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!
Chime | Our Top Pick
Chime® is a fast-growing internet-only financial company and our top choice for a second chance bank account.
And, best of all, 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.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts fees1, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems. Opening an account is super easy. It takes about 2 minutes and you don’t have to make an initial deposit. Here’s what we like:
No Monthly Fees
For the past couple of years, Chime’s huge growth has come at the expense of the big banks and their outrageous fees. And it’s one of the best features of a Chime account. There are no monthly or annual service charges, no minimum balance requirement, no foreign transaction fees, no fees at over 60,000 ATMs2, and no fees for mobile and online bill pay.
Deposit Cash for FREE at Over 8,500 Walgreens
Having access to a physical location for cash deposits is important to Chime members. And now it’s easy. All you have to do is go into a Walgreens store, hand the cashier the cash you want to deposit along with your Chime card, and the deposit will show up in your account immediately. This offers Chime members more walk-in locations than any other bank in the U.S. With over 78% of the country within 5 miles of a Walgreens, this is a significant benefit for millions.3
Smart Technology
Unlike big banks, Chime was created during the smartphone era and, therefore, features an app that is more than just a way for customers to review their bank accounts.
You can transfer funds to friends and family, Chime members or not… and they can claim their money instantly4 without any additional apps. The Chime app also has a series of notifications that you can turn on or turn off so you stay in complete control. Misplaced or lost your card? You can instantaneously turn off your card using the app. No wonder over 300,000 customers have given the app a 5-star review.
Customers First
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 0.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)5 in interest on that savings account.
If you use direct deposit with your Chime account, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days early6. And Chime is just saying no to big bank NSF charges with a fee-free overdraft program up to $200. Finally, Chime just recently launched their Credit Builder credit card with no interest and no annual fee. We don’t think there is another company innovating for their customers like Chime.
Get a Chime Account Today!
U.S. Bank | Earn Up To $700 Cash Bonus
U.S. Bank is the fifth largest bank in the country with the majority of its 2,000+ branches located in 26 states mostly located in the west and midwest.
You can earn up to $700 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. The offer is subject to certain terms and limitations and is valid through June 27, 2024. Member FDIC. Offer may not be available if you live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint or are not an existing client of U.S. Bank or State Farm.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking at a Glance
- A U.S. Bank Visa debit card
- Online banking and bill pay
- Mobile banking and mobile check deposit
- Send money with Zelle®
- 24/7 customer support
- No NSF charges for overdraft balances under $50
- Access to U.S. Bank Smart Rewards® to reap additional benefits
- No fees at U.S. Bank ATMs
- No surcharge fees at 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs
States Where U.S. Bank is Available
If you live in one of the following 26 states where this account is available, you can apply online: AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY.
Account Details and Costs
To get an account, you’ll need to make an opening deposit of $25. The monthly service fee is $6.95 but can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a combined monthly direct deposit totaling $1,000. You can also avoid the monthly fee if you are 24 and under, 65 and over, or a member of the military (must self-disclose) or qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards® tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium, or Pinnacle).
Banking Made Easy
The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account comes with one of the best mobile apps on the market. Over one million customers have given the app an overall rating of five stars. You can manage your entire account from a computer or your smartphone.
And there’s more to U.S. Bank than an outstanding smartphone app: 24/7 customer service, Zelle® instant transfers, free budgeting and automated tools, overdraft leniency, and Smart Rewards®. Perhaps that’s why U.S. Bank repeatedly makes the list of one of the best banks in the country.
Open an account today!
Lili | Quick Approval Small Business Banking
Lili was custom-made for freelancers and independent contractors who are operating as sole proprietors and single-member LLCs and we really like their offering. Lili aims to approve most accounts within 2-3 days, but some accounts are approved in 2-3 hours.
Lili offers a checking account and Visa debit card with no initial deposit or minimum balance requirement, no hidden fees, no credit check, and no ChexSystems. Lili makes getting your account easy! Here’s more of what we like:
- FREE business VISA debit card
- FREE (and very user-friendly) mobile app
- NO minimum balance
- NO NSF charges or fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- Receive direct deposit funds 2 days earlier than many banks
- Mobile check deposit
- Unlimited fee-free transactions
- Takes 3 minutes to apply
Integrated Tools
The Lili smartphone app gives you access to tools to manage your expenses and taxes. You assign a category for each expense by swiping left for “life” or personal expenses and right for “work” or business. You can also add receipts to transactions, download quarterly and annual expense reports, and track spending in real-time. Lili will automatically assign an expense category based on the merchant, but allows you to edit the category as needed.
Buckets
Lili has an optional feature called “buckets” that allows you to set aside money in a savings account. The first of these is called a “Tax Bucket”, where you specify a percentage of your direct deposits you want to be saved for future tax payments. You can easily make adjustments and changes along the way and move the money back and forth from your checking account and tax bucket savings account. That way, you know the money will be there when you need to make tax payments.
The second of these buckets is called the Emergency Savings Bucket. You can automatically transfer at least $1 a day to this savings account to use for any larger purchase or unforeseen expense.
Robust for Most
Lili is best for small business owners who want a no-frills, no cost, no minimum balance bank account. You can run all your business and personal expenses through the account and can easily identify and separate them out for accounting and tax purposes. After your account is set up, you can add a business name or DBA name to the account. And you manage everything from the touch of your smartphone.
But there are some limits, too. Lili doesn’t offer checks and you can’t set up your account with an employer identification number. Depositing cash at Green Dot locations can cost up to $4.95 and mobile check deposits are limited to $6,000 per month.
Lili Pro
Lili recently announced a new set of features called Lili Pro. The cost is $9 per month and includes a no-fee overdraft up to $200 on debit card purchases and a robust and unlimited invoicing capability built into the smartphone app. On top of that, users receive 1.00% APY on savings account balances and a more robust expense tracking capability. The Pro version also offers cashback when you make purchases at over 14,000 merchants. If you’re not sure you want to sign up for Lili Pro, get Lili Standard (no cost) and you can upgrade later.
Application Process
You can set up an account online. If you’re a freelancer, you should receive approval and account access almost instantly. All others (Sole Proprietor, Single-Member LLC, Multi-Member LLC, General Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or S Corp) can take a couple of days to get approved. You can fund your account using a mobile check deposit, direct deposit, ACH transfer, or by linking your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account.
Lili is open for business. Anyone who is their own boss: a sole proprietor, gigsters (ie. Uber and Lyft drivers), contractors, freelancers, or part-time entrepreneurs – you all qualify! Whether you opt for the fee-free Lili Standard account or the upgraded Lili Pro account, we think you’re going to like the way Lili helps you manage your growing business!
Open a Lili account now!
Chase Secure BankingSM | $100 New Account Bonus
For many people, having access to a local bank branch is paramount when setting up a checking account. With over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be the perfect fit.
Here are some of our favorite features with this account:
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE access to over 15,000 Chase ATMs
- FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
Highly Rated Mobile App
Available for iOS and Android, the Chase Mobile app offers 24/7 access to your account. The app is highly rated, earning 4.8 stars out of 5 on the App Store and 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google Play.
You can transfer funds, deposit checks, send money with Zelle, set up account alerts and notifications, and lock your card if it’s been lost or stolen.
The app also has incredibly helpful budgeting tools, personalized insights, and the ability to check your credit score for free.
How The Account Works
Opening the Chase Secure Banking account is easy. They verify your name, address, and social security through Experian, but don’t pull a credit report or credit score. Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems for this account, either. Account approval is immediate, there’s no opening deposit requirement, and you’ll receive your Chase Secure card within a matter of days.
Chase doesn’t offer overdraft services with this account as you can only spend the money you have available and the account does not include paper checks. 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 that cannot be waived. But combined with all the free services and the $100 cash bonus when you use the card for 10 purchases within 60 days, the monthly fee doesn’t pose a problem for most customers. And, you’ll have peace of mind with Chase’s Zero Liability Protection if you detect and report unauthorized transactions.
Banking With A Leader
Chase claims to be involved with 40% of Americans in some way or another. There can be comfort in size, reach, and stability. Chase has all of that and the assurance they will be there for a long, long time.
If you’ve wanted to bank with Chase and wondered if you’d qualify, we think you’re going to be really happy with the Chase Secure Banking account.
Get a Chase Secure Banking account today!
Current | Earn High Interest
Current is another web-only national bank that has some really great features… and has become one of the fastest-growing checking accounts for consumers who want it all without all the costs and hassles.
Why are we featuring Current on our website? It’s simple: they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report to open a new account. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates. But what’s really cool are the incredible features offered with this account:
- NO minimum balance
- NO deposit required to open an account
- NO overdraft fees when you overdraw by up to $100 with Overdrive™
- NO fees at over 40,000 ATMS in the U.S.
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Earn 4.0% interest on your balance up to $6,000
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly for free
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
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 a debit 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 debit card will immediately refund the hold so you have access to all your funds. We haven’t found that benefit anywhere in the marketplace.
Here’s what’s really important, though. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the highest possible amount allowed: $250,000. We love the features, we love the smartphone app, and we love Current. That makes us think you’ll love them too.
Get a Current Account Now!
Acorns
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.
Get an Acorns Account!
GO2bank
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.
Get a GO2bank account
NorthOne | No ChexSystems Small Business Banking
NorthOne is a fast-growing company built specifically around business banking solutions for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. In addition to dramatically streamlining the application process, NorthOne doesn’t check your credit and doesn’t use ChexSystems. Here’s a recap:
- FREE business Mastercard debit card
- FREE access at over 1,000,000 ATMs nationwide
- FREE online and mobile app
- FREE live chat (not a chatbot), telephone, or email support
- FREE in-app invoice creator
- NO minimum monthly balance requirement
- NO NSF fees
- NO ACH transfer fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
Banking Services
NorthOne doesn’t require a minimum account balance and charges a $10 monthly fee that includes unlimited transactions in your account. These include ACH payments, bill pay, debit card usage, mobile deposits, and transfers. The only other fee is $15 for wire transfers.
You can also grant read-only access to employees or your accountant or bookkeeper. This keeps your account safe while also giving access to those who need it.
Integrations
With NorthOne business banking, you can connect your account to an almost unlimited number of third-party apps. NorthOne integrates with business tools including Paypal, Stripe, Square, Etsy, Shopify, Airbnb, Amazon, Venmo, Toast, Uber, Lyft, Quickbooks, FreshBooks, Wave, Expensify, and many more. Through these integrations, you can sync transaction details, collect payments, see and pay invoices, send payroll, pay contractors, and more.
If creating and sending invoices, quotes, and estimates is critical to your business, NorthOne offers a free stand-alone invoice creator that integrates seamlessly with the banking app. We’ve tried it and think it’s an elegant solution.
Envelopes
NorthOne has created a feature that helps you plan for and manage important expense categories. They call these sub-accounts “Envelopes” and you can set up as many as you want. This allows you to set aside funds you know you’ll need in the future such as taxes or payroll. You can set custom rules for your envelopes and easily move money back and forth as needed.
Application Process
NorthOne targets account approvals within one to two business days. Information required to open an account includes name, address, and social security number or tax identification number. If applicable, NorthOne may ask for a copy of your business license and business formation documents. After you’re approved, you’ll need to make a $50 minimum opening deposit.
NorthOne is one of the most competitive business bank accounts for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their combination of services and offerings, the fast application process, and customer support create an outsized competitive advantage for both the bank and its customers. Every small business owner understands how critical that is for success.
Open an account today!
GTE Financial
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.
Get a GTE Financial account
Varo Bank
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.
Get a Varo Account Now!
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
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.
