According to a study by the FDIC, nearly 7.1 million households in the U.S. are “unbanked”, meaning that no one in the household has a checking or savings account. Out of all Alabama households, 7.6% are completely unbanked, accounting for over 140,000 households in the state alone!
If you have a bad history with banking, it can be tough to find a bank or credit union that will give you a second chance. Especially if you’ve been reported to ChexSystems, a consumer reporting agency that is used by most banking institutions to determine if an applicant is a good or bad risk for a new account.
Thankfully, there are plenty of second chance banks in Alabama that do not use ChexSystems and are willing to work with you. Second chance bank accounts are designed to help you get back into banking after a financial mishap. They can also help you rebuild your credit score so that you can qualify for better interest rates in the future.
Our purpose here at CheckingExpert.com is to help you find a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems and share our knowledge of the banks and credit unions in Alabama are more likely to approve your application, regardless of your past with ChexSystems. Don’t let a bad banking history hold you back from getting the checking account you deserve!
List of Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Alabama for October 2022
Open an account today!
Chime® is a fast-growing internet-only financial company and our top choice for a second chance bank account.
And, best of all, Chime accepts almost all customers who apply. Even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or the credit bureaus.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts fees1, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems. Opening an account is super easy. It takes about 2 minutes and you don’t have to make an initial deposit. Here’s what we like:
No Monthly Fees
For the past couple of years, Chime’s huge growth has come at the expense of the big banks and their outrageous fees. And it’s one of the best features of a Chime account. There are no monthly or annual service charges, no minimum balance requirement, no foreign transaction fees, no fees at over 60,000 ATMs2, and no fees for mobile and online bill pay.
Deposit Cash for FREE at Over 8,500 Walgreens
Having access to a physical location for cash deposits is important to Chime members. And now it’s easy. All you have to do is go into a Walgreens store, hand the cashier the cash you want to deposit along with your Chime card, and the deposit will show up in your account immediately. This offers Chime members more walk-in locations than any other bank in the U.S. With over 78% of the country within 5 miles of a Walgreens, this is a significant benefit for millions.3
Smart Technology
Unlike big banks, Chime was created during the smartphone era and, therefore, features an app that is more than just a way for customers to review their bank accounts.
You can transfer funds to friends and family, Chime members or not… and they can claim their money instantly4 without any additional apps. The Chime app also has a series of notifications that you can turn on or turn off so you stay in complete control. Misplaced or lost your card? You can instantaneously turn off your card using the app. No wonder over 300,000 customers have given the app a 5-star review.
Customers First 
Chime was one of the first to offer a “round up” option. If you use your Chime card on a purchase of $10.65, Chime gives you the option of automatically rounding up to $11.00 and putting the remaining $.35 in your free Chime savings account. And that adds up over time! Plus, Chime pays 1.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)5 in interest on that savings account.
If you use direct deposit with your Chime account, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days early6. And Chime is just saying no to big bank NSF charges with a fee-free overdraft program up to $200. Finally, Chime just recently launched their Credit Builder credit card with no interest and no annual fee. We don’t think there is another company innovating for their customers like Chime.
Get a Chime Account Today!Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. See additional disclaimers below.
Current is another web-only national bank that has some really great features… and has become one of the fastest-growing checking accounts for consumers who want it all without all the costs and hassles.
Why are we featuring Current on our website? It’s simple: they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report to open a new account. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates. But what’s really cool are the incredible features offered with this account:
- NO minimum balance
- NO deposit required to open an account
- NO overdraft fees when you overdraw by up to $100 with Overdrive™
- NO fees at over 40,000 ATMS in the U.S.
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Earn 4.0% interest on your balance up to $6,000
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly for free
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
Current offers a really unique service it calls Gas Hold Removals. What’s a gas hold? Some gas stations may apply a hold from $50 to $100 when you use a debit card to pump gas. If you only pumped $10 of gas, but the gas station places a $100 hold on your funds, you won’t have access to the $90 difference for up to 3 business days! The Current debit card will immediately refund the hold so you have access to all your funds. We haven’t found that benefit anywhere in the marketplace.
Here’s what’s really important, though. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the highest possible amount allowed: $250,000. We love the features, we love the smartphone app, and we love Current. That makes us think you’ll love them too.
Get a Current Account Now!Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Members FDIC.
For many people, having access to a local bank branch is paramount when setting up a checking account. With over 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be the perfect fit.
Here are some of our favorite features with this account:
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE access to over 16,000 Chase ATMs
- FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
Highly Rated Mobile App
Available for iOS and Android, the Chase Mobile app offers 24/7 access to your account. The app is highly rated, earning 4.8 stars out of 5 on the App Store and 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google Play.
You can transfer funds, deposit checks, send money with Zelle, set up account alerts and notifications, and lock your card if it’s been lost or stolen.
The app also has incredibly helpful budgeting tools, personalized insights, and the ability to check your credit score for free.
How The Account Works
Opening the Chase Secure Banking account is easy. They verify your name, address, and social security through Experian, but don’t pull a credit report or credit score. Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems for this account, either. Account approval is immediate, there’s no opening deposit requirement, and you’ll receive your Chase Secure card within a matter of days.
Chase doesn’t offer overdraft services with this account as you can only spend the money you have available and the account does not include paper checks. You should also know that using non-Chase ATMs can cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction.
Chase Secure Banking carries a $4.95 monthly service fee that cannot be waived. But combined with all the free services and the $100 cash bonus when you use the card for 10 purchases within 60 days, the monthly fee doesn’t pose a problem for most customers. And, you’ll have peace of mind with Chase’s Zero Liability Protection if you detect and report unauthorized transactions.
Banking With A Leader
Chase claims to be involved with 40% of Americans in some way or another. There can be comfort in size, reach, and stability. Chase has all of that and the assurance they will be there for a long, long time.
If you’ve wanted to bank with Chase and wondered if you’d qualify, we think you’re going to be really happy with the Chase Secure Banking account.
Get a Chase Secure Banking account today!
Acorns doesn’t use ChexSystems or a credit report to approve accounts and offers some strong benefits.
We love the heavy metal tungsten Visa debit card and the world-class smartphone app that allows you to manage every aspect of your new checking account such as budgeting, spending, and security.
Another nice option is the ability to round up on every purchase and Acorns will take that money and automatically put it in a savings account. This really helps build a nest egg.
It takes about 2-3 minutes to sign up and you get both a checking and savings account. Here’s more:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- FREE bank-to-bank transfers
- FREE physical check sending online or through the mobile app
- FREE mobile check deposits
- FREE or reimbursed ATM withdrawals nationwide
- NO minimum balance or overdraft fees
- NO credit check; ChexSystems OK
- FDIC insured
There is a $3 monthly fee that is easily covered by the ATM fee reimbursement and other goodies included with the account.
If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.
Learn More
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.
Aspiration is a socially and environmentally conscious company that can help you make more sustainable choices — while making the most of your money. Their Spend & Save account combines both checking and savings and opening an account takes just a couple of minutes.
Here’s a few of the account features:
- NO minimum balance
- NO fees for paper checks
- NO overdraft or NSF fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO fees at over 55,000 ATMs in the U.S.
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit
Free or Monthly Fee – You Choose
With an Aspiration account, you decide how much your monthly fee will be — starting at $0. Through its “Pay What Is Fair” model, the company trusts customers to choose a monthly fee that’s fair for your wallet and fairly reflects the service you get from Aspiration. You can change your fee at any time.
For $7.99 per month, you can also choose to become an Aspiration Plus member and earn extra perks: 5% APY interest on savings, 10% cashback on certain purchases, and a debit card made of recycled ocean plastic. That’s a load of benefits!
This is the only banking product we’ve reviewed that offers the opportunity for members to spend and save with an environmentally friendly purpose.
Learn More
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.
Lili was custom made for freelancers and independent contractors who are operating as sole proprietors and single member LLCs and we really like their offering. Lili aims to approve most accounts within 2-3 days, but some accounts are approved in 2-3 hours.Lili offers a checking account and Visa debit card with no initial deposit or minimum balance requirement, no hidden fees, no credit check, and no ChexSystems. Lili makes getting your account easy! Here’s more of what we like:
- FREE business VISA debit card
- FREE (and very user-friendly) mobile app
- NO minimum balance
- NO NSF charges or fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- Receive direct deposit funds 2 days earlier than many banks
- Mobile check deposit
- Unlimited fee-free transactions
- Takes 3 minutes to apply
Application Process
You can set up an account online. If you’re a freelancer, you should receive approval and account access almost instantly. If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, approval can take a couple of days. You can fund your account using a mobile check deposit, direct deposit, ACH transfer, or by linking your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account.
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
NorthOne is a fast-growing company built specifically around business banking solutions for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. In addition to dramatically streamlining the application process, NorthOne doesn’t check your credit and doesn’t use ChexSystems. Here’s a recap:
- FREE business Mastercard debit card
- FREE access at over 1,000,000 ATMs nationwide
- FREE online and mobile app
- FREE live chat (not a chatbot), telephone, or email support
- FREE in-app invoice creator
- NO minimum monthly balance requirement
- NO NSF fees
- NO ACH transfer fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
Banking Services
NorthOne doesn’t require a minimum account balance and charges a $10 monthly fee that includes unlimited transactions in your account. These include ACH payments, bill pay, debit card usage, mobile deposits, and transfers. The only other fee is $15 for wire transfers.
You can also grant read-only access to employees or your accountant or bookkeeper. This keeps your account safe while also giving access to those who need it.
Integrations
With NorthOne business banking, you can connect your account to an almost unlimited number of third-party apps. NorthOne integrates with business tools including Paypal, Stripe, Square, Etsy, Shopify, Airbnb, Amazon, Venmo, Toast, Uber, Lyft, Quickbooks, FreshBooks, Wave, Expensify, and many more. Through these integrations, you can sync transaction details, collect payments, see and pay invoices, send payroll, pay contractors, and more.
If creating and sending invoices, quotes, and estimates is critical to your business, NorthOne offers a free stand-alone invoice creator that integrates seamlessly with the banking app. We’ve tried it and think it’s an elegant solution.
Application Process
NorthOne targets account approvals within one to two business days. Information required to open an account includes name, address, and social security number or tax identification number. If applicable, NorthOne may ask for a copy of your business license and business formation documents. After you’re approved, you’ll need to make a $50 minimum opening deposit.
One of the most important steps to taking your business to the next level is the need to set up a business bank account. And if you get the right business account, it can give your growing business all the tools much larger businesses enjoy… without all the big business costs.
Novo understands small business owners and makes it easy to open and manage an account. As an online-only bank, you’ll find Novo strikes the right balance between technology, human touch, and real-world benefits. Here are some of our favorite features for Novo Business Checking:
- NO monthly fees
- NO minimum balance requirement
- NO ATM fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- FREE Mastercard debit card
- FREE mobile app
- FREE transfers, mailed checks, and incoming wires
- FREE invoicing to create, send, and track invoices
- FREE mobile check deposit
Application Process
It takes about 10 minutes to sign up for a Novo account. You’ll need personal and business information, which may include a social security number, business tax ID, and business formation documents. They do not check your credit or use ChexSystems.
Novo is growing quickly. Their offering is popular with small business owners. The account approval process is currently taking 1-2 business days and once you’re approved, you can get full access to your account with a simple $50 deposit.
We like Novo. We think you’ll like it, too.
Learn More
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.
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking and savings 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. With over 2.5 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!
The $325 bonus comes in two parts. When you deposit at least $10, SoFi will credit your account $25. When you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to $300 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit) and bump the interest rate you earn to 1.25% APY. The bonus and interest rate are some of the highest we’ve seen.
- No account fees
- No minimum balance
- No overdraft fees
- No fees at over 55,000 ATMs
- Access to SoFi member benefits like career coaching and financial advising
- Automated bill pay
- Freeze debit card on-the-go
SoFi Money has been great! The account was easy to open and I got my debit card a few days later. The smartphone app is easy to use and I can check everything from my computer, too. I’ve had some issues with ChexSystems in the past and SoFi Money seems to be the perfect account.
Kevin M., SoFi Money Customer
Learn More
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.Opening an account is easy and Varo doesn’t check your credit or use ChexSystems. Varo doesn’t even require an initial deposit to open an account, either. There are never any monthly maintenance fees, account balance minimums, overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Varo’s recent bank charter has them innovating more than ever. They have a very strong cashback program, a payroll advance option, and have started to offer their customers a secured credit card called Varo Believe.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
1Eligibility requirements apply. Overdraft only applies to debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. Limits start at $20 and may be increased up to $200 by Chime. See chime.com/spotme.
2Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Cash deposit or other third-party fees may apply.
3Customers are limited to three $1,000 cash deposits at Walgreens each day and $10,000 each month.
4Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. See your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Friends Transfers details.
5The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of August 25, 2022. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
6Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We 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.