If you’re having trouble getting a checking account due to past financial mistakes, you may have been reported to a consumer reporting agency called ChexSystems. Approximately 85% of banks and credit unions in the U.S. use this system to determine if you’re eligible or not for an account. You’re most likely to get reported to ChexSystems if you’ve had troubles in the past with overdrafts, bounced checks, and several other common bank account slip-ups.
Fortunately, there are many second chance banking options in Arizona that look beyond your ChexSystems report. In addition, there are many banks in Arizona that don’t use ChexSystems at all! Here at CheckingExpert.com, we have researched and reviewed the top second chance banks in your state so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Whether you’ve been reported to ChexSystems, have bad credit, or simply have a less-than-perfect banking history, there are still plenty of great options out there for you. Here’s our list with all your best options.
List of Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Arizona 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!
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
If you want a no-frills checking account, we really like the Free Checking account from First Citizens Bank. They have branches in Chandler, Scottsdale, and Tucson.The account comes with a Visa debit card, digital banking, and 24/7 mobile deposits. There’s no minimum balance and no monthly fees if you’re enrolled in paperless statements.
The Free Checking account allows you to send and receive money with Zelle® between friends, family, and people you trust no matter where they bank in the U.S. You can also link your debit card to digital wallets like Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay®.
Setting up an account is easy and you will need to make a $50 minimum initial deposit to get started.
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
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.
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
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.
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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.
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
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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.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
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.
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.