Second Chance Checking Accounts: 200+ Banks to Help You Start Over

Banking

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.

1. Chime

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  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • No minimum opening deposit or monthly service fee
  • Over 60,000+ fee-free ATMs1
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit2

Chime® is an online-only banking option with no minimum opening deposit, monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or foreign transaction fees.

With a Chime Checking Account, you’ll have the added benefit of using your Visa debit card to access more than 60,000 ATMs without incurring any fees. These ATMs are conveniently located at various places, including Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS, and other similar locations.

Chime also offers a high-yield savings account that earns an APY of 2.00%3. The Chime Savings Account has a much higher rate than what most traditional banks offer.

In addition, Chime banking services are provided by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A. Member FDIC, so your money is safe and insured.

2. U.S. Bank

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  • $400 sign-up bonus
  • $25 minimum opening deposit
  • Monthly service fee can be waived
  • Over 40,000 fee-free ATMs

U.S. Bank is now offering the Bank Smartly® Checking account, a popular choice that can be applied for online in 26 states throughout the U.S.

If you’re based in any of the following states – AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, or WY – you’re eligible to apply.

By opening a Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account, and completing qualifying activities, you have the potential to earn up to $400. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through June 20, 2023. Member FDIC.

The account itself provides a variety of benefits, including a complimentary debit card that can be locked or unlocked if ever misplaced or stolen. U.S. Bank ATMs offer fee-free transactions, as do over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

Although U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, it’s typically known to be more accommodating with its regulations than many other banks. Unless there’s a history of fraud or any money owed to U.S. Bank, opening a checking account is a possibility.

The checking account requires just a $25 minimum opening deposit, with a monthly fee of $6.95. The monthly fee can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500, or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

3. GO2bank

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  • 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

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  • $100 bonus after 10 purchases in 60 days
  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • 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 ATMs for free, 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.

5. Current

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  • 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

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

However, 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 bank account include free overdraft protection, free cash withdrawals at 40,000 Allpoint ATMs, and no minimum opening deposit or hidden fees.

You can get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. And you earn up to 15x points and cashback on debit card purchases at participating merchants.

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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.

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