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Struggling to open a bank account because of past overdrafts, bounced checks, or unpaid fees? Many banks use ChexSystems to track your banking history, which can make it tough to get approved. The good news? Some banks don’t check ChexSystems or require a deposit, so you can get back on track financially.
Whether you need a basic checking account or want to rebuild your banking history, there are options available. Online banks, credit unions, and second chance accounts offer fee-free banking, no deposit requirements, and even rewards.
11 Banks Accounts for Bad Credit That Don’t Require a Deposit
You don’t need a traditional bank to open a checking account. Many online banks offer no-fee accounts with no deposit required, making them a great option if you have bad credit. Here are 11 banks that won’t turn you away based on your banking history.
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.
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.
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 60,000 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.
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.
Customers also have access to over 16,000 locations in the ATM network with no additional charges, free online bill pay, and complimentary money orders and cashier’s checks.
With 4,700 branches 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.
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.
3 Bank Accounts for Bad Credit 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, the following bank accounts for bad credit do require a small minimum deposit to get started.
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 headquartered 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 is no minimum balance required and no monthly service fees. In addition, they offer mobile and online banking, bill pay, access to over 55,000 Allpoint ATM locations nationwide.
Account holders can also receive their paycheck up to 3 days in advance when they set up direct deposits.
Cadence Bank offers several checking accounts that don’t require a credit check, including My Way Checking. This account includes all the basic features you’d expect, like a free Mastercard debit card, and digital banking features that allow you to pay bills and transfer money.
You can open a bank account online with a minimum deposit of $50. And you can get the monthly fee waived by meeting certain requirements.
Other bank accounts offered by Cadence Bank include savings accounts, CDs, and money market accounts.
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 several options to waive the monthly fee.
A Bank of America checking account offers comprehensive fraud protection, mobile check deposits, and an intuitive budgeting tool.
You can lock a missing debit card instantly and set up custom account alerts. Plus, enjoy fast, fingerprint-enabled sign-in for quick access to your account.
Bank Account Requirements: Credit Checks vs. ChexSystems
While many people assume that opening a bank account will require a traditional credit check, most banks actually don’t consult the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Instead, they are likely to review your ChexSystems report, which provides a different kind of financial history.
Banks generally prioritize your banking behavior over your credit card payment history or credit score. They want to know how you’ve interacted with other financial institutions, rather than how you’ve managed revolving credit or loans.
Your ChexSystems report offers insights into various aspects of your banking history. It includes information on instances where you might have written bad checks, incurred negative account balances, or failed to pay account fees. These indicators help the bank assess the level of risk involved in offering you an account, making it a crucial step in the application process.
Review Your ChexSystems Report for Errors
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 with bad credit, 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, like second chance checking accounts. You can open a checking account with these financial institutions even if you have a bad banking history.
Can you open a bank account with no money?
Yes, many banks and credit unions allow you to open an account with no money upfront. While some require a minimum deposit, plenty of options—especially online banks—let you sign up with a $0 starting balance and no ongoing minimum balance requirements.
If you don’t have funds 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 when you start using your account.
Choosing a bank with no deposit requirement makes it easier to get started, especially if you’re rebuilding your financial situation.
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
Bad credit shouldn’t keep you from having a bank account. Many banks offer no-fee checking, second chance accounts, and early direct deposit to help you manage your money without worrying about past banking history. Finding the right account can give you the financial flexibility you need while avoiding unnecessary fees.
Take the time to compare your options and choose the one that fits your needs. A solid checking account can make everyday banking easier, help you rebuild your financial standing, and set you up for better opportunities in the future. Apply today and take the first step toward smarter money management.
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.
