If you recently applied for a checking account and were denied because of a negative banking history, you’re not alone. Approximately 85% of banks in Alabama use a company called ChexSystems when you apply for a new checking account. If you have experienced several overdraft checks from another bank or have been unable to pay overdraft fees, ChexSystems will flag that behavior making it next to impossible to find a bank willing to work with you.
Granted, ChexSystems is the safety net for bank institutions to weed out people who have committed fraud or identity theft, but if you get caught in the net it can be crippling. And most of us absolutely require the use of a bank checking account to manage our money, pay bills, and receive direct deposits from an employer or government agency.
Fortunately, some banks and credit unions offer so-called No ChexSystems Checking Accounts and/or Second Chance Checking Accounts to help people rebuild their credit and financial histories. Our job at checkingexpert.com is to find those institutions in Alabama that can assist you.
List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Alabama
BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance checking account. And for good reason. First, BBVA is well-known to Alabama residents with over 90 branches in the state. Second, BBVA doesn’t use ChexSystems or your personal credit score when opening a checking account. Instead, they use EWS to screen applicants. And finally, the account is loaded with features, has no minimum balance requirements, or monthly service charges.Simply stated, the BBVA Online Checking account has a combination of features no other bank can match. These include:
- NO ChexSystems
- NO monthly service charge
- NO monthly account balance minimums
- NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
- FREE award-winning mobile app (one of the best we’ve reviewed)
- FREE Visa® debit card you can personalize with your favorite photo
- FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
- FREE money transfer to and from any email or mobile phone in the U.S. via Popmoney®, Venmo®, and other instant transfer services
- FREE dedicated team of mobile bankers you can contact via text, email, or phone
- FREE cash back rewards for everyday debit card purchases with Simple CashBack
- FREE unlimited check writing
- FREE Visa Zero Liability protects you against fraudulent purchases made on your debit card
- BBVA USA, member FDIC
It’s simple to apply. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. Your online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes.
Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:
Chime Bank is one of the fastest growing online banks. Chime offers both online checking and savings accounts without performing a ChexSystems background check or pulling your credit score. We like how Chime processes direct deposits faster than other banking systems, giving you access to your money two days faster.One of the best features of a Chime account is that you always know exactly how much money you have in your account through the easy-to-use mobile app and real-time alerts. Chime Bank also offers Automatic Savings. Every purchase is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited into your savings account.
Setting up an account with Chime is incredibly easy, and there is no minimum deposit amount. Your account comes with:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- Free online banking, bill pay and online checks
- Free money transfers and foreign transactions
- Fee-free overdraft up to $100
- No monthly fees or service charges
- No monthly minimums
- Access to a network of 38,000 MoneyPass® and Visa Plus Alliance ATMs worldwide
Becoming a member of a credit union is an excellent way to build a banking relationship. On-Track Checking through Alabama Credit Union is a great option for those with a less-than-perfect checking history. For a monthly fee of only $8, you receive the same perks offered in higher level checking accounts.In order to open a checking account, ACU requires you to establish membership by first opening a savings account. Once you are a member, there are no minimum balance requirements with direct deposit. If you don’t direct deposit your paycheck, you will be required to have a $75 balance in your savings. In return, you receive:
- A free debit Mastercard
- Reward points on your purchases
- Access to branches across Alabama
- The ACUmBranch app, access to online website, and a 24-hour phone teller
- Free SMS text alerts
- Free electronic bill pay
- Overdraft protection
- Free e-Statements
Ameris Bank uses ChexSystems, but as long as the report has since been settled, only one bank is reported, and there are no previous reports indicating fraud or account abuse, applicants should not have any issues opening a new account. Ameris has 4 branch locations in Alabama and it currently offers four checking accounts.It’s the cheapest account is Free Checking, which doesn’t charge a monthly fee nor have a minimum account balance. It offers free online, mobile, and text banking, as well as free bill pay. To open an account, an initial $25 deposit is required.
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Avadian’s e-Checking allows you to build a banking relationship without the worry of hefty fees or hidden charges. For a monthly fee of $7, you receive a free Visa debit card and unlimited debit transactions. All you need is a $25 deposit to open the account. This checkless checking account is designed to offer you access to ATMs and merchants who accept Visa.In addition, e-Checking through Avadian Credit Union gives you access to Centsible Savings. Your purchase amounts are rounded up to the nearest dollar and the extra amount is automatically transferred into your Centsible Savings account. This makes building a savings account simple. Other features of e-Checking include:
- No minimum balance requirements
- Account access through online banking, a mobile banking app, or by phone
- The Avadian Identity Theft Protection Plan
- No withdrawal fees from network ATMs
Azalea City Credit Union offers Opportunity Draft checking to those who live, work or worship in the Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, and Clarke counties. This account allows Azalea City CU members a fresh start and financial stability through second chance checking.A free ATM/Debit card and unlimited check writing gives you easy access to your money. There is a $5 new account fee and a minimum opening deposit of $25. If you have an account balance of less than $25, you will pay an additional $5 fee per month. The Opportunity Draft checking account also offers:
- Free online account access
- Free e-statements
- Easy-to-use mobile app and e-alerts
- Free online account access, e-statements, and e-alerts
BancorpSouth allows you to build a positive checking history through second chance checking. After 12 months of good standing, you are able to move to a traditional checking account. Free online banking helps you keep track of your spending in real time. Bancorp’s BudgetWi$e program lets you see your account balances and your budget in one convenient place. This makes it easy to stay on track and build a positive banking relationship.A standard Mastercard debit card gives you easy access to your money. Unlimited check writing is an added bonus. All it takes is $50 to open an account at one of the several BancorpSouth locations in Alabama. Popular branch locations include Montgomery, Birmingham, Jackson, Leeds, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama. There is a monthly service charge of $10. Second chance checking at BancorpSouth also includes:
- No minimized balance requirements
- Itemized monthly paper statement
- Free online statements and online banking
- Free mobile banking app
- Easy telephone access to account information
The Pathway account from Bank OZK is designed for those who have been turned down by other banks. With a low opening deposit of $50, Bank OZK helps you rebuild your banking history with a quality checking account. You can open an account online or in-person at the branch office in Geneva.With the Bank OZK Pathway account, you are guaranteed the same level of service as all other customers. You receive both a debit card and unlimited check writing. The Pathway account has a $10 monthly service fee and offers:
- eStatements
- Online banking and bill pay
- Online statements with images
- A convenient mobile app
- Telephone banking access
- No minimum balance requirements
Centennial Bank offers a second chance account with the opportunity to move up to a regular checking account. The Opportunity 100 Checking account helps you rebuild your checking history. If you keep the account in good standing for one year, you are upgraded to a standard checking account.Although there is a $100 minimum deposit to open the account, Centennial Bank does not require a minimum daily balance. If you sign up for direct deposit, your monthly service charge is reduced from $12.95 to $9.95. With Opportunity 100 Checking, you receive:
- Surcharge-Free ATM access
- Online banking, mobile app, and text options
- Internet bill pay and mobile payment options
- Coin machine transactions
- eStatements
Second Slice Checking at Community Bank & Trust is a solid choice for second chance checking. With only a $100 minimum deposit to open, you receive the opportunity to build a strong banking relationship for a secure financial future. If you maintain your account in good standing, Community Bank & Trust will upgrade your checking account to a conventional option.To open an account, all you need to do is visit the Alabama location in Union Springs. Your Second Slice Checking includes:
- Unlimited check writing
- Debit card with ATM access
- Direct deposit
- Mobile banking app
- Cash management services
- E-statement or traditional image statements
Family Security Credit Union members with difficult checking histories can rebuild their banking relationships through FSCU’s Give Me a Break Checking. By providing budgeting and financial management information, FSCU helps you on your journey to successful money management. The included free consultation with a financial counselor can help you build a strong plan for your financial future.Members in good standing for 12 months can move up to a regular checking account. Although there is no minimum balance required, there is a monthly checking account fee of $10. Government and employer payroll checks are automatically deposited into your account. FSCU also offers:
- Visa debit card with ATM access
- Online banking through FSCU@HOME
- Online imaging of cleared checks
- Online bill pay
GoBank is an online option for simple banking. All you need to do to open an account is to purchase a GoBank starter kit from a partner retailer and pass an identity verification. In return, you receive the ability to use a debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can also write checks to avoid expensive money order fees.Deposits to your account can be made through mobile check deposit, direct deposit or by adding cash through participating retailers for a small fee. If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $8.95 is waived.
Account holders appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools and a savings vault. There are many participating retailers, including Walgreens, CVS and Kroger.
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Go Further from GTE Financial helps put you on the path to a better checking account. If you don’t qualify for a traditional account, the Go Further account will help you get there in as little as 12 months. We consider this a low-cost second chance checking. As long as you make a total deposit of $500 for the month, opt to receive eStatements and make 15 monthly transactions, the $9.95 maintenance fee is waived.GTE Financial is one of the largest credit unions in the US. Membership is open to anyone through easy requirements and an online application process. The Go Further account includes:
- Free EMV-equipped debit card with built-in rewards
- Online and mobile banking tools
- Free bill pay service
- Easy money transfers through the Popmoney service
MAX is another banking option for those looking for a non-ChexSystems bank. Instead, MAX uses EWS and doesn’t pull a credit report during the checking account application process. The simplest way to get started with MAX is to apply for the “Explore” checking account. All you’ll need is a valid form of ID, a social security number, and email address to apply for an account.Once approved, there’s no minimum balance or per check charges and the required opening deposit is only $50. There is a $5 monthly fee, though this can be waived if you’re a student under the age of 26 or you use your debit card at least 15 times a month and/or receive direct deposit each month. MAX has multiple locations in the greater Montgomery area as well.
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No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members in Alabama and across the US. With no review requirements of your banking history, NFCU is an excellent choice for active duty or retired US military, family members and government contractors. There are two banking choices to choose from: Active Duty Checking and Free eChecking.Both account options come with a free NFCU debit card. There is no monthly service fee with direct deposit. Your account is protected from overdrafts with free savings transfers, a checking line of credit or an optional overdraft protection service. You also receive:
- Free mobile deposits
- Free bill pay
- Free traditional name-only checks
- Dividends credited monthly
Peoples Cash Solutions understands that being denied a checking account for bad credit or problems with ChexSystems or TeleCheck isn’t a good feeling. If you haven’t been involved in fraudulent activity, all you need is a fresh start. You can find it with the Second Chance Checking account from Peoples Cash Solutions.Second Chance Checking offers easy direct deposit to save you time and money by eliminating the check cashing process. Your access to your money is simple through a Peoples Cash Solutions debit Mastercard. Other convenient features include:
- Online banking
- Online money transfers
- Online bill pay
- A personal checkbook
- ATM access
You can apply online with a $30 minimum deposit. There is a monthly maintenance fee of $4.95 for Second Chance Checking through Peoples Cash Solutions.
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The Radius Bank Essential Checking account is a FDIC-insured checking account designed to help you manage your money with powerful technology and limited fees. Available to residents in all 50 states.- Free MasterCard® debit card
- Free mobile banking with check deposit
- Free online banking with bill pay
- $10 minimum deposit to open account
- Monthly service charge of $9.00
- No minimum balance
- Ability to upgrade account after 12 months of responsible banking
Even if you have a negative ChexSystem history, Renasant Bank offers you conventional checking options. As long as you don’t have an account in bad standing with Renasant, you can choose from several checking options. All accounts require a $50 minimum deposit.One of the convenient features of a Renasant Bank checking account is the ability to use Renasant’s Mobile Wallet with Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay options. If you opt to receive eStatements instead of traditional paper statements, your monthly fee of $8.00 is waived. Renasant Bank checking accounts come with:
- Online banking with online bill pay
- Mobile banking app access
- Renasant Debit Mastercard
- Unlimited check writing
If you are looking to save money, SoFi Money is our top choice for a non-traditional banking option. We recommend this online money management account to those who are tech savvy. One of the biggest perks is there aren’t any account fees. ATM fees are reimbursed, transfers are free and you have no minimum balance requirements. You don’t even need an initial deposit to set up your account.SoFi will even pay you through a high-yield interest rate on your checking balance. You can earn a $50 cash bonus if you sign up for SoFi Money® and make one direct deposit of at least $500.
The sign up process takes only a few minutes because SoFi does not use ChexSystems to approve accounts. After opening your account, you receive a SoFi debit Mastercard for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The easy-to-use mobile app keeps you in control of your money and offers bill pay, money transfers and educational services.
Synovus will approve your checking account application by looking at your credit report instead of ChexSystems. Their friendly account specialists can help guide your checking account choice, but we recommend their Free Checking account as a good starting point to rebuilding your checking history.WIth Synovus, you receive full access to your accounts through newly designed online experiences and an easy-to-use mobile app. All Synovus personal checking accounts come with:
- Free unlimited ATM transactions at Synovus and Publix Presto! ATMs
- Free Visa debit card with no annual fee
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay compatibility
- Overdraft protection options
Right Start Checking from UNIFY Financial Credit Union is perfect for those starting out with a new checking account. You can easily open a UNIFY account online or in person with a $25 deposit. You aren’t required to have a minimum balance or direct deposit for this opportunity to build a positive checking account history.All UNIFY checking accounts offer:
- Free online eBanking
- Free Visa debit card
- Free UNIFY ATM access
- Free online eStatements
- No check fees
UnionState Bank does not use ChexSystems or EWS to view your banking history. UnionState feels that each customer is an individual with personal needs when it comes to banking. Their products are designed to make your life easier and more financially stable.We recommend UnionState’s Freedom Checking. With no minimum balance or service charge, your only cost is the minimum opening deposit of $50. This account comes with:
- Unlimited check writing
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free eStatements
- Unlimited Free ATM transactions at UnionState ATMs
- Three Free ATM transactions per month at any ATM
United Bank understands that customers sometimes need a second chance. Their Gateway Checking is perfect for customers with little to no credit. In only six months, United Bank offers Gateway customers to upgrade to another account with the option to earn interest or save on fees.United Bank Gateway Checking does not offer a debit card or overdraft protection. There are a variety of check options available. Online bill pay can also be purchased for $4.95 per month. Gateway checking has a $10 monthly maintenance fee and offers:
- Itemized statement and e-Statement options
- Smartphone app with mobile check deposit
- 24/7 BankLine Service and Account Alerts
Varo Bank is another internet-only bank with services based on their mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. Varo doesn’t charge fees at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs and offers strong budgeting tools and automatic savings programs.When you open an account at Varo you can do so with no initial deposit. Plus, there are never any monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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Washington Savings Bank gives you the opportunity to start fresh with their Online Rewards Checking. We understand that you need an account with easy accessibility and plenty of options. Washington Savings Bank provides all the perks you need to rebuild your banking relationship.With relaxed CheckSystems requirements, you’ll find it is easy to open an Online Rewards account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $10 and an online application. There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $14.95 monthly fee. After a year of good standing, you can convert your account to a free checking plan.
With Online Reward Checking, you have access to:
- A free Mastercard EMV debit card
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free budgeting tools
- Free mobile banking
- Mobile deposit after 3 months of direct deposits
- Free eStatements
Wells Fargo recently changed the Opportunity Checking account to Clear Access Banking. And we like one change, in particular. Wells Fargo has done away with overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. Clear Access Banking is a debit card-only account (no paper checks available) and if you attempt to purchase something without sufficient funds, the transaction will be denied. That’s a lot better than having the transaction approved and then discovering you’ve been hit with a $35 overdraft fee.There is a $5 monthly fee, but that is be waived for account holders 24 years old and younger. This account is available to residents in all 50 states.
- The largest number of branches in the U.S.
- Minimum deposit of $25 to open an account
- Online bill pay and smartphone app
- Mobile check deposit
- Includes a Visa debit card
- Send and receive money through Zelle
- Additional features include account alerts, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and zero liability protection for your debit card
Woodforest National Bank’s Second Chance checking is designed for those with previous banking account challenges. With a minimum initial deposit of only $25 and a $9 one-time account fee, you can begin to build a positive banking relationship.You can lower your Second Chance monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. There are Woodforest National Bank branches located in Walmart stores throughout Alabama for your convenience. Woodforest also offers:
- Online banking
- A mobile banking app
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Additional financial services to meet your needs
Did we leave your financial institution off this list? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.