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Having trouble getting approved for a bank account because of past overdrafts or a negative ChexSystems report? You’re not alone—and fortunately, plenty of banks still say yes.
Most traditional banks use ChexSystems or pull your credit report to screen new applicants. If you’ve ever had a closed account, bounced checks, or unpaid fees, that history can come back to haunt you. But not every bank holds that against you.
Some banks don’t use ChexSystems at all. Others offer second chance checking accounts designed specifically for people rebuilding their financial lives.
18 Best Bank Accounts for Bad Credit
Whether you’re looking for no ChexSystems, no credit checks, or just an easy account with low fees, here are the best options to get back on track.
SoFi Checking and Savings makes it easy to manage your money without extra costs. There are no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no balance requirements. You can also qualify for a $300 bonus by setting up direct deposit.
The account earns up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking balances when you receive direct deposits. These rates are far better than what most traditional banks offer.
You’ll get access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint Network. Paychecks can arrive up to two days early, and deposits are FDIC-insured up to $2 million.
Current offers a flexible checking account with no credit check, no ChexSystems screening, and no minimum deposit. It’s easy to open and designed to fit your daily spending habits.
You can build credit just by using your debit card—no borrowing involved. Eligible users also get up to $100 in fee-free overdraft protection and access to 40,000+ Allpoint ATMs.
With early direct deposit, up to 4.00% APY on savings, and cashback rewards worth up to 15x points on purchases, Current helps you get more from your money.
Stash offers a banking experience that goes beyond checking. There’s no credit check or ChexSystems review, and you can open an account with no minimum deposit.
You’ll get a debit card with no overdraft fees and earn Stock-Back® rewards every time you spend. Plans start at $3 per month and include access to investing accounts, budgeting tools, and automatic savings features.
If you’re looking for a simple way to manage money, build wealth, and avoid traditional banking barriers, Stash brings it all together in one easy-to-use app.
With Chime®, a bad credit score is no longer a deal-breaker. They offer an award-winning financial app and debit card with 24/7 live support, with a real human.
You can open a Chime Checking Account online with no monthly fees. There are also no overdraft fees, no foreign transaction fees, and no transfer fees.
Chime also offers access to over 60,000 MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit. You can also deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens.
GO2bank offers a checking account with savings subaccounts called vaults. There’s no minimum balance required to open an account online.
Earn 4.50% APY on savings up to $5,000, deposit cash at 90,000 retail locations, and access 19,000 fee-free ATMs.
The mobile app includes mobile check deposit, early direct deposit (up to two days for paychecks and four days for government benefits), and overdraft protection up to $200 with eligible deposits.
For those looking to build credit, the GO2bank Secured Visa Credit Card offers a responsible way to improve your score. The $5 monthly fee is waived with a payroll or government direct deposit in the previous statement period.
No monthly fee with direct deposits of $500 or more
Earn up to 3% cash back on purchases
Overdraft protection covering up to $200 with eligible direct deposits
2.00% APY on savings
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that works like a checking account, offering cash back rewards and early direct deposit.
Earn up to 3% cash back at Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% in stores (up to $75 per year).
With eligible direct deposits, you can get paid up to two days early and access up to $200 in overdraft protection.
The card also offers 2.00% APY on savings and monthly chances to win cash prizes. The $5.94 monthly fee is waived with direct deposits of $500 or more in the previous statement period.
PNC Foundation Checking is a second-chance account designed for people who need a fresh start. It skips the overdraft and nonsufficient funds fees, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges if your balance runs low.
There’s no minimum deposit required, and you’ll have access to more than 60,000 fee-free ATMs through PNC and its partner networks. The $5 monthly fee is fixed and simple—no hidden rules or extra conditions.
You also get mobile banking, fraud alerts, and tools like Zelle and Virtual Wallet to stay on top of your finances. It’s a solid option if you’ve had issues with other banks and want something stable.
There’s no ChexSystems or credit check, making it a solid option for those with bad credit or past banking issues.
Earn 2% cash back on common everyday purchases and 1% on everything else, with no limits. The account also provides free access to 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs and early direct deposit for faster access to your paycheck.
There are no overdraft fees or hidden charges, but cash deposits aren’t accepted, and an active direct deposit is required to qualify for the highest cash back rewards.
If you are an active-duty or retired member of the military, including the Armed Forces, National Guard, Coast Guard, or Department of Defense, you may be eligible for Navy Federal Credit Union membership.
Navy Federal doesn’t use ChexSystems or EWS. They also offer a number of free checking accounts with no monthly service fees for those with qualifying direct deposits.
Additionally, NFCU offers its members convenient access to over 30,000 ATMs situated at both credit unions and retail locations across the United States and Canada through the CO-OP Network.
The TD Beyond Checking account offers multiple ways to waive its $25 monthly fee—maintain a $2,500 daily balance, receive $5,000 in direct deposits, or hold $25,000 across TD accounts.
The account includes access to over 4,000 free ATMs, two overdraft fee reversals per year, and the ability to earn interest on your balance.
It’s a solid option for those who want fee flexibility, ATM access, and occasional overdraft protection.
Southwest Financial offers a range of bank accounts including savings accounts, CDs, and checking accounts to its members.
Several checking accounts have no monthly fees. They come with features like mobile check deposit, online bill pay, overdraft protection, and more.
Opening an account is easy and does not require a minimum deposit. As a member of Southwest Financial, you enjoy the convenience of accessing your funds through a network of 55,000 ATMs that don’t charge fees.
Wells Fargo’s Clear Access Banking offers a practical, accessible second chance bank account designed to suit various banking needs.
While there is a $5 monthly service fee for this checking account, the fee is waived for primary account owners aged 13 to 24.
With a minimal opening deposit of just $25, setting up Clear Access Banking is straightforward and affordable.
As an account holder, you’ll have the convenience of accessing your funds through Wells Fargo’s extensive network of 13,000 ATMs and 5,300 branches across the country.
Cadence Bank’s My Way Checking is a second-chance account designed for people rebuilding their banking history.
You can open an account with just $50, and the $8 monthly fee is waived if you meet one of several simple conditions—like maintaining a $250 balance, making five debit purchases, receiving a $100 direct deposit, or being a student under 25.
The account includes online banking, bill pay, mobile wallet support, and 24/7 account access through a dedicated helpline. Online statements are free, but paper statements cost $2 per month.
United Bank has locations in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
You can open a new account with a $50 minimum initial deposit. There is no minimum balance requirement or monthly maintenance fee.
You can also upgrade to the Rewards Checking account, which allows you to earn cashback rewards. You also get discounts on movies, theme parks, and prescriptions.
The monthly service charge is $10, but you can have it waived if you reach 15 purchase transactions monthly or have a minimum of $500 in regular deposits.
Huntington has locations in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Huntington Bank uses ChexSystems, but you can still qualify for a checking account as long as you don’t owe the bank any money. However, applicants with an EWS record may not qualify.
For Huntington’s popular Asterisk-Free Checking account, there is no monthly maintenance fee, no minimum deposit, and no minimum balance requirement.
Varo is an online-only bank that offers a hassle-free banking experience with no monthly fees. As a Varo customer, you can get access to your paycheck up to two days early.
Additionally, Varo provides a Varo Believe Card, which allows you to build credit, access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATMs, and free paper check mailing services.
With the Varo savings account, you can qualify for up to 5.00% APY on deposits of up to $5,000, and 3.00% APY on any amount above that.
You’ll need a minimum deposit of $50 to open a Regions Now Checking at Regions Bank. This checking account doesn’t come with too many bells and whistles.
However, it’s a suitable option for anyone with a bad credit score who wants a basic checking account.
Regions Bank will lower your monthly maintenance fee from $8 to $5 if you sign up for online statements. And you’ll have the option to open a savings account through Regions Bank as well.
What is a bank account for bad credit?
A bank account for bad credit is tailored for individuals with an unfavorable banking history, often denied by traditional banks due to issues like bounced checks, overdrafts, and unpaid negative balances.
Bad credit bank accounts, provided by some financial institutions, include essential services such as debit cards, online and mobile banking, and check-writing abilities. Key advantages of these accounts are their ease of opening, low fees, and no credit checks or ChexSystems reports.
How Banks Check Your History Before Approving an Account
When applying for a bank account, banks have specific criteria to decide eligibility and the type of account offered. Your ChexSystems report provides them with an important insight into your banking history. This report contains details of past banking behaviors like unpaid balances, overdrafts, and any fraudulent activities associated with closed accounts.
A negative ChexSystems record can complicate account opening, leading to potential application rejection or restricted account types. Additionally, while some banks may review your credit history from major credit bureaus like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, they primarily rely on ChexSystems for bank account applications, unlike credit card issuers and lenders who focus more on your credit report.
What ChexSystems Is and Why It Affects Approval
ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency used by banks to screen customers. It records your past banking activities, including overdrafts, bounced checks, unpaid fees, and negative balances. A negative record in ChexSystems can impact your ability to open a new bank account.
How to Get a Bank Account With No Credit or ChexSystems Check
Getting a bank account without a credit check is more accessible than ever. Many banks now offer options for people with bad credit or a negative ChexSystems report—and the features are just as good as traditional accounts.
There are two main types of accounts to consider:
Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
Some banks don’t use ChexSystems entirely when reviewing new applicants. That means your past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or closed accounts won’t be held against you.
These accounts function just like any standard checking account. You’ll get access to:
Online and mobile banking
Debit card for everyday purchases
Bill pay and mobile check deposit
FDIC or NCUA insurance
Approval is typically fast, and many accounts have no monthly fees or minimum deposit requirements.
Second Chance Checking Accounts
Second chance checking accounts are designed for people who’ve been denied by other banks. They may still check your ChexSystems report, but they’re more forgiving—and focused on helping you rebuild.
These accounts often include:
Fixed monthly fees (usually $5–10)
Standard banking features like overdraft protection, mobile tools, and bill pay
A path to upgrade to a regular checking account with responsible use
If you’ve had banking problems in the past, second chance accounts can be a smart stepping stone to getting back on track.
How to Choose the Right Bank Account With Bad Credit
If you’ve been denied a bank account due to past overdrafts or unpaid fees, finding the right account can help you regain financial stability. Here’s what to look for:
No credit checks – Some banks don’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, making approval easier if you’ve had banking issues.
Low or no fees – Look for accounts with no monthly fees or ones that can be waived with direct deposits or minimum balances.
Overdraft protection – Some banks offer fee-free overdraft coverage or options like linked accounts or small-dollar loans to prevent expensive fees.
ATM access – A large fee-free ATM network ensures you won’t pay extra to withdraw cash when needed.
Mobile banking features – Online bill pay, mobile check deposit, and instant transfers make managing your money easier.
FDIC or NCUA insurance – Make sure your account is insured to protect your deposits in case the bank or credit union fails.
Choosing the right account can help you avoid more fees, rebuild trust with banks, and finally get back in control of your money.
Final Thoughts
Getting denied for a bank account doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Whether you’ve had overdrafts, unpaid fees, or a negative ChexSystems report, there are still plenty of banks that offer easy approval—with features that match or beat traditional accounts.
The key is finding the right fit. Look for an account with low fees, strong mobile tools, and no hidden screening. Once you’re in, use it wisely to rebuild trust with the banking system—and put yourself in a stronger financial position moving forward.
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