Were you recently denied a checking account? Did your bank contact you to tell you they closed your account? If either of these events happened to you, you were probably told it was based on a report from a company called ChexSystems.
A huge percentage of banks and credit unions use ChexSystems and if you’ve experienced banking mistakes like bounced checks, excessive returned checks, non-sufficient fund (NSF) charges, or too many transfers or withdrawals you might be on their blacklist.
Unfortunately, being on that list lasts for five years and can make opening a simple checking account a nightmare. And with so many banks using ChexSystems, you can’t just open an account at the bank across the street.
Luckily, there are banks that don’t use ChexSystems at all when you apply. These “No ChexSystems Banks” can get you back into banking by offering all the services you need and deserve with acceptance rates that are surprisingly high.
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you find banks that don’t use ChexSystems. We have selected the best banks based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. Best of all, you can open an account today!
The Best Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
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U.S. Bank is the fifth largest bank in the country with the majority of its 2,000+ branches located in 26 states mostly located in the west and midwest. When you open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account, you can earn a cash bonus of up to $1,000. This is one of the most generous checking and savings offers we’ve seen.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking at a Glance
- A U.S. Bank Visa debit card
- Online banking and bill pay
- Mobile banking with mobile check deposit
- Send money with Zelle®
- Access to U.S. Bank Smart Rewards™ to reap additional benefits
- No NSF charges for overdraft balances under $50
- No fees at U.S. Bank ATMs
- No surcharge fees at 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs
- Member FDIC
States Where U.S. Bank is Available
If you live in one of the following 26 states where this account is available, you can apply online: AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY.
Account Details and Costs
To get an account, you’ll need to make an opening deposit of $25. The monthly service fee is $6.95 but can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000. You can also avoid the monthly fee if you are 24 and under, 65 and over, or a member of the military or qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium, or Pinnacle).
Earn Serious Bank from U.S. Bank
You can earn up to $1,000 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. The offer is subject to certain terms and limitations and is valid through October 31, 2023. Member FDIC.
Banking Made Easy
The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account comes with one of the best mobile apps on the market. Over one million customers have given the app an overall rating of five stars. You can manage your entire account from a computer or your smartphone.
U.S. Bank repeatedly makes the list of one of the best banks in the country.
Chime® is one of our favorites for a second chance banking account. 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.
Chime at a Glance
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO initial deposit required
- NO minimum balance required
- NO monthly or annual fees
- NO NSF/overdraft fees1
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs2
- NO fees for mobile and online bill pay
- FREE cash deposits at 8,500+ Walgreens
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit3
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Current offers an innovative account to consumers who want it all without the costs and hassles.
The Current Build account works just like a checking account but also helps you build credit every time you use the card. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates.
Current at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO minimum balance
- NO deposit required to open an account
- 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% APY on your balance up to $6,000 with direct deposit; earn 0.25% APY without
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly for free
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Want to earn cash back on Walmart purchases – up to $75 each year? Then you might love the Walmart MoneyCard. It’s a debit card that has some strong features such as cashback on Walmart purchases, overdraft protection, interest on your savings, and a mobile app that lets you track your purchases and deposit funds into your account.
Walmart Moneycard at a Glance
- Easy approval: no ChexSystems or credit check
- No initial deposit is required and there are no monthly minimums
- Deposit cash for free at any Walmart store and it shows up 10 minutes later
- Deposit checks using the Walmart MoneyCard smartphone app
- Easily request multiple cards for family use1
- Manage your account from your computer or the smartphone app
- 3% cashback on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cashback for Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back for use in-store2
- Earn 2.00% APY on money you set aside in a free savings account3
- With qualifying direct deposits4, you can opt-in and enjoy overdraft protection of up to $200 on eligible purchases5
- No monthly fee when you direct deposit $500+ in the previous monthly period. Otherwise, there’s a $5.94 monthly fee.6
The Walmart MoneyCard is available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Most people know Chase and with over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be a good fit for a second chance bank account.
Chase Secure Banking at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE access to over 15,000 Chase ATMs
- FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
It’s a tall order to “Make People Happy” when it comes to banking, but that’s the stated mission behind mph.bank.
Powered by Liberty Savings Bank (established in 1889!), the mph.bank Fresh account does use ChexSystems, but as long as you don’t have more than 3 charge-offs totaling $1,000 or reports of fraud approval rates are very high. Fees for the account include a $9 monthly service fee and a $10 overdraft fee.
mph.bank Fresh Account at a Glance
- $0 initial deposit to open account
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Access your account with your phone or computer
- When coupled with a free savings account, earn up to 5.00% APY
- Optional ability to round up charges and stash the cash into savings
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
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.
NorthOne at a Glance
- FREE business Mastercard debit card
- FREE access at over 40,000 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
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking AND savings account and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report 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. You don’t need to make an opening deposit to get an account and SoFi never charges monthly maintenance fees. You’ll have access to a large and fee-free ATM network along with a generous cashback program.
Using the SoFi direct deposit option unlocks additional benefits. First, if you overspend a bit, SoFi will cover up to $50 with no overdraft fees. Second, you’ll receive a much higher interest amount of 4.50% APY on savings account balances and .50% APY on checking account balances.
If you decide not to utilize direct deposit, you’ll receive 1.20% APY on savings balances. And finally, when you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to $275 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit).
The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds. With over 5.5 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!
SoFi 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 seems to be the perfect bank.
Claire M., SoFi Customer
The Citi® Access Checking account is a solid option if you’ve been blacklisted by ChexSystems or Early Warning Systems. As long as you haven’t been flagged for fraudulent behavior and don’t owe Citibank an outstanding amount, approval rates for this account are good.
There are no monthly service fees for the first 3 months after opening the account. The $5 monthly service fee can easily be waived after that time by depositing at least $250 per month.
We also like that there are no overdraft or returned item fees because if you don’t have enough money in your account, the item will be returned.
Citibank Access Checking at a Glance
- 65,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Send money to almost anyone with a U.S.-based bank account through Zelle®
- No overdraft or NSF fees
- $5 monthly fee can be waived with $250 in qualified direct deposits
- $0 liability for unauthorized charges
- Available in all 50 states and Washington DC
- No minimum opening deposit
The Capital One 360 Checking Account uses a proprietary approval process that does not include ChexSystems and might be a solid option for those who have had past financial challenges.
Available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Capital One acts more like an online bank than one with over 400 branches in a few states. Its highly-rated smartphone app gives customers full control of their account and you can access everything from a computer, too.
Capital One 360 Checking at a Glance
- No opening deposit required
- No monthly or annual fees
- No minimum balance and no overdraft fees
- Add cash to your account at CVS® locations.
- No-fee access to over 70,000 ATMs nationwide
- No foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad
- Deposit checks and pay bills with the smartphone app
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Early direct deposit feature
- Monitor your credit score with Capital One’s CreditWise feature
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
The Wells Fargo changed their 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.
Wells Fargo Clear Access Banking at a Glance
- No minimum daily balance required
- 11,000 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
No. Fees. Period. That’s how Discover Bank promotes its Cashback Debit Checking Account. And, after conducting our research, we can say that’s mostly true. In fact, the only fees you’ll ever incur are for outgoing wire transfers and service charge fees if you use a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in their no-fee network.
As long as there are no past incidences of fraud on your ChexSystems report, Discover might be a great account for you. The only negative? There is no way to deposit cash directly into the account.
Discover Bank® Cashback Debit Checking Account at a Glance
- 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
- Access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs; $510 cash withdrawal limit per day
- Fee-free opt-in overdraft protection transfer service
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- No monthly fee (no balance or activity requirements)
- No fee for insufficient funds
- Mobile check deposits
- No deposit to open
Ally Bank has been one of the most highly rated online banks for the past several years. It’s not because they have the most features, but because they consistently make their customers delighted with the features the bank offers.
For starters, there’s no minimum opening deposit required. Ally doesn’t charge any monthly maintenance fee and there is no overdraft fee (more on that below). You’ll have access to 43,000+ ATMs and Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle if you get charged for using another institution’s machine.
You’ll become eligible for Ally’s overdraft program called CoverDraft 30 days after depositing a total of $100. Ally will activate CoverDraft automatically and send you an email when they do. You can turn CoverDraft off at any time, as long as your account balance isn’t negative. Otherwise, Ally will decline the transaction without payment. In either case, you won’t be charged an overdraft fee.
We like that you can use Zelle to send and receive money, get paid up to 2 days sooner with early direct deposit, and deposit checks remotely with Ally eCheck Deposit. We also like that Ally has high approval rates as long as you don’t have a ChexSystems or EWS fraud alert in your past.
To get the bonus, use code GET200 by Nov. 30, 2023. Make sure to fund your account within 30 days of opening it and set up one or more direct deposits totaling $1,500 within 90 days. Ally will send your bonus within 30 days of your account receiving $1,500 in qualified direct deposits.
United Bank does not use ChexSystems or a credit report when you apply for their Essential Checking account with them.
Essential Checking has no overdraft fees and no minimum balance requirements. All that you’ll need to get it started is a $25 opening deposit. You’ll also gain access to their mobile smartphone app where you can deposit checks and monitor your account.
There is no monthly fee for customers 25 and under. For customers 26 years of age or older, there is a $5 monthly fee with eStatements and a $7 monthly fee if you want paper statements.
You can apply for a United Bank checking account if you live in Washington D.C. or one of the following 7 states: Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, or West Virginia.
Fifth Third Bank offers easy checking accounts to anyone without a history of fraud or a debt owed to the bank.
You have a choice of multiple checking options with Fifth Third. Their Momentum Checking account is one of their best accounts for those looking to rebuild their banking relationship. With no minimum deposit and no minimum balance required, banking is simple.
The contactless debit MasterCard offered by Fifth Third makes transactions fast and safe. You can also safely track your purchase online or through the mobile app.
Fifth Third at a Glance
- Mobile alerts for transactions
- Easy Deposits program
- Access to more than 50,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Online and mobile statements
States Where Fifth Third Bank is Available
You can apply online if you live in one of the following 10 states: Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, or West Virginia.
Upgrade is a digital banking platform providing a range of financial services, including checking accounts, personal loans, and credit cards without annual fees.
The Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus option stands out with its attractive benefits: earn up to 2% cash back on day-to-day expenses, capped at $500 annually, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
An “Active” Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account comes free of account fees, ATM fees, and overdraft fees, and it doesn’t require a minimum balance or a minimum opening deposit. You can also add a free Upgrade Performance Savings account and earn up to 4.81% APY on your savings. An Active Account requires a $1,000 minimum direct deposit every month.
But if you choose not to or cannot meet the monthly direct deposit requirement, the account cashback program is reduced from 2% to 1% and there will not be any ATM fee reimbursements. In our view, that’s still a very strong offering with very few fees.
Managing your transactions is effortless, facilitated through either an intuitive online dashboard or the convenient Upgrade mobile app, available for both iOS and Android users.
The Upgrade Rewards Checking Plus account has above average approval rates.
Like David slaying Goliath, Dave is taking on big banks and their predatory ways. The Dave checking account is a mobile-centric bank account that doesn’t use ChexSystems or your credit score for account approval.
The only fee Dave charges for the account is a $1 monthly maintenance fee. There are no monthly minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fees, and no fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass® ATMs in 7-Eleven and other spots near you. There’s no opening deposit requirement to get your Dave account either.
If you opt for direct deposit and get paid on a regular basis, Dave will spot you up to $250 if your balance isn’t enough to cover an incoming charge. That feature won’t cost you any fees or interest charges.
Just like a savings account, you can set aside money in “Dave Goals” for any special purpose such as a vacation or car purchase. While you work toward your savings goal, Dave will pay 4.00% APY on your money.
Finally, Dave has partnered with a number of businesses around the country to help accountholders find side gigs. This is a unique feature we’ve not seen with any other checking account. You can find work when you need it, right from the Dave app. Between instant-pay surveys and easy-apply side hustles, there are thousands of ways to get paid.
We like the robust Dave smartphone app. Customers like the app, too. Dave is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store and 4.4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.
Acorns was built to give everyone the tools to manage their finances which makes it one of our top picks.
It takes about 2-3 minutes to sign up and not only do you get a checking and savings account, but you also have access to an investment account once you’re ready to consider that. There is a $3 monthly fee that is easily covered by the ATM fee reimbursement and other goodies included with the account.
Acorns at a Glance
- FREE heavy metal tungsten 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
- Get paid up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit
- Optional Real-Time Round-Ups where the spare change from each transaction is transferred to savings
- FDIC insured
If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.
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 opening deposit or minimum balance requirement, no hidden fees, no credit check, and no ChexSystems. Lili makes getting your account easy!
Lili at a Glance
- 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
- NO fees for incoming wire transfers
- 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. All others (Sole Proprietor, Single-Member LLC, Multi-Member LLC, General Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or S Corp) can take a couple of days to get approved. 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 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 several account options, but we recommend the Free EveryDay Checking account.
Navy Federal Credit Union at a Glance
- No monthly service fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- No opening deposit requirement
- Free Visa debit card with Zero Liability protection
- Free access to 30,000 ATMs nationwide
- Free mobile check deposits
- Free bill pay
- Free traditional checks
- Dividends credited monthly
KeyBank’s Hassle-Free Account® is a no monthly maintenance fee checking account that offers access to 1,000 branch locations and 40,000+ ATMs fee-free. There is a $10 minimum deposit to open an account.
A Smartphone App Built for You
KeyBank has a popular smartphone app with strong customer ratings on both Apple and Android devices. The app allows you to set customer alerts, lock or unlock your debit card, deposit checks, and much more:
- Easily send or receive money through Zelle®
- Mobile payments with Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, and Google Pay
- View and download up to 7 years of statements
- Never miss a payment with online bill pay
- Sign on with fingerprint or face ID
- Locate branch or ATM locations
- Order paper checks
States Where KeyBank is Available
You can apply online if you live in one of the following 15 states: Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, or Washington.
EasyUp Makes Savings a Snap
Once you’ve opened your Hassle-Free Account® account, you can add a free Key Active Saver savings account. EasyUp is a free feature that allows you to automatically save an amount that works for you – from 10¢ to $5 – every time you make a debit card purchase. Send it directly to your KeyBank savings account and let it grow, or to a company to pay down debt faster. The choice is yours, and you can change it anytime.
Our Verdict
We like KeyBank. We think the Hassle-Free Account® account offers a path to financial wellness. And, you can get an account today!
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 account. 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:
Go Further Account at a Glance
- Access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs
- Unlimited check-writing
- Free EMV-equipped debit card with built-in rewards
- Online and mobile banking tools
- Free bill pay service
- Design the face of your debit card
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.
GO2bank is the checking account created by fasting-growing Green Dot Bank. 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 secured credit card, which has no annual fee and no 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. If you open an account online, there is no opening deposit requirement.
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 4.50% on all money in the savings vault up to $5,000.
What Is ChexSystems?
Most consumers aren’t familiar with ChexSystems until they’re denied a new bank account or a merchant declines to accept their check. Briefly, ChexSystems is a consumer reporting agency (CRA) that tracks your checking and savings account activity.
Its business is pretty simple. Banks contribute data about all of their checking account customers. For consumer accounts, the social security number is the key identifier. Banks also contribute information about the health of these accounts. If a consumer has bounced a lot of checks or has unpaid fees, the bank will also report that information to ChexSystems.
Then ChexSystems creates an aggregated database not only from the bank in our example but from more than 85% of all remaining banks and credit unions. ChexSystems holds this information on over 300 million people and companies!
If you have negative marks entered by a bank, that information is available to EVERY bank and credit union that subscribes to the ChexSystems database. And all any bank or credit union needs in order to check your banking history is your social security number. A social security number is required to set up a checking account.
What Information Is on My ChexSystems Report?
It’s important to note that ChexSystems is not responsible for the decision made by banks to deny you a bank account; however, the information reported by banks and credit unions and stored by ChexSystems can result in a denial of a bank account.
The following information may be stored in your ChexSystems report:
- Paid and unpaid “non-sufficient funds” items (“NSF”)
- Any kind of fraud
- Uncollected overdrafts, ATM transactions, or automatic payments the bank paid
- Abuse of debit card, savings account, or ATM card
- Violation of any banking rules and regulations
- Opening an account with false information
There may be additional reasons a bank reports their customers to ChexSystems, but the above list represents the most common reasons consumers end up in ChexSystems.
Some no ChexSystems banks do access other types of record-keeping companies such as Early Warning Services (EWS) and Telecheck. So if you have negative marks with these companies, you might be rejected for a checking account. However, it’s been our experience that most people in ChexSystems are not in EWS or Telecheck.
What’s the Best Option if I’m Listed in ChexSystems?
The simple act of opening a checking account is essential to managing your money on a regular basis. In addition, it’s the best option when it comes to everyday use compared to some of the other options out there.
Studies have shown that those without a checking account waste almost 5% of their net income on fees charged by payday loan providers, checking cashing companies, and prepaid card charges. Having a traditional checking account will save you thousands of dollars over your lifetime!
Getting a checking account from a no ChexSystems bank can make your financial life so much easier. You have easy access to pay for goods and services and have access to an incredible number of alternative financial technology tools such as Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Android Pay, Venmo, Google Pay, and PopMoney to name a few.
In short, having a checking account saves you a ton of money and makes your life a lot easier. Consider the following:
- You can protect your money. A checking account is a safe and secure way to pay for things.
- It’s much easier to pay bills and expenses and costs you nothing.
- You can track spending and make adjustments.
- You get fast access to your paycheck with direct deposit.
The ease and convenience of adding money to your checking account without any hidden fees, the consumer protections attached to these cards, and the freedom to spend your money immediately make them a great option for anyone looking to create a healthy financial lifestyle.
Why a No ChexSystems Bank is The Best Choice
At CheckingExpert, we’ve done all the hard work for you. We’ve already located the best banks that don’t use ChexSystems and operate on a nationwide scale. All of them have the basic benefits you need, including:
- No minimum balance required
- Low or no monthly fee
- Ability to write checks
- Online and mobile banking
- Debit card access
- FDIC-insured accounts up to $250,000
- Access to a large (and most times free) ATM network
- Purchases with your bank card carry zero liability for fraudulent transactions
Don’t settle for no ChexSystems banks with tight restrictions and controls while also demanding high fees. This is a trap too many people fall for because they don’t know about banks that don’t use ChexSystems or have been told to go to a payday loan or check cashing company.
What’s the Difference Between a No ChexSystems Bank Account and a Second Chance Bank Account?
There is a difference between a bank that does not use ChexSystems and a second chance checking account. Here’s why it’s important:
If you are on ChexSystems and are unable or do not have the time to dispute the negative information, you will want to find a bank that does not use ChexSystems as part of their checking account screening process.
Be aware that the bank may perform a quick check on your credit score, and they may use Early Warning Services (EWS) to make sure you have not engaged in fraudulent behavior. These kinds of banks and credit unions are very rare and difficult to find. Our top pick for this group is Chime.
Banks offering Second Chance Checking will almost always check ChexSystems when you apply. And they may also use EWS and Telecheck. However, generally, they are prepared to open an account as long as you don’t owe their institution money.
Approval rates for both of these types of accounts are high and you’ll enjoy most of the banking options you would expect with a ‘normal’ checking or savings account.
Again, finding both no ChexSystems banks and second chance banks can be difficult. The staff at CheckingExpert has reviewed over 1,000 different checking accounts and we have the most comprehensive and accurate list of second chance banks available.
More Frequently Asked Questions About Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
Can I live anywhere in the United States to apply for an account at no ChexSystems banks?
Our top no ChexSystems banks recommendations offer accounts to residents in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
What information will I need for the application process?
You will need your social security number (or individual tax ID number). In some cases, the bank will ask questions during the application process to verify your identity.
What’s the likelihood my application will be accepted?
We’ve selected these banks that don’t use ChexSystems based on their extraordinarily high acceptance rates. Our informal surveys indicate an acceptance rate of about 95 percent.
Do these banks require an initial deposit to set up the account?
We’ve provided information about the minimum deposit required for each of the banks that don’t use ChexSystems. Check our description for each bank or credit union to learn more.
Will I receive a pre-paid card or a checking debit card?
None of our top no ChexSystems banks will send you a pre-paid card. They only offer Visa or MasterCard debit cards which are linked directly to your checking account. These debit cards will allow you to select a personal identification number (PIN) and have the full buying functionality that comes with the Visa or MasterCard networks.
What are the fees associated with accounts at no ChexSystems banks?
Most of the banks that don’t use ChexSystems highlighted in the article have no monthly fees. Check our description for each bank or credit union to learn more.
Will my no ChexSystems bank account be FDIC insured?
All of the banks on our list offer FDIC-insured checking accounts. That means the federal government insures the money in your account up to $250,000.
What if I want to bank locally so I have access to a branch office?
The CheckingExpert editorial staff has reviewed bank checking accounts in all 50 states and we’ve detailed those banks and credit unions in each state which offer no ChexSystems and second chance banking accounts. That list is provided below.
The Best Second Chance Banks by State
Most major banks aren’t no ChexSystems banks or offer second chance checking, but many community banks and credit unions have them under various names, such as “Opportunity Checking” and “Fresh Start Checking.”
Our editorial staff regularly updates the list of banks offering no ChexSystems and second chance checking in every state. Here’s an overview of these accounts and where you can find them at branches in your area. Click on your state to get the comprehensive list!
Ready for Your Second Chance?
If you’ve experienced issues with bad credit, checking account issues, or bounced checks, CheckingExpert can help you get back on track toward a healthy financial future. Our goal is to guide you through the complex financial roadmap to find the banks or credit unions that can best meet your needs.
The vast majority of the time, you can get a bank account with ALL the features and benefits you need with no fees, minimums, or restrictions. We’re glad you found us. Now, let us help you find the right financial partner for you.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. 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.
3Early 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.
4Customers are limited to three $1,000 cash deposits at Walgreens each day and $10,000 each month.
5Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. Once you are approved for a Chime Checking Account, see your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Anyone Transfers details. Please see the back of your Chime debit card for your issuing bank. See Terms and Conditions.
6The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of May 22, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
7Early 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.
1Family Accounts: Activated, personalized card required. Other fees apply to the additional account. Family members age 13 years and over are eligible. Limit 4 cards per account. See Deposit Account Agreement for details.
2Cash back, up to $75 per year, is credited to card balance at end of reward year and is subject to successful activation and other eligibility requirements. Redeem rewards using our website or app. You will earn cash back of three percent (3%) on qualifying purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app using your card or your card number, two percent (2%) at Walmart fuel stations, and one percent (1%) on qualifying purchases at Walmart stores in the United States (less returns and credits) posted to your Card during each reward year. Grocery delivery and pickup purchases made on Walmart.com or the Walmart app earn 1%. For the purposes of cash back rewards, a “reward year” is twelve (12) monthly periods in which you have paid your monthly fee or had it waived. See account agreement for details.
3Interest is paid annually on each enrollment anniversary based on the average daily balance of the prior 365 days, up to a maximum average daily balance of $1,000, if the account is in good standing and has a positive balance. 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield may change at any time before or after account is opened. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of 3/1/2022.
4Direct Deposit: Early availability of direct deposit depends on timing of payroll’s payment instructions and fraud prevention restrictions may apply. As such, the availability or timing of early direct deposit may vary from pay period to pay period. Make sure the name and social security number on file with your employer or benefits provider matches what’s on your Walmart MoneyCard account exactly. We will not be able to deposit your payment if we are unable to match recipients.
5Opt-in required. $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid the fee. We require immediate payment of each overdraft and overdraft fee. Overdrafts paid at our discretion, and we do not guarantee that we will authorize and pay any transaction. Learn more about overdraft protection.
6No monthly fee with qualifying direct deposit, otherwise $5.94 a month. Waived when $500+ is loaded in the previous monthly period. First monthly fee occurs upon first use, the day after card activation or 90 days after card purchase, whichever is earlier.
