If you’ve ever found yourself unable to open a bank account due to past credit or banking history, you may want to look into a second chance bank. Second chance checking accounts are designed to give people with bad credit, a ChexSystems, or EWS record a second chance.
These accounts give consumers who have a negative banking history a second chance to prove that they can manage their accounts responsibly. But, of course, some banks and credit unions offer better terms than others. So, we’ve done the research to find the best options available for you.
Best Second Chance Banking Options
Here are the top second chance banks and credit unions for you to consider. If you don’t find one you like, we also have over 200 regional banks and credit unions listed below.
2. U.S. Bank
- $400 sign-up bonus
- $25 minimum opening deposit
- Monthly service fee can be waived
- Over 40,000 fee-free ATMs
3. GO2bank
- 4.50% APY on savings up to $5,000
- No minimum opening deposit
- Build credit with no annual fees
- Overdraft protection up to $200
GO2bank, a neobank created by Green Dot, is a fintech company that offers a range of innovative financial services. Its checking account comes with savings subaccounts known as vaults, with no minimum balance required to open an account online.
GO2bank offers a high yield of 4.50% APY on savings accounts up to $5,000. With 90,000 retail locations for cash deposits and 19,000 fee-free ATMs, it’s easy to access your money whenever you need it.
You can also get your pay up to 2 days early with direct deposit, and government benefits up to 4 days early. Overdraft protection up to $200 is available with opt-in and eligible direct deposits. Plus, you can build your credit over time by using the GO2bank Secured Visa Credit Card responsibly.
The monthly service fee is waived when you receive a payroll or government benefits deposited in the previous monthly statement period. Otherwise, it’s $5 per month. GO2bank is a convenient and affordable way to manage your finances.
4. Chase
- $100 bonus after 10 purchases in 60 days
- No credit check or ChexSystems
- Over 16,000+ fee-free ATMs
- $4.95 monthly service fee
5. Current
- No minimum opening deposit or maintenance fees
- Get paid up to 2 days faster
- Overdraft up to $200 without any overdraft fees
- No credit check or ChexSystems
What is a second chance checking account?
Most banks will look at your ChexSystems report when you apply to open a new checking or savings account. Financial institutions use this report to check if you’ve overdrawn your account or closed accounts without reconciling a negative balance.
Banks and credit unions can deny your application to open an account if they determine you are a financial risk. Unfortunately, not having access to a checking account can cause financial problems for many people.
See also: Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems & Credit Unions That Don’t Use ChexSystems
Paying in cash or relying on prepaid cards to manage daily transactions just isn’t feasible for most people. Furthermore, doing things like paying your mortgage or making major purchases can be inconvenient without a bank account.
Second chance banks offer you an opportunity to improve your banking history. They offer more lenient terms and often have a low minimum opening deposit.
Why should I open a second chance checking account?
Your ChexSystems report may reflect several negative marks if you’ve struggled with overdrafts, bounced checks, and unpaid fees in the past. Unfortunately, being in ChexSystems or Early Warning Services (EWS) can prevent you from opening a checking account with certain financial institutions.
Not having access to a bank account can cause financial problems for many people. It can be hard to pay your bills and relying on cash or prepaid debit cards is unrealistic for most people. That’s why a second chance bank account can be so beneficial.
A second chance bank account allows you to rebuild your banking history. The account may have certain restrictions. However, if you can keep your account in good standing, you may be able to switch to one with more favorable terms in the future.
What should I do if my application to open a checking account is denied?
If you’ve recently been turned down for an application to open a checking account, it could be due to past banking issues. ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency that keeps a record of negative banking history for up to five years.
Unfortunately, the banking industry varies greatly when it comes to second chance checking accounts. Some banks don’t offer second chance bank accounts. They view consumers with poor ChexSystems reports as too much of a liability.
Other banks and credit unions offer second chance bank accounts, but limit their financial liability by placing heavy restrictions on the accounts. For instance, you may not have access to check writing privileges or have to pay a monthly fee.
If you were denied a bank account due to a negative banking history, your best course of action is to find a financial institution that is willing to work with you. Look for one that either doesn’t use ChexSystems or offers a second chance bank account.
How to Avoid Problems in the Future
Once you open a second chance bank account, you need to focus on building good banking habits. This will prevent you from running into the same types of problems down the road.
Make sure you regularly check your account balance and closely monitor your transactions. This will help you avoid overdrawing your account.
You can also set up a savings account as a form of overdraft protection. It will keep your account in good standing and save you from paying hefty monthly fees.
Signing up for a free class on financial management could help you learn the skills you need to manage your bank accounts effectively. In fact, the bank or credit union you open an account with may require you to sign up for this type of class.
Pros and Cons of Second Chance Checking Accounts
Pros
Here are some of the biggest advantages of second chance checking accounts:
- Can help you improve your banking history
- More convenient than relying on cash or prepaid cards
- Can help you avoid excessive bank fees
- Build a positive banking relationship over time
- You may be able to upgrade your account to a traditional checking account if you keep it in good standing for a certain period.
Cons
Here are some of the disadvantages that come with second chance checking accounts:
- May come with costly monthly service fees
- There will likely be a minimum account deposit
- You may not have access to check writing privileges
- Won’t help you improve your credit score
- You maybe be required to take a financial management course
Bottom Line
A bad ChexSystems report doesn’t have to upend your life. By doing a little homework, you can find a second chance bank account designed to suit your needs and help you rebuild your banking history.
The account you choose may come with certain restrictions in the beginning. But if you can keep your account in good standing, you may be eligible to upgrade to a more favorable checking account in the future.
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.
3. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of November, 17th, 2022. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
