Managing money can get the best of us sometimes, no matter how hard we try. Whether it was poor judgment or certain life circumstances, everyone experiences a bit of a financial crisis at some point. If you’ve experienced some sort of financial trouble and need to find a bank or credit union that will give you an account without checking your history, you’re not alone. You’ve also come to the right place.
Our guide introduces you to 17 banks that don’t use a ChexSystems report to screen their applicants. This can work in your favor if you’re trying to build your credit back up and get on your feet financially. With these banks, you may be subject to certain restrictions and fees, but when it comes to second chances, they’re a great opportunity to take advantage of. Plus, we’ll also show you what alternatives you have access to as well, in case these banks and credit unions just don’t do it for you.
Are you ready to take hold of your financial future and get back on your feet? Let’s get started by looking at ChexSystems.
Quick answer
ChexSystems is a report banks pull to see if you’ve bounced checks, left an account with a negative balance or had one closed, and a bad record there is the most common reason a bank says no. If that’s you, our top picks are Current, a checking account you open in the app with $0 down, and Chase Secure Banking℠, the account Chase points people to when they need a second chance.
Our top picks
Current
A checking account you open in the app
Get $75 when you set up direct deposit
- Use code WELCOME75, then get $1,500+ in paychecks deposited in 35 days
- Current says there’s no credit check to qualify for its Paycheck Advance
Chase Secure Banking℠
The account Chase points people to when they need a second chance
Get $175 after 10 purchases or payments in 60 days
- $0 monthly fee with $250+ in paychecks or benefits deposited a month, or if you’re 17 to 24
- No money needed to open it, online or at a branch
Continue securely on Chase’s site
For new Chase checking customers. Chase sets the terms.
17 Best Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
If you’re looking for a bank that doesn’t utilize ChexSystems, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our list of the 17 top banks that won’t use ChexSystems to investigate your checking background.
1. SoFi
With no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees, SoFi’s Checking and Savings accounts offer a hassle-free banking experience without any overdraft fees. Unlike many traditional banks, SoFi doesn’t rely heavily on ChexSystems when reviewing applications, making it a great option if you’ve had past banking issues.
Account holders enjoy access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, the ability to receive paychecks up to 2 days early with qualifying direct deposit, and interest on savings when you have eligible direct deposit.
2. Current
Current is a solid free checking and savings account that provides a payday advance of up to $1,000 to help cover expenses between paychecks. Unlike traditional banks, Current doesn’t rely on ChexSystems to review applications, making it a great option if you’ve had past banking issues.
You can also get paid up to 2 days faster with direct deposit, and there are no credit checks, minimum opening deposits, or monthly maintenance fees, making it a flexible, hassle-free choice for managing your money.
- Get instant access to up to $1,000 with no credit check and no interest
- $75 bonus with code WELCOME75 and $1,500 or more in direct deposits
- No monthly fees, no overdrafts, and no hidden charges
3. Chase
Chase Secure Banking℠ is the account Chase points people to when they need a second chance. Chase says second chance accounts typically don’t look at your ChexSystems report, and there are no overdraft fees and no minimum deposit to open.
New Chase checking customers can get $175 after 10 qualifying transactions within 60 days, like debit card purchases, Zelle payments or online bill payments. The monthly fee is $4.95, or $0 with $250 or more in qualifying electronic deposits or if you’re 17 to 24.
4. Chime
Chime is a financial technology company that gives you access to the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card. This card has no annual fees, credit checks, or interest charges. Plus, there’s no minimum opening deposit or monthly service fee to open the account. Chime won’t charge you for overdrafts or foreign transactions, but will give you access to your paycheck up to 2 days early when you set up direct deposit.
5. 1st Convenience Bank
1st Convenience Bank offers personal banking accounts like a checking account, savings accounts, CDs, loans and also business banking products. It lets you open a bank account without a ChexSystems verification. Plus, there are no monthly maintenance fees as long as you meet certain conditions.
6. Cadence Bank (Formerly BancorpSouth)
Cadence Bank, formerly BancorpSouth, offers several checking account options, including My Way Checking. With this account, you’ll have access to a free debit card, online banking, and bill pay. You’ll only need $50 to open the account. And if you meet certain account requirements, your monthly fee gets waived.
7. FSNB
You don’t have to be a member of the military to join FSNB (formerly known as Fort Sill National Bank). A Basic Checking account with FSNB requires a $5 minimum deposit, and FSNB says it is free of service charges while your balance stays above $100. FSNB members can get a Visa CheckCard and access to free online banking services as well.
8. GoBank
This online bank includes budgeting and money management tools that can help you with your financial future. In fact, these tools can come in handy if you’re looking for the best way to get a loan with bad credit. You’ll need at least $500 in direct deposit funds to avoid the $8.95 monthly fee.
9. Huntington National Bank
Residents of Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are eligible for Huntington National Bank accounts.
Note that this bank does utilize ChexSystems, but as long as you don’t owe another bank any money, you can qualify for an account. Conversely, if you have an account with EWS, you may not qualify.
10. Langley Federal Credit Union
You can open a Share Savings Account at Langley Federal Credit Union. You’ll need this account before you can open a checking account that offers free online and mobile banking as well as online bill pay. There are 55,000+ ATMs in the Langley Federal Credit Union network that you can access.
Navy Federal Credit Union membership is open to the armed forces, the Department of Defense, veterans and their families. Several of its checking accounts have no monthly service fee.
12. Regions Bank
You’ll need at least $50 to open an account with Regions Bank. This bank offers its Simple Checking Account that allows you to open a savings account as well. If you sign up for online statements, your monthly maintenance fee is reduced from $8 to $5, which can help you save more to pay off things like credit card debt.
13. Renasant Bank
Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee residents can open an account with Renesant Bank as long as they don’t owe any money to another bank. Renesant Bank offers a Mastercard debit card for their eligible accounts.
14. TD Ameritrade
TD Ameritrade no longer operates as its own firm. Its accounts moved to Charles Schwab, so look at Schwab’s own checking options instead.
15. United Bank
If you live in Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, or Washington, D.C., you’re eligible for a United Bank account. You also have the opportunity to upgrade to a rewards checking account for $10 per month. If you have at least 15 transactions per month or a minimum of $500 in regular deposits, you can have this fee waived.
16. U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers the Bank Smartly checking account, which comes with a $12 monthly maintenance fee unless you meet one of its waivers, such as monthly direct deposits totaling $1,500 or more or a $1,500 minimum balance. The Bank Smartly checking account also comes with a free U.S. Bank Visa debit card you can use in conjunction with the mobile app.
17. Varo Bank
This online-only bank doesn’t require a minimum deposit or charge monthly fees. You’ll get a free Visa debit card as well as free withdrawals at 40,000+ Allpoint ATMs. Account holders also get early access to direct deposit payments.
What is ChexSystems
ChexSystems, along with Early Warning Services (EWS) and TeleCheck, is used by a bank or credit union to track the checking history of applicants. It’s similar to a background check for banks as a way to determine whether or not an applicant is delinquent on other accounts. In fact, if you have a negative ChexSystems record, that record can stay on your report for up to five years.
It’s important to note that ChexSystems is not a credit reporting agency. While some banks may pull a credit report instead of using ChexSystems, your credit score does not impact your ChexSystems record. However, if you do have a bad credit score due to a delinquent account, your record may show up in ChexSystems.
Not all banks and credit unions use ChexSystems. There are many reputable banks that don’t use this system to verify their applicants’ histories before they grant accounts. These banks may or may not use EWS or TeleCheck in place of ChexSystems.
Alternatives to Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
Sometimes opening a new checking account or bank account isn’t the answer. In these cases, there are a few alternatives you can use to achieve your financial goals.
Second chance checking
Also known as “fresh start” or “opportunity” checking, these accounts can help you stay responsible with your money and establish good habits along the way. Many of the banks above also offer second chance checking.
Prepaid debit cards
Limiting yourself to the money you have in hand can work well with a prepaid debit card. Maintaining a responsible relationship with your money through a prepaid debit card does come with monthly fees, but it can be a great first step to setting things right financially.
Secured credit cards
Similar to prepaid debit cards, secured credit cards require you to use your own money as collateral. You will still pay interest on balances you don’t pay in full, but many people use secured credit cards to improve their credit score and gain back eligibility for unsecured credit cards.
Online services
PayPal and other online banks may offer e-wallet services that allow you to store cash and pay for things online. These accounts may offer a debit card but be warned. Not all of them are FDIC-insured.
Leveraging these alternatives can help you gain enough of a credit score to apply for a personal loan as well. Personal loans can help if you have bad credit, but like with any of these alternatives, it’s best to have a plan in place to tackle your debt to set yourself up for success.
FAQs
Yes, you can, but you have to do it through one that doesn’t check this system. The 17 banks listed above don’t use ChexSystems and can offer you a bank account if you qualify.
If you’re looking for the best checking accounts for second chances, you can contact any of the banks listed above. You may also want to seek out “second chance banks” through a Google search. Depending on what range your credit score is in, you may qualify for a second chance banking account without having to do much leg work.
It is possible to open a new bank account if you owe money to another bank. You can open an account with any of the 17 banks listed above since they don’t use ChexSystems. However, if your negative report is listed on EWS or TeleCheck, you may not be eligible for an account.
Give Your Financial Future a Second Chance
Opening a bank account, even if you have a negative ChexSystems record, is possible with any of the 17 banks listed above. We hope you’ve found this article useful in determining how you can open a new bank account if you’ve got a negative report because everyone deserves a second chance. In fact, you can even use second chance bank accounts or prepaid debit cards to reboot your finances for a better future.
The first step in achieving financial independence is maintaining responsible money habits. With bank accounts from institutions that don’t use ChexSystems, you’re well on your way down that path toward financial freedom. Where will it take you?
