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Struggling to open a bank account because of past overdrafts, bounced checks, or unpaid fees? Many banks rely on ChexSystems to review your banking history, which can make approval difficult. The upside is that some banks skip this screening and don’t require an opening deposit, giving you a chance to start fresh.
Whether you need a simple checking account or want to rebuild your financial record, there are plenty of options. Online banks, credit unions, and second chance accounts provide fee-free banking, no deposit requirements, and even features like cashback or early direct deposit.
11 Bank Accounts for Bad Credit That Don’t Require a Deposit
You don’t have to rely on traditional banks to get started. Several banks and credit unions let you open an account with no minimum deposit, no hidden fees, and no ChexSystems check. Here are 11 strong choices that won’t hold your past against you.
The SoFi Checking and Savings account is a no-fee option with no overdraft charges, no monthly maintenance fees, and no minimum balance requirements.
You’ll also have free access to over 55,000 ATMs in the Allpoint® Network. New customers can earn a welcome bonus of up to $300 by setting up qualifying direct deposits early on.
Direct deposit also unlocks higher interest rates, with up to 3.80% APY on savings and 0.50% APY on checking.
You can even get your paycheck up to two days early, making SoFi a strong pick if you want to boost your earnings while avoiding common banking fees.
Current is a mobile banking app designed for people who want more control over their money—especially if they’ve had trouble with banks in the past.
There’s no credit check, and it doesn’t use ChexSystems, so you can open an account even with a rocky banking history.
One standout feature is credit building through your debit card. Just make everyday purchases, and Current reports your activity to help strengthen your credit profile—no loans, no credit card, and no hard inquiry.
The account comes with no minimum deposit, no monthly fees, and access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network.
You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit and earn points on purchases, which you can redeem for cash back.
Stash is a digital banking option that makes it easy to open an account, even if you’ve had trouble with traditional banks.
There’s no minimum deposit to get started, no overdraft fees, and no monthly maintenance charges.
Every purchase with the Stash Stock-Back® Card earns you fractional shares of stock at select merchants, turning everyday spending into an investment opportunity.
You’ll also have access to more than 55,000 fee-free ATMs in the Allpoint® Network.
For anyone with bad credit who wants a simple account and the added benefit of growing investments while they spend, Stash is a strong choice.
Chime is a user-friendly mobile app with a free debit card. The Chime checking account boasts no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, and no foreign transaction fees.
There are no physical locations, but consumers do have access to the bank’s network of 47,000 ATMs across the country.
Chime makes it easy to make cash deposits and transfer money with its mobile banking app. You’ll get access to automatic deposits, online transfers, mobile banking, and ATM withdrawals.
This free checking account also comes with online bill pay, direct deposit, and a Visa® debit card. Check out our full review of Chime.
GO2bank offers online bank accounts that suit those with bad credit and individuals preferring not to make an initial deposit.
Customers can earn a high-interest rate of 4.50% APY on savings up to $5,000. The bank also assists in building your credit history through the responsible use of the GO2bank Secured Visa Credit Card, which comes without annual fees.
You can also get faster access to your earnings, providing an option to receive paychecks up to 2 days early or government benefits up to 4 days early through direct deposit.
An added benefit is the overdraft protection, shielding you from fees up to $200 when you meet the direct deposit criteria.
With a moderate monthly fee of $5, which is waivable with qualifying direct deposits, GO2bank serves as a sensible choice for those with bad credit.
PNC’s Foundation Checking is a low-cost, no-frills option built for people looking to rebuild their banking history.
There’s no minimum deposit to open the account and no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees—so you won’t be penalized for small mistakes.
The $5 monthly fee is predictable and straightforward, and the account is certified by the national Bank On initiative for safe, affordable banking access.
You’ll also get access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs and full support for mobile banking tools, including Zelle and PNC’s Virtual Wallet features.
If you’ve had trouble opening accounts elsewhere, Foundation Checking is a solid, reliable path back into mainstream banking.
TD Bank is another strong option for those in the U.S. who are looking to open a bank account online with no deposit or a pristine credit history.
The TD Beyond Checking account comes with multiple perks, such as the ability to avoid the $25 monthly fee in three different ways: through $5,000 in monthly direct deposits, a minimum daily balance of $2,500, or a combined balance of $25,000 across eligible TD accounts.
Additionally, customers have access to over 4,000 ATM locations and can have two overdraft charges automatically reversed each year. On top of this, the account pays interest on your balance.
While Capital One 360 is widely recognized for its credit cards, it also provides online banking solutions tailored for people with a complex banking history.
In particular, they do not use ChexSystems to validate your banking background.
A free online checking account from Capital One 360 comes with no minimum opening deposit and no monthly fees.
Furthermore, the bank offers mobile banking, mobile direct deposits, online bill pay, and access to 70,000 ATM locations without surcharges.
You can also make cash deposits into your 360 Checking account at any CVS location.
Navy Federal Credit Union offers membership to active-duty or retired members of the military and their families.
There is no minimum initial deposit, no minimum balance requirement, no monthly service fee, and no charges for direct deposits.
NFCU also offers optional overdraft protection. Otherwise, an overdraft fee is $20. NFCU’s free checking account is an excellent option for service members and their families.
Varo is an online-only bank that allows you to open a bank account online with no deposit or the hurdles of ChexSystems or credit checks.
There is no minimum deposit and no monthly fees. Account holders also get early access to direct deposit payments. Direct deposits usually post on the same day they’re received.
You also get a free Visa debit card, access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATM locations, and paper check mailing.
Huntington has branches in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Huntington National Bank does use 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 basic account, there is no minimum opening deposit and no minimum balance to maintain.
Credit Checks vs. ChexSystems Reports
Many people think opening a bank account requires a credit check, but that’s usually not the case. Most banks don’t look at your credit report from Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. Instead, they often review your ChexSystems report, which focuses on your past banking activity.
Rather than evaluating how you handled credit cards or loans, banks want to see how you’ve managed checking and savings accounts. Your ChexSystems report may include unpaid fees, overdrafts, bounced checks, or closed accounts. This helps banks measure the risk of giving you a new account.
Knowing the difference between a credit check and a ChexSystems report can make it easier to find banks that fit your situation—especially if you’ve had trouble with overdrafts or negative balances in the past.
How to Review Your ChexSystems Report for Errors
You’re entitled to one free ChexSystems report every year, similar to how you can request a free credit report. If a bank or credit union denies your application based on ChexSystems, you also have the right to see the report they used.
It’s smart to review your ChexSystems report regularly to check for mistakes. If you’ve struggled to open a checking account, confirming whether you’re listed in their database can save time and frustration.
If you spot incorrect information, you can file a dispute. Verified errors must be corrected or removed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Negative items that are accurate typically remain on your file for up to five years.
Yes. Many banks and credit unions let you open a checking account with no upfront deposit. While some institutions still require a minimum opening balance, plenty of online banks allow you to start with $0 and no ongoing balance requirements.
If you don’t have funds available at the time of opening, you can add money later through direct deposit, electronic transfer, mobile check deposit, or cash deposits at ATMs. Some banks even offer sign-up bonuses or rewards once you begin using your account.
Choosing a bank with no deposit requirement makes it easier to get started, especially if you’re rebuilding your financial history or recovering from past banking issues.
What to Look for When Choosing a Bank Account With Bad Credit
Finding the right bank account with bad credit means looking for low fees, good accessibility, and features that fit your needs. Here’s what to consider:
ATM Access: Check for fee-free ATMs and reimbursement policies for out-of-network withdrawals.
Online & Mobile Banking: Look for mobile check deposit, bill pay, and an easy-to-use app.
Overdraft Protection: Some banks offer free overdraft protection, while others charge high fees.
Minimum Deposit: Some banks require an opening deposit, while others don’t.
Sign-Up Bonuses & Rewards: Some accounts offer cash bonuses, cashback, or other perks.
Security & Insurance: Ensure your account is FDIC- or NCUA-insured and offers fraud protection.
Choosing the right account can save you money and make banking easier, even with bad credit.
Final Thoughts
Having bad credit or a negative banking record doesn’t mean you’re locked out of the financial system. Plenty of banks and credit unions now offer no-fee checking, second chance accounts, and options with no deposit required. Many also include features like early direct deposit, mobile banking, and wide ATM access to make everyday money management simpler.
The key is to compare your choices and pick an account that matches your needs. Opening the right account can save you from unnecessary fees, give you more control over your finances, and help you rebuild your financial history. Starting fresh with a no-deposit account is an easy step toward more stability and better opportunities ahead.
Jamie is a freelance writer with extensive experience covering personal finance and small business topics. She specializes in credit, investing, and entrepreneurship, providing readers with clear, actionable financial advice.