Open a Bank Account Online with No Deposit and Bad Credit

In our digital world, having a bank account is no longer optional. In fact, it’s quickly becoming a necessity, especially as many stores no longer accept cash.

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Opening a bank account isn’t a big deal for most people. But, it can be a different story for consumers with a negative banking history. For example, you could be denied a bank account if you’ve had too many bounced checks, unpaid fees, negative balances, overdrafts, or closed accounts in the past.

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t despair. Some banks and credit unions are willing to work with you. You just have to be more strategic about finding them.

10 Banks Accounts That Don’t Require a Deposit

In the past, most consumers opened checking accounts at banks or credit unions with physical locations. But this is no longer a requirement, and online banks offer many advantages over traditional banks.

Most online checking accounts come with no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees. You may sacrifice some convenience, but it may be well worth it to find a better bank account.

Listed below are 10 bank accounts for bad credit that don’t require a minimum deposit. These banks were chosen because they offer better options for the average consumer.

1. Chime®

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  • No credit check
  • No minimum opening deposit or monthly service fee
  • Over 60,000+ fee-free1 ATMs
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit2

Chime offers second chance checking and savings accounts with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement.

There are no physical locations, but consumers do have access to the bank’s network of 60,000 ATMs across the country.

Chime makes it easy to make cash deposits and transfer money with its free mobile 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.

2. Chase

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  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • $100 bonus after 10 purchases in 60 days
  • Over 16,000+ fee-free ATMs
  • $4.95 monthly service fee

Chase is one of the most popular banks in the U.S. And now, they offer an account called Chase Secure Banking with no credit check, no ChexSystems, and no overdraft fees.

Account holders also get access to over 16,000 fee-free ATMs, free online bill pay, and free money orders and cashier’s checks.

With 4,700 locations across the country, this is an excellent option for anyone who prefers having access to physical branches.

Opening a Chase Secure Banking account comes with a $100 cash bonus when you use the card for 10 purchases within 60 days.

Account approval is immediate and you’ll receive your debit card within days. There is a small monthly fee of $4.95. However, there is no minimum opening deposit to get started.

3. Current

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  • No credit check
  • No minimum opening deposit or maintenance fees
  • Get paid up to 2 days faster
  • Overdraft up to $200 without any overdraft fees

Current is one of the fastest-growing mobile banking solutions in the U.S., with over one million members.

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Most importantly, Current does not use ChexSystems or pull your credit report.

Some features of the Current mobile banking account include fee-free overdraft protection of up to $100, 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs, and no minimum balance or hidden fees.

You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit and earn up to 15x points, and get cashback.

4. SoFi

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  • No monthly fee
  • No minimum balance fees
  • Up to 3.75% APY
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

The SoFi Checking and Savings account has no overdraft fees, no minimum balance fees, and no monthly fees. Plus, it offers 55,000+ fee-free ATMs within the Allpoint® Network.

In addition, members of SoFi who have set up direct deposit can earn an annual percentage yield (APY) of 3.75% on their savings account balances, and 2.50% with their checking accounts.

You can also get your paycheck up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.

You’ll also get up to 15% cash back at local establishments with your SoFi debit card.

5. Capital One 360

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  • No minimum balance or minimum deposit
  • No monthly fee
  • No fee for foreign transactions
  • 70,000 fee-free ATMs

Capital One 360 is known more for its credit cards, but they also offer online banking options for people with a checkered banking past. Capital One doesn’t use ChexSystems to check your record.

A checking account from Capital One 360 comes with no minimum opening deposit and no monthly fees.

In addition, the bank offers mobile banking, mobile direct deposits, online bill pay, and access to 70,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also make cash deposits into your 360 Checking account at any CVS location.

5 Banks Accounts That Require a Small Deposit

These banks and credit unions will give you a checking or savings account even if you have poor credit. However, they do require a small minimum deposit to get started.

1. mph.bank

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  • Earn 4.70% APY when paired with a Future savings account
  • 55,000 Free AllPoint ATMs
  • Get paid up to 2 days early
  • $1 minimum deposit

mph.bank, brought to life by Liberty Savings Bank, revolutionizes digital banking with its Fresh digital checking account.

Tailored for those with previous ChexSystems reports, mph.bank empowers you to enhance your financial health.

The Fresh account, carrying a $9.00 monthly fee and $10.00 overdraft fee, is filled with features to streamline your banking journey. It includes a contactless debit card and a personalized dashboard for a more individualized banking experience.

The associated savings account with the Fresh account offers an enticing 4.70% APY, fostering a savings habit. An inclusive financial tool lets you view your entire finances in one spot, enabling precise financial planning.

With Zelle® integration for rapid, secure transfers, and access to 55,000 free AllPoint ATMs, you’re always connected to your money. Additionally, with any of mph.bank’s spend accounts, you can access your cash up to 2 days early.

2. Langley Federal Credit Union

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  • No monthly fee
  • Online and mobile banking
  • $5 opening deposit
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

Langley Federal Credit Union (LFCU) is a credit union that does not use ChexSystems, and is open to customers from all over the United States.

They are based in Virginia, but their membership is not restricted to residents of the state.

You must first open a share savings account with a minimum deposit of $5 before you can open a checking account.

There are no minimum balance or monthly service charges. In addition, they offer free mobile and online banking, free online bill pay, and access to 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs Nationwide.

Account-holders can also get paid up to 3 days early with direct deposits.

3. Cadence Bank

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  • No credit check
  • $8 monthly fee
  • $50 minimum opening balance

Cadence Bank offers several checking accounts that don’t require a credit check, including My Way Checking. This account comes with the basic features you’d expect, like a free debit card, online banking, and bill pay.

You can open an account with a minimum deposit of $50. And you can get the monthly fee waived by meeting certain requirements.

4. Unify Financial Credit Union

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  • No credit check
  • No monthly fee
  • $25 minimum opening balance
  • 100,000 fee-free ATMs

Unify Financial Credit Union offers a Right Start Checking Account, which is suitable for first-time account holders and those with bad credit.

The account requires a low minimum starting balance of $25 and has no monthly maintenance fee, making it an affordable option.

You get a free Visa debit card, online banking, and eStatements.

Opening this account grants access to Unify offices and online banking. Becoming a member is required to open an account.

5. Bank of America

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  • No monthly service fees
  • $25 minimum opening balance
  • Access to 16,000 free ATMs

Bank of America offers the SafeBalance Banking Account that includes perks such as mobile banking, mobile check deposits, same-day cash wires, and deposit transfers but does not offer paper checks.

To open the account, a minimum balance of $25 is required, and a monthly maintenance fee of $4.95 is charged. However, there are ways to waive the monthly fee.

Bank of America customers have access to thousands of ATMs for free, but using out-of-network ATMs incurs a $2.50 fee per transaction.

Chime app

Do most banks require a credit check for bank accounts?

Most banks won’t run a credit check with one of the three major credit bureaus. However, they will check your ChexSystems report, which highlights your banking history.

Most of them are not interested in your credit score or credit card payment history. They’re more interested in seeing what your history is of working with other financial institutions.

ChexSystems covers things like writing bad checks, negative account balances, and unpaid account fees.

Reviewing Your ChexSystems Report

Just like a credit report, you are entitled to receive one free copy of your ChexSystems report each year. And if a bank or credit union turns you down based on information found in your report, you have a right to access that information.

It’s a good idea to check your ChexSystems report to look for any inaccuracies periodically. In addition, if you’re looking to open a checking account, you may want to check to see if you’re in their database.

If you find negative information on your report, you can dispute it or wait five years until it is permanently deleted. However, either way, you may need to explore other options for now.

Fortunately, there are some banks that don’t use ChexSystems and other bad credit checking accounts options. You can open a checking account with these banks even if you have a bad banking history.

Can I open a bank account with no money?

Yes, you can. Many banks and credit unions require a minimum deposit to open a basic checking or savings account. However, many of them don’t, including the ones we’ve listed above.

Additionally, some banks also offer accounts with no minimum balance requirements. This means you are not required to maintain a certain balance or make regular deposits to keep the account active.

Online banks often have lower minimum deposit requirements and may offer sign-up bonuses or other incentives for opening an account.

It’s also worth noting that even if you don’t have money to deposit when you open an account, you can still add funds to it later. You can use direct deposit, electronic transfer, or even deposit cash at the bank or through an ATM.

What to Look for When Choosing a Bank Account

Many people choose where they bank based on convenience. For example, if a particular bank has a branch located right down the street from you, you may choose to bank there. But that bank may or may not be in line with your financial goals.

You should always spend some time shopping around for the right checking or savings account. Here are a few factors you should consider:

  • Fees: Banks make lots of money by charging customers fees. Some of the most common fees to watch out for are minimum balance fees, overdraft fees, ATM fees, and foreign transaction fees. If a bank charges fees, that doesn’t mean you should immediately rule out banking there. But you do want to know what fees a bank is charging because there are usually ways you can get around paying these fees.
  • Interest rates: You should know what kind of interest rate your bank is paying you to do business with them. Keep in mind that these will change periodically depending on whether the Federal Reserve raises or lowers interest rates.
  • ATM access: Consider the number and location of ATMs that are accessible with the account, as well as any fees associated with using out-of-network ATMs.
  • Online and mobile banking: Look for a bank account that offers easy and secure online and mobile banking options, such as mobile check deposit and account management.
  • Free debit card: Most checking accounts come with free debit cards. However, some banks and credit unions charge for them, or charge debit card replacement fees if you lose your card.
  • Customer service: Consider the quality and availability of customer service, such as 24/7 phone support and online chat.
  • Overdraft protection: Look for bank accounts that offer overdraft protection. This can help you avoid costly fees if you accidentally spend more money than you have in your checking account.
  • Minimum deposit: Check if bank account has any minimum deposit requirement. Some bank accounts may have a low or no minimum deposit requirement, while others may require a higher amount.
  • Sign-up bonus: Some banks offer sign-up bonus for opening account with them like cashback or discounts.
  • Rewards program: Some bank accounts offer rewards programs, such as cash back on debit card purchases or discounts on certain products or services.
  • Insurance: Check if the bank account comes with insurance coverage like FDIC insurance for banks or NCUA insurance for credit unions in case of bank failure.
  • Security features: Look for a bank account with advanced security features like multi-factor authentication and biometric login.
  • Ease of use: Consider the ease of use of the bank account, including the user interface of the bank’s website and mobile app. Also, consider the process for opening and managing the account.

Summary

If you have poor credit or a tarnished banking history, it doesn’t mean you can’t open a bank account. Many online banks will be willing to work with you.

Before making a final selection, know what kind of products and services you’re looking for in a bank or credit union, and do your homework. This will help you make a decision that’s in line with your financial goals and priorities.

Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.

1. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply with Chime except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

2. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. Chime 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.

Jamie Johnson
Meet the author

Jamie Johnson is a freelance writer who has been featured in publications like InvestorPlace and GOBankingRates. She writes about various personal finance topics including student loans, credit cards, investing, building credit, and more.