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.
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Alabama
BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account. They have the strongest offering of any of our recommendations. No hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no monthly service charge. BBVA uses EWS to screen applicants instead of ChexSystems, so it’s easy to get approved and takes about 3 minutes. Plus, their smartphone app and online tools are the best we’ve reviewed.Why do we recommend BBVA Online Checking so highly? If you’ve got poor credit or find yourself on ChexSystems, BBVA will approve you for an account.
- NO monthly Service Charge
- NO monthly account balance minimums
- NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
- FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
- FREE unlimited check writing
- FREE Visa® debit card
- Open with as little as $25
- 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 is one of the fastest growing online financial institutions. 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. Their simple, online services are what makes Chime a good option for easy checking.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 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
Open a Chime Bank account today!
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
The SoFi Money Cash Management Account is offered by SoFi Securities LLC, a FINRA registered broker-dealer. It’s a checking account on steroids and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems to approve accounts.You get a debit MasterCard and a very slick smartphone app. You can make deposits, write checks, utilize electronic bill pay, and transfer money. There are no monthly fees or overdraft fees. Plus, you earn interest on all the money in the account! The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds.
There is no minimum balance requirement and you don’t have to make an initial deposit to get an account. Plus, you can earn a $50 cash bonus if you sign up for SoFi Money® and make one direct deposit of at least $500. Available in all 50 states.
- No account fees
- Unlimited reimbursed ATM fees
- Access to SoFi member benefits like career coaching and financial advising
- Automated bill pay
- Freeze debit card on-the-go
I love SoFi Money! Easy to open, easy to make transactions and move money around, and an awesome smartphone app that alerts me to all the key indicators on my account. And I like making a little interest on the money in my checking account. During the past several months, I have come to appreciate the contactless payment capability of the Mastercard debit card.
Kevin M., SoFi Money Customer
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 offers several different checking account options.Their 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. A deposit of $100 is required to open an account.
Ameris Bank’s Alabama branches are located in Eufaula, Abbeville, and Dothan.
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems record, Armed Forces Bank will refer to a credit report and Certegy check services to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you only have issues with ChexSystems, there’s a good chance you will be approved.We like their Access Checking account because it provides all of the banking necessities while remaining affordable. The account comes with digital banking access, free eStatements, a free Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. To waive the moderate $10 monthly service charge, you just need to enroll in direct deposit.
To get started, all you will need is $25 for an initial deposit. As their name may suggest, Armed Forces Bank offers accounts to anyone who is actively enrolled or retired from the U.S. Army. You can find one branch conveniently located in Alabama in Fort Rucker.
Avadian’s e-Checking account allows you to build a banking relationship without the worry of hefty fees or hidden charges. For a monthly fee of $8.95, 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
Avadian is an Alabama-based credit union and has branch locations in Chelsea, Birmingham, Helena, Hoover, Trussville, Dothan, and several other cities across the state.
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
Visit one of their branches in Mobile or Calvert to get started!
BancorpSouth recently renamed their second chance checking account to Budget Smart Checking. And we like one change in particular: you no longer have to go to a branch to open an account; you can do that online. BancorpSouth does use ChexSystems, but as long as you haven’t been flagged for fraud OR owe any outstanding balance to BancorpSouth, you’re good to go.The Budget Smart Checking account has a $5 monthly fee and you’ll need an initial deposit of $25 to open your account. From there, all the usual perks are yours: online bill pay, online banking, and a solid smartphone banking app. The account has a feature called Overdraft Avoidance, which helps you spend only the money available in your account by declining most transactions that exceed that amount.
BancorpSouth has over 30 branches throughout Alabama, including several in and around Greenville, Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Birmingham, and Jackson.
BankPlus is here to help those who need financial help. If you’re in a situation where you’re unable to get a traditional checking account and want to rebuild your credit, they offer a product called CreditPlus.In addition to a CreditPlus Checking account, you can use the product to help you get out of a Payday Lending cycle. They offer small, low-interest loans that are provided as an alternative to expensive Payday Lenders and Check Cashing services. To get started with any part of this program, you will need to complete a financial literacy course.
To open a CreditPlus Checking account, you will need $100 as an opening deposit. With several locations in Alabama, it is definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for a helping hand with your finances. Their locations include Dothan, Enterprise, Geneva, and Mobile.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Cadence Bank will look at your credit report to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. It’s important to note that they require a credit score of at least 675 at the time of account opening.Blue Checking is their most basic account that comes with a bunch of additional services for a low cost. There is a $50 minimum opening deposit as well as a low $8 monthly service fee that can be waived if you keep an average balance of $250 or more. We like this account because it comes with unique benefits like cell phone protection, buyer protection, and ID theft aid.
Cadence Bank has over 20 branches located in Alabama. You can find them in locations including Albertville, Childersburg, Birmingham, Huntsville, and many others.
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
Centennial Bank has several branch locations in southern Alabama. You will find them in Fairhope, Gulf Shores, Elberta, Orange Beach, and Foley.
Central State Bank does not use ChexSystems to verify new accounts, so this bank may be a good choice for you if your banking history is less-than-perfect. Out of their several different checking products, we recommend the Central Checking account which is their most straightforward option.Central Checking includes a free ATM/Debit card, a smartphone mobile banking app, and even foreign ATM reimbursements! While the opening deposit is a steep $100, you won’t have to worry about any monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.
Central State Bank is exclusive to Alabama and has several branches in Calera, Pelham, and Alabaster.
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
FSCU extends membership to over 10 counties and a list of eligible business employees as well. With over a dozen branch locations, you’ll find them in and around Albertville, Gardendale, Jackson, Muscle Shoals, and several other cities across Alabama.
If you are looking to rebuild your credit score as well as improve your banking history, First National Bank may have a solution for you. They offer a Credit Builder checking account that will help improve your credit score if you use direct deposit and have an e-funds score below 586.This account does not require a minimum opening deposit and includes a free debit card and online banking capabilities. They also require semi-annual credit counseling that can help you stay on track with your credit score and overall financial wellness.
There are three First National Bank locations in Alabama; two of them in Athens and one in Huntsville.
Four Seasons Federal Credit Union is based in Opelika and offers a second chance to those who have a rocky financial history. Their New Leaf Checking account offers you the chance to regain a positive relationship with the banking system and ultimately upgrade to a standard checking account.This simple account has a low monthly fee of $8 and comes with a free Visa debit card. If you keep your account in good standing for 12 consecutive months, you can request to be upgraded to one of their fee-free checking accounts.
To get started with an account, you can visit their website to apply for membership online. All you’ll need is $5 to deposit into a savings account and you’re on your way to re-establishing yourself with New Leaf Checking!
GO2bank is an offering of pre-paid card giant GoBank and we think it’s a step in the right direction. Like some of the newer “challenger banks” GO2bank will deposit your direct deposit check up to 2 days early and has cashback rewards on several categories of purchases. This account also makes you eligible for the GO2bank credit card, which has no annual fee or required credit check.One significant drawback to many online-only bank accounts is that they have no way to accept cash deposits. But GO2bank accepts cash deposits at over 90,000 Green Dot locations nationwide. However, participating retailers may charge you a fee.
If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $5.00 is waived. And, they offer a pretty sweet overdraft protection program, but it has a gotcha charge of $15 if you don’t replace the funds within 24 hours.
Account-holders will appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools, and a savings vault. In fact, they pay 1% on all money in the saving vault up to $5,000.
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
Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union offers a clean slate to those who have a less-than-perfect banking history with their Second Chance Checking account. This account includes all the basics and can be an excellent first step in re-establishing yourself financially.Second Chance Checking comes with a free Visa debit card and requires that you receive eStatements instead of paper statements each month. If you enroll in direct deposit, the monthly service fee of $11.95 will be reduced to $9.95. You can also access your balance any time of day via online banking.
Jefferson Financial FCU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in one of six eligible counties in Alabama. You can also join if you have a relative who is already a member or if you are an employee of one of their select employee groups. You can find their Alabama branch located in Selma.
MAX Credit Union is another great 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 an 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. With no monthly service fee and up to five waived ATM fees per month, this account is a truly free option. You can find several MAX locations in the greater Montgomery area.
Second Chance Checking with Mutual Savings Credit Union can help you enjoy all the benefits of a checking account while also helping you grow and maintain a positive banking history. They include a fair amount of free features for a moderate price.This account includes free online and telephone banking services, a free Visa debit card, and of course free eStatements. However, they require a $100 opening deposit in addition to a steep monthly service fee of $16.95. With Second Chance Checking, you’re also able to set up direct deposit, payroll deduction, and automatic loan payments.
Mutual Savings CU services the central Alabama area, and extends membership to those who live, work, worship, or attend school within one of their 13 eligible counties. Their branches can be found in Alexander City, Brookwood, Calera, Clanton, Pelham, Riverchase, Selma, and Winewood.
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.
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 accounts. We recommend Renasant Checking if you’re looking for a straightforward account with no strings attached.One of the convenient features of Renasant Checking 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 $10 is waived. Renasant Bank checking accounts come with:
- Online banking with online bill pay
- Mobile banking app access
- Renasant Debit Mastercard
- Unlimited check writing
Renasant Bank branch locations can be found throughout the state of Alabama in cities like Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and many others.
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
Synovus Bank has locations across Alabama near most major cities including Birmingham, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Dothan.
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
UNIFY FCU has one Alabama branch located in Huntsville. They are also in-network with several co-op shared branches where you’re able to make payments, transfers, check deposits, etc. These branches can be found in Selma, Prattville, Millbrook, Montgomery, Maplesville, Clanton, and Greenville.
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
UnionState has branch locations in Ashville, Cedar Bluff, Centre, Cropwell, Birmingham, Pelham, Pell City, Pleasant Grove, and Trussville. Visit UnionState today to open an account!
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’s 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
You can find United Bank branches in over a dozen cities in Alabama including Atmore, Bay Minette, Flomaton, Frisco City, and Magnolia Springs.
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.
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 of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Alabama? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.