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 Arizona 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 Arizona that can assist you.
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Arizona
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 the initial deposit is only $10. Plus, when you make that initial deposit SoFi Money will credit your account $25 as sign up bonus immediately deposited into your new account! 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
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. The chip technology on the card gives me peace of mind. With no fees and all sorts of benefits, SoFi Money offers more than I imagined!
Gena M., SoFi Money Customer
Chime is a fast-growing internet-only financial company. 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.And, best of all, Chime accepts all customers who apply. Even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or credit bureaus. This makes Chime a solid choice for a second chance bank account.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- NO monthly Service Charge
- NO monthly minimums
- NO credit check; Bad credit OK
- NO ChexSystems or Telecheck; guaranteed approval
- FREE online banking and mobile banking/deposits
- FREE mobile and online bill pay
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs at convenient locations like Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS and more
- SAVINGS: You can round up every purchase to the nearest dollar and automatically deposit that difference into your savings account.
Chime Lets You Get A Jump On Payday
You can receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than at a traditional bank if you set up direct deposit — Chime processes your employer’s check immediately instead of waiting like other banks may.
Chime is one of the most friendly for those who have been negatively impacted by bad credit, ChexSystems, or Telecheck.
Your Chime Visa Debit Card charges NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs found at these retailers and many more:
Get a Chime 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.
Putting customers first since 1901, 1st Convenience Bank offers a flexible eAccount for the consumer on-the-go. This account is designed for those that seek a more digital-friendly account while still maintaining 1st Convenience Bank’s customer service.By opening an eAccount in person, no minimum deposit is required. Opening purely online requires a simple $20.00 minimum deposit. In addition, 1st Convenience Bank offers a plethora of features to their eAccount owners including:
- A debit Mastercard for purchases and payments
- Free Gold Key ATM withdrawals
- A monthly maintenance fee of only $5.00 with eStatement enrollment
- Bill pay and money order services
You can find 1st Convenience Bank locations in multiple cities across Arizona, including Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and several others.
With Alhambra Credit Union, obtaining a checking account has never been easier. For those that may have unpaid closures or NSF activity on past checking accounts, Alhambra offers help with a Basic Checking account to assist people in establishing proper money management practices.In addition to their Basic Checking account, Alhambra Credit Union offers a wide variety of services to their clients including:
- Online banking and bill pay services
- Free withdrawals at all Alhambra CU ATMs
- Four free monthly withdrawals at non-Alhambra CU ATMs
- A 1% check cashing fee for checks over $100.00
- Free notary services for all members
This Arizona-based credit union has one branch in Phoenix and another branch in Litchfield Park for your convenience.
America First Credit Union is a non-ChexSystems bank that utilizes your Experian credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. Their Classic Checking account is designed to be a quick and easy way to manage your money.We like the Classic Checking account because it has no monthly fees and no low-balance fees. If you find yourself needing to keep a close eye on your finances, America First CU has you covered with their Money Manager tool that will help you track your spending habits as well as access to your FICO Credit Score.
Give them a call or visit one of their branches in Tempe, Mesa, Tolleson, St. Johns, or Page to get started!
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 the name may suggest, Armed Forces Bank offers accounts to anyone who is actively enrolled or retired from the U.S. Army. You can find branches located in El Mirage, Fort Huachuca, Glendale, Luke AFB, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, and Yuma.
Bank of the West offers its easy-to-use Fresh Start Checking account for customers that may have negative entries on their ChexSystems report.To be eligible for a Fresh Start Checking account with Bank of the West, any entries within ChexSystems must be older than one year. The monthly account service charge is $12 but grants you a variety of benefits for qualified customers, including:
- A Bank of the West debit card for all purchases and withdrawals
- Online banking with bill pay services
- Unlimited access to Bank of the West ATMs
- A monthly account service charge of only $12
- No-limit check writing
With over a dozen branch locations across the state, you can find a Bank of the West in Globe, Miami, Coolidge, Tucson, Winslow, Oro Valley, and several other cities.
Employees of the Banner Health System, Sonora Quest Laboratory, and other small affiliated businesses are eligible for an Opportunity Checking account at Banner Federal Credit Union. Designed for customers looking to reestablish a good banking history, Banner Federal gives you all the benefits of a normal checking account but with the added benefit of financial monitoring.With Banner Federal’s financial monitoring, the institution will contact and assist any client they feel may be in financial trouble. For those individuals that reach a year of good checking history, those clients will qualify for an upgrade to the Protection Plus Rewards Checking!
You can find Banner Federal in several major cities in Arizona including Mesa, Phoenix, and Glendale.
For customers with past financial difficulties, BOK Financial offers their Opportunity Checking account. Designed to be a checkless account, this option offers customers easy and convenient access to their money with a minimum deposit of only $50.00 to get started.For Opportunity Check account holders, BOK Financial also offers access to QuickSave. This tool has been created to help clients automatically save money to better their finances. In addition to this benefit, BOK Financial also offers:
- Free access to MoneyPass ATMs
- A discounted $5.00 monthly service fee with a qualifying direct deposit of at least $300
- Online statements and notices
- Free online statements
Visit one of their five branches in Arizona in Phoenix (3), Mesa (1), or Gilbert (1) to get started with Opportunity Checking!
Cochise Credit Union may be a good option for you if your credit history is more favorable than your banking history. If you didn’t already guess, they utilize a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems to determine if you’re eligible for an account.With their Share Draft Checking account, you won’t need to worry about any monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. We like this account because you’ll be able to earn dividends if your account balance is over $50! They also include a free Visa debit card, unlimited check writing, and free bill pay.
If you’re interested in becoming a member of Cochise CU, visit their website to see a list of eligible zip codes and employers. You can also join if you’re related to a current member. Their only office is located in Willcox.
Coconino Federal Credit Union is said to be more lenient with ChexSystems and will allow those with a record to get an account as long as there is only one item and has been paid. If this sounds like a possibility for you, we recommend their Adventure Checking account.This account doesn’t require any minimum opening deposit and includes a few nice perks like bill pay and smartphone banking capabilities. For a modest monthly service charge of $6, this account is a low-cost checking option that can be a great first step in reestablishing positive banking history.
Coconino FCU is Arizona-based and has branch locations in Flagstaff and Page.
Copper State Credit Union (formerly Canyon State Credit Union) offers their Try Again Checking Account. For clients that may have unpaid closures or NSF activity, this account option is the perfect opportunity for a second chance coming in at only a $10 monthly fee.Copper State enrolls new account holders in the personal finance education program ‘CheckRight’ to help teach the fundamentals of checking accounts for a stronger financial relationship. Once this course has been completed, Copper State account holders will be eligible for:
- Five free monthly ATM transactions
- 24/7 online banking access
- Potential account upgrades after one year
You can find Copper State locations in and around the Phoenix area, including Anthem, Glendale, Goodyear, Payson, and Surprise.
Members of Corporate America Family Credit Union (CAFCU) are eligible for their Fresh Start Checking account. This account is perfect for members who may have a less than stellar checking history and are looking to reestablish that. With only a $10.00 monthly account fee, a Fresh Start Account is the perfect solution.In addition, CAFCU offers a course on how to become a successful account holder to ensure financial success for its members. Get in Balance, an online study course, provides members with the empowerment and tools to make better financial decisions and more closely manage their checking accounts.
Although CAFCU only has one branch located in Peoria, you can visit any of their co-op shared branches across the state for all of your banking needs.
First American Community Credit Union (FACCU) offers their Second Chance Checking account to help clients rebuild their credit and start over. Simply provide paid receipts from previously owed accounts to begin sign up for the Second Chance Checking account.Once paid receipts have been provided, a $50 minimum deposit is required along with a recurring $10.00 monthly service fee to open an account. For its account holders, First American Community Credit Union offers a variety of benefits including:
- A Visa debit card
- Internet banking access and bill pay
- Online statements and notices
- Easy mobile banking
- Telephone banking access
FACCU has two Arizona branches in Casa Grande and Sells. They also have a branch in New Mexico right along the state border in Tse Bonito.
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.
Great Western Bank is known to be more lenient with ChexSystems and will allow those with a record to open an account if a few requirements are met. In order to be eligible, you must only have one item on your ChexSystems report that has been resolved for over a year.If this sounds like a good fit for you, we recommend their Free Checking account. All you’ll need is a $50 opening deposit to get started. From that point, there are no monthly service fees and you gain access to over 35,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Free Checking also comes with a debit card and smartphone banking capabilities.
You can find Great Western Bank branches all across Arizona in Chandler, Coolidge, Scottsdale, Maricopa, and several other major cities.
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
LendingClub Banking, formerly Radius Bank, has a second chance checking account called Essential Checking. It’s an 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
MariSol Federal Credit Union offers their Start Again Basic Checking account for any and all clients that need a helping hand rebuilding themselves to a good financial standing.With no minimum deposit required to open the account and only a $10 monthly maintenance fee to keep it open, the Start Again Basic Checking account helps to change Arizona for the better. Continuing that change, MariSol Federal Credit Union offers a tremendous amount of account benefits, including:
- Unlimited withdrawals with MariSol Federal Credit Union
- Free Mastercard debit card
- No minimum account balance required
- Free digital banking
- An opportunity to rebuild credit
MariSol FCU is an Arizona-based credit union and has two physical branches in Phoenix. They also have fee-free ATMs located in Phoenix, Mesa, and Surprise.
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
It is said that OneAZ Credit Union will not pull your ChexSystems record if you apply for an account in-person. Instead, they use EWS to verify your identity and previous banking history. If you haven’t been reported to EWS but have been reported to ChexSystems, this credit union may be a great option for you.We recommend their Free Checking account because it’s actually free! After the low $20 needed as an opening deposit, you won’t have to deal with any maintenance fees or surprise hidden fees. You’ll also get access to over 41,000 surcharge-free ATM’s – which never hurts.
Membership at OneAZ CU is extended to any Arizona resident and only requires a $5 deposit into a savings account. You can find a branch location in most major cities including Chino Valley, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and many others.
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.
Pima Federal Credit Union offers their Fresh Start Checking account to clients that have previously struggled to obtain a checking account. It has been carefully designed to help those with existing credit challenges in mind.For only a monthly account maintenance fee of $10, Fresh Start Checking account holders enjoy all the benefits and features of CareFREE Checking account holders including:
- No minimum monthly account balance
- Automatic direct deposit and bill pay
- 24/7 online banking and mobile deposit capabilities
- Visa Debit Card with convenient ATM access and mobile alerts
- Earn up to 0.15 APY on your account balance
You can find Pima FCU locations primarily in Tucson, with additional branch locations in Springerville, Oro Valley, and Green Valley.
Tucson Federal Credit Union offers their Second Chance Checking account to clients that have had past financial struggles with other banking institutions. To qualify, clients must not have any fraud or owed balances indicated on their ChexSystems file.For individuals that do qualify for a Second Chance Checking account, many of the same benefits of a Regular Checking account apply. After one year, account holders that maintain a good checking history will automatically be upgraded to a Regular Checking account to obtain the full benefits of the account. Certain account holders may also qualify for a $500 Visa Platinum credit card.
For new members seeking a fresh start with their finances, Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union offers their Mission Checking account. With only a $20 account opening deposit and a steep $20 monthly service charge, the Mission Checking account is suited for those that do not qualify for a traditional checking account.Tucson Old Pueblo Credit Union’s Mission Checking account offers a wide plethora of benefits that entice customers including:
- A Visa debit card
- Internet banking access and bill pay
- Online statements and notices
- Easy mobile banking
- Telephone banking access
As the name of this credit union would imply, both branches are located in Tucson.
UNIFY Financial Credit Union understands that sometimes life isn’t perfect. Their Right Start Checking account is one of our top picks for second chance checking. UNIFY makes it easy to open a Right Start account with a $25 opening deposit. There is no minimum balance requirement or monthly service charge.The Right Start Checking account offers:
- A free Visa debit card
- Free online eBanking and eStatements
- Free ePay online bill payment
- No check writing fees
- Fee-free overdraft protection from a connected savings account
Although UNIFY FCU only has one branch in Tempe, you will also gain access to several CO-OP shared branches in Payson, Apache Junction, and Mesa where you can conduct all of your in-person banking needs.
US Bank offers you a new start with a Safe Debit Account. Not having check writing abilities is seen as a plus by US Bank. By only offering a debit card, the Safe Debit Account keeps you from accidentally overdrawing your account. If an overdraft does happen, US Bank will not charge you a fee. Your only fee is a $4.95 Safe Debit Account monthly maintenance fee.The Safe Debit Account features:
- A US Bank Visa debit card
- Online banking and bill pay
- Mobile banking with mobile check deposit
- Discounts on money orders
US Bank also helps you build a better credit future with free access to the TransUnion Creditview Dashboard through your online banking. You can use this financial tool to see your VantageScore 3.0 credit score and see what minor changes in your behaviors can do for your future.
Application is easy through a fast and secure online application. If you prefer to apply in person, Arizona has branches in most major cities like Glendale, Mesa, Peoria, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and many others.
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
If you have a ChexSystems record but your credit score is still intact, Western State Bank offers several checking account options. We like the Free Checking account because it doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement and refunds ATM fees up to $20 per month.Western State Bank encourages those interested in getting an account to meet with a personal banker to discuss their financial goals. They can point you in the right direction and help you get a good head start on rebuilding positive banking history.
Visit one of their branches in Chandler, Casa Grande, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Sun City to get started!
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Arizona? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.