Pathway Checking
- Central Credit Union of Florida – Fresh Start Checking
- First American Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- Liberty Savings Bank – Clean Slate Checking
- Woodforest National Bank – Second Chance Checking
- View the full list >>
Georgia
- Community Bank & Trust (Red Apple Bank) – Second Slice Checking
- Georgia’s Own Credit Union – Resolution Checking
- Peach State Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- The Wright Credit Union – 2nd Chance Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- View the full list >>
Hawaii
- CU Hawaii Federal Credit Union – Checking Account
- Gather Federal Credit Union – Share Draft Checking
- Hawaii Community Federal Credit Union – Check Advantage
- Hawaii USA Federal Credit Union – MyChance Checking
- HomeStreet Bank – Free Checking
- View the full list >>
Idaho
- Capital Educators Credit Union – Good For Me Checking
- Horizon Credit Union – Replenish Checking
- Idaho Central Credit Union – Free Checking
- Latah Federal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- Mountain West Bank – Totally Free Checking
- View the full list >>
Illinois
- Banterra Bank – Banterra Restart Checking
- Collins Community Credit Union – Take2 Checking
- First American Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- Great Lakes Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Staley Credit Union – Renew Checking
- View the full list >>
Indiana
- Centra Credit Union – Opportunity Checking
- First Financial Bank – NoWorry Checking
- Horizon Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- United Fidelity Bank – New Day Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>
Iowa
- Greater Iowa Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Great Southern Bank – Second Chance Checking
- North Iowa Community Credit Union – Fresh Start Debit
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- White State Bank – Basic Checking
- View the full list >>
Kansas
- Central National Bank – New Opportunity Checking
- Heartland Credit Union – Renew Checking
- United Consumers Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- Unity One Credit Union – Clean Start Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>
Kentucky
- Banterra Bank – Banterra Restart Checking
- Cecilian Bank – Choice Opportunity Checking
- Citizens Guaranty Bank – Clean Slate Checking
- South Central Bank – Green Tree Renew Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>
Louisiana
- Barksdale Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- Louisiana Federal Credit Union – Reboot Checking
- Pelican State Credit Union – Horizon Checking
- The First Bank – First AID Checking
- View the full list >>
Maine
- Cumberland County FCU – Fresh Start Checking
- Midcoast Federal Credit Union – Compass Checking
- New Dimensions Federal Credit Union – Basic Checking
- Saco Valley Credit Union – Free Checking
- Town & Country Federal Credit Union – Better Checking
- View the full list >>
Maryland
- Central Credit Union of Maryland – Renew Checking
- Clear Mountain Bank – StartFresh Banking
- Healthcare Systems Federal Credit Union – Renew Checking
- Market USA Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Security Plus Federal Credit Union – Revive Checking
- View the full list >>>
Massachusetts
- Alden Credit Union – No Boundaries Checking
- Athol Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Bellwether Community Credit Union – Live Free Checking
- OneUnited Bank – U2 E-Checking
- Webster Bank – Opportunity Checking
- View the full list >>>
Michigan
- Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union – New Beginnings Checking
- Fifth Third Bank – Momentum Checking
- First Independence Bank – First Choice Checking
- Michigan State University Federal Credit Union – Rebuild Checking
- United Financial Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
Minnesota
- America Federal Bank – American Free Checking
- Gate City Bank – Totally FREE Checking
- Marine Credit Union – Credit Builder Checking
- Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>>
Mississippi
- Bank OZK – Pathway Checking
- Gulf Coast Community Federal Credit Union – New Chance Checking
- MUNA Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Red River Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- The First Bank – First AID Checking
- View the full list >>>
Missouri
- BOK Financial – Opportunity Banking
- Columbia Credit Union – Fresh-Start Checking
- First State Community Bank – New Opportunity Checking
- Montgomery Bank – Montgomery New Start Checking
- Wood & Huston Bank – StartFresh Checking
- View the full list >>>
Montana
- Garfield County Bank – Pay Less Checking
- Rocky Mountain Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- Valley Bank of Helena – Totally Free Checking
- Valley Credit Union – Opportunity Checking
- View the full list >>>
Nebraska
- Clark County Credit Union – CheckAgain
- Nevada State Bank – OnBudget Banking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- WestStar Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
Nevada
- Clark County Credit Union – CheckAgain
- Nevada State Bank – OnBudget Banking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- WestStar Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
New Hampshire
- Bellwether Community Credit Union – Live Free Checking
- GFA Federal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- Members First Credit Union – Everyday Checking
- View the full list >>>
New Jersey
- Atlantic Federal Credit Union – Take 2 Checking
- Credit Union of New Jersey – Right Turn Checking
- GAFCU – Fresh Start Checking
- Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- M&T Bank – My Way Banking
- View the full list >>>
New Mexico
- Bank of Alburquerque – Opportunity Banking
- First American Community Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- Lea County State Bank – Opportunity Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- US Eagle Federal Credit Union – FlexChecking
- View the full list >>>
New York
- Adirondack Regional Federal Credit Union – New Beginnings Checking
- Fulton Savings Bank – New Opportunity Checking
- US Alliance Financial – MyLife Checking
- Webster Bank – Opportunity Checking
- Woodforest National Bank – Second Chance Checking
- View the full list >>>
North Carolina
- Bank OZK – Pathway Checking
- F&M Bank – Simply Yours Checking
- Fifth Third Bank – Momentum Checking
- North Carolina Community Federal Credit Union – FreshStart Checking
- Skyla Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
North Dakota
- American Federal Bank – American Free Checking
- Dakota Community Bank – Dakota Free Checking
- Gate City Bank – Totally FREE Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- Western State Bank – Free Checking
- View the full list >>>
Ohio
- BMI Federal Credit Union – Starting Over Checking
- Cardinal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- First Federal Bank of Ohio – Thrifty Checking
- LCNB National Bank – Second Chance Checking
- Liberty Savings Bank – Clean Slate Checking
- View the full list >>>
Oklahoma
- Allegiance Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- Citizens Bank of Edmond – Fresh Start Checking
- Focus Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- TTCU Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Western Sun Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
Oregon
- Consolidated Community Credit Union – Simple Checking
- HomeStreet Bank – Free Checking
- Point West Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Union Bank – Bank Freely Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>>
Pennsylvania
- Juniata Valley Bank – Fresh Start Banking
- Market USA Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Parkview Community Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- West Branch Valley Federal Credit Union – Back on Track Checking
- View the full list >>>
Rhode Island
- Rhode Island Credit Union – Basic Checking
- Rockland Trust – Free Checking
- Webster Bank – Opportunity Checking
- View the full list >>>
South Carolina
- Caro Federal Credit Union – Rebound Checking
- Carolina Foothills Federal Credit Union – Refresh Checking
- HopeSouth Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Skyla Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Upstate Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
South Dakota
- Dakota Plains Federal Credit Union – Share Draft Checking
- Farmers and Merchants State Bank – Regular Checking
- First Dakota National Bank – FREE Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>>
Tennessee
- Cadence Bank – My Way Checking
- First National Bank – On Us Account
- Greater Eastern Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Select Seven Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- The Tennessee Credit Union – Restart Checking
- View the full list >>>
Texas
- Associated Credit Union of Texas – 180 Checking
- Beacon Federal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- First Service Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Members Trust Federal Credit Union – New Start Checking
- Red River Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- View the full list >>>
Utah
- American United Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Cyprus Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Desert Rivers Credit Union – Free Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- View the full list >>>
Vermont
- White River Credit Union – Share Draft Checking
- View the full list >>>
Virginia
- Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Central Virginia Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Credit Union of Richmond – Second Chance Checking
- UNIFY Financial Credit Union – Right Start Checking
- Virginia Credit Union – Encore Checking
- View the full list >>>
Washington
- American Lake Credit Union – Compass Checking
- MountainCrest Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Union Bank – Bank Freely Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- Wheatland Bank – Free-Range Checking
- View the full list >>>
West Virginia
- Clear Mountain Bank – StartFresh Banking
- First Exchange Bank – Take 2 Checking
- Market USA Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- West Virginia Federal Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Woodforest National Bank – Second Chance Checking
- View the full list >>>
Wisconsin
- Brewery Credit Union – Fresh Start Checking
- Dane County Credit Union – Relationship Builder Checking
- First American Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- Tomahawk Community Bank – Fresh Start Checking
- WESTconsin Credit Union – Foundations Checking
- View the full list >>>
Wyoming
- Pelican State Credit Union – Second-Chance Checking
- US Bank – Safe Debit Account
- Valley Credit Union – Opportunity Checking
- WyHy Federal Credit Union – Second Chance Checking
- WYO Central Federal Credit Union – 2nd Chance Checking
- View the full list >>>
Why Would Anyone Need a Second Chance Checking Account?
When people apply to open checking accounts, financial institutions screen them to determine how much of a risk they’ll be.
About 85% of banks and credit unions in the United States use ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that gathers information on closed checking and savings accounts. Consumers with outstanding debts or overdrafts, fraudsters, and victims of identity theft may have records on ChexSystems.
When a person with a ChexSystems record tries to open a checking account, it’s up to the financial institution to determine whether to approve that account. ChexSystems reports may or may not be used, as can credit reports.
When people cannot get bank accounts, their alternatives tend to be prepaid debit cards, payday loans, and check-cashing services, which aren’t always ideal because of transaction fees. They can also be much less convenient, since they may lack features such as online access to funds.
A second chance checking account, however, offers the security of a bank account while letting a consumer rebuild their banking history. After a year or two, an account holder may be able to upgrade to a regular checking account.
>> MORE: How to Order a Free ChexSystems Report
Takeaway
If you’ve ever wondered “what are the best second chance banks near me?” We hope we’ve answered your question. It’s extremely frustrating when you are denied a checking account due to past banking mistakes or your ChexSystems history.
Luckily, many banks and credit unions out there are in tune with this problem and are offering a solution through their second chance checking accounts.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
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.
4Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. See your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Friends Transfers details.
5The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of May 22, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
6Early 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.
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 3/1/2022.
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.