Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in California

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 2.00% 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, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. See additional disclaimers below.

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 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

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.

Envelopes

NorthOne has created a feature that helps you plan for and manage important expense categories. They call these sub-accounts “Envelopes” and you can set up as many as you want. This allows you to set aside funds you know you’ll need in the future such as taxes or payroll. You can set custom rules for your envelopes and easily move money back and forth as needed.

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.

NorthOne is one of the most competitive business bank accounts for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their combination of services and offerings, the fast application process, and customer support create an outsized competitive advantage for both the bank and its customers. Every small business owner understands how critical that is for success.

Open an account today!

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

What to Know About the Approval Process

Opening the Chase Secure Banking account has some important qualifiers. First, Chase verifies your name, address, and social security through Experian, but doesn’t pull a credit report or credit score. Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems for this account, but the bank does use Early Warning Services (EWS). Additionally, if you’ve had an account closed by Chase in the past, your application will not be approved. Past account closures can include missteps such as non-payment of fees, excessive overdrafts, or suspected fraud.

Finally, Chase gives you the opportunity to open your new account online or by taking a printable coupon to a branch location. We strongly recommend you apply online as branch locations have been known to use ChexSystems during the approval process.

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.

Fees

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!

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. 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 3.75% APY on savings account balances and 2.50% APY on checking account balances. If you decide not to utilize direct deposit, you’ll receive 1.20% APY.

The $275 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 $250 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit) and bump the interest rate you earn to 3.75% APY. The bonus and interest rate are some of the highest we’ve seen.

The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds. With over 4 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.

Kevin M., SoFi Customer

Get a SoFi account today!

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% 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

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.

If you want a no-frills checking account, we really like the Free Checking account from First Citizens Bank. With over 35 locations in California, First Citizens gives you convenient access to branch locations and free ATMs.

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.

Open an account today!

Acorns doesn’t use ChexSystems or a credit report to approve accounts and offers some strong benefits.

We love the heavy metal tungsten Visa debit card and the world-class smartphone app that allows you to manage every aspect of your new checking account such as budgeting, spending, and security.

Another nice option is the ability to round up on every purchase and Acorns will take that money and automatically put it in a savings account. This really helps build a nest egg.

It takes about 2-3 minutes to sign up and you get both a checking and savings account. Here’s more:

• FREE Visa® debit card
• FREE bank-to-bank transfers
• FREE physical check sending online or through the mobile app
• FREE mobile check deposits
• FREE or reimbursed ATM withdrawals nationwide
• NO minimum balance or overdraft fees
• NO credit check; ChexSystems OK
• FDIC insured

There is a $3 monthly fee that is easily covered by the ATM fee reimbursement and other goodies included with the account.

If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.

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FreshStart Checking, offered by American United Federal Credit Union, is the perfect option for anyone who has experienced issues with banking in the past, specifically with bounced checks. There is only a $20 service fee to open the account, but a minimum balance of $100 must be maintained to avoid further fees.

A stand-out benefit of FreshStart Checking is the monthly service fee of only $7, which can be further reduced to $4 if your account balance is kept at $750 or higher. Added benefits of this checking option are:

• Free online banking and bill pay
• Unlimited check writing
• Overdraft protection
• A Visa card tied to your account

American United FCU’s California branches can be found in Cabazon, San Jacinto, and Coachella.

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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.

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If you’ve been turned down by other banks, we recommend the Pathway Checking from Bank OZK. Many accounts limit your access to features, but this second-chance checking option gives you all the benefits of a traditional checking account.

There is a minimum opening balance of $50 and a $10 monthly service fee. However, there is no minimum balance requirement. Pathway Checking includes:

• Free debit card
• Free online and mobile banking
• Free telephone banking
• Free online bill pay
• eStatements
• Unlimited check writing

You can find a Bank OZK branch in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Irvine. Visit a branch nearest you to start rebuilding a positive banking history!

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If you’ve had trouble qualifying for a regular checking account, help has arrived. Befit Financial FCU offers a Fresh Start Checking account designed with you in mind. This account offers many of the same features as a traditional checking account while also helping you build solid banking groundwork.

After you open your Fresh Start Checking account with a $25 opening deposit, you’ll immediately have access to online banking and bill pay, up to $100 per day of signature transactions, and up to $200 per day of withdrawals from ATMs or POS.

If your account remains in good standing after six months, you’ll unlock even more checking features! The ATM limit increases to $300, signature-based transactions can go all the way to $2500, and you’ll qualify for overdraft coverage of $300. There is a monthly charge of $20 for all Fresh Start Checking account holders.

If you would like more details or are interested in signing up for Fresh Start Checking, you can begin the process on Befit Financial Federal Credit Union’s website or visit their main branch in Vacaville, California!

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California Community Credit Union offers its New Beginnings Checking account for members who may have been turned down in the past when attempting to acquire a checking account. The two biggest requirements to open a New Beginnings account are that a person must already have a primary savings account and must pay an initial deposit fee of $25. Some of the benefits include free online banking and eStatements and free access to co-op ATMs across the United States and Canada.

After a year of no overdraft activity, New Beginnings account holders are welcome to apply for a regular checking account. CACCU has locations in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Modesto, and Roseville.

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Excite Credit Union offers their Fresh Start Checking account to anyone who is in need of a second chance. Formerly known as Alliance Credit Union, Excite’s Fresh Start account is ideal for those who may have a less than perfect record with ChexSystems. To open an account, you will need to visit one of Excite’s locations. There are currently three branches in the San Jose area and one more in Sunnyvale.

Getting started with the Fresh Start account is as simple as a $50 deposit and having a savings account with Excite Credit Union. This account features no minimum balance and a moderate $15 monthly service fee. You will receive online and mobile banking, along with access to in-network ATMs wherever they are available. Out-of-network ATMs can also be accessed for a small fee of just $2.

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First Imperial CU offers a checking account specifically designed to provide a fresh start for those trying to work their way through banking difficulties. You don’t have to settle for another denial – open an Opportunity Checking account instead!

With Opportunity Checking, you’ll have access to several notable features. You’ll receive a free Visa Debit card to use for transactions along with Falcon debit card fraud protection. Opportunity Checking also provides 24/7 access to services like mobile and internet banking, bill pay, and eStatements, in addition to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. All of that for a moderate monthly service fee of $10.

To open an Opportunity Checking account, you’ll need to make a deposit of at least $50. However, there is no minimum daily balance required. If you’re ready to learn more about Opportunity Checking, visit First Imperial Credit Union in El Centro, Brawley, Calexico, or Imperial to get started.

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Foothill Credit Union offers its Rebound Checking account to people looking for a second chance when it comes to banking. The monthly service fee is either $6 or $10 and is only the former when a balance of at least $50 is maintained. All Rebound accounts are closely monitored and subject to closure at the first sign of negative activity.

However, successfully keeping your account in good standing for a year will make you eligible to be upgraded to Foothill Credit Union’s Simply Free account. You can apply at one of their locations in Arcadia, Covina, or Glendora.

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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 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.

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 2.5% on all money in the savings vault up to $5,000.

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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

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HomeStreet Bank is known to be more lenient with ChexSystems, so depending on the severity of your ChexSystems record you still may be able to open an account. Out of their several checking options, we recommend Free Checking.

This account provides you with a simple and affordable way to manage your money. There is a required opening deposit of at least $100, but after that point you won’t need to worry about any monthly service fees or balance requirements. The account also includes online and mobile banking, a Visa debit card, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide.

You can apply for a Free Checking account online or visit one of their branches and apply in-person. HomeStreet Bank has over a dozen locations in California in cities including Burbank, Fontana, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Riverside, and many others.

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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. 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.

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It shouldn’t be a battle to build a better relationship with banking. Mid Cities CU is willing to give you a second chance with its aptly named Second Chance Checking account. It will provide the opportunity for you to move toward a better financial future and successfully maintain a checking account.

With Second Chance Checking, you get access to free online banking and direct deposit. Make your purchases with a debit card, and take advantage of the free automated telephone account, too. Second Chance Checking account holders will pay a moderate monthly fee of $10 in exchange for the many benefits Mid Cities CU Provides.

To learn more about what is included in Second Chance Checking or to find out if you qualify, you can visit Mid Cities Credit Union in Compton, California.

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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

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North County Credit Union offers their Fresh Start Checking as a resource for anyone who has had difficulties managing money in the past. Signing up for this account grants you access to over 30,000 free ATMs, overdraft protection, online banking, and more. Some noteworthy aspects of this account are:

• A $100 per month direct deposit requirement
• $25 opening deposit along with $15 per month as a service fee
• No monthly minimum balance requirement

North County CU offers membership to anyone that lives, works, attends school or worships in San Diego county. Once you join, you can remain a member for life regardless of where you live. They have one stand-alone location in San Diego and dozens of fee-free ATMs in the area.

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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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OneUnited Bank offers its U2 E-Checking as an appealing second chance account to anyone who has had negative experiences with banking in the past. Whether you have a poor credit score or a negative entry on your ChexSystems file, this account can help you get back on your feet.

A $50 minimum deposit is all that’s required to open this account and the first monthly fee is actually waived for your convenience. Keeping your account positive for a whole year will also make you eligible for an upgrade to a standard checking account. Some important benefits are:

• Free online and mobile banking
• Access to 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs
• Mobile Remote Deposit Capture for depositing checks

Although OneUnited Bank only has one branch in Los Angeles, they offer services to all California residents and are in-network with hundreds of locations where you can deposit or withdraw money from your account.

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Premier America Credit Union seems to understand that financial setbacks can occur, and its Fresh Start Checking option is representative of that belief. Serving as a second chance opportunity for people who may have a negative entry on their ChexSystems history, this account comes with cheap fees and solid service.

With a small minimum opening deposit of $25, you can open a Fresh Start Checking account today. There is a $13 monthly service fee, but this can be reduced down to $10 by hitting $200 in direct deposits each month. Some prominent benefits of this account include:

• Online and mobile banking
• Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs
• eStatements and mobile check deposits

To get started with Fresh Start Checking, you’ll need to visit one of their branches to submit an application. They have locations in Burbank, Chatsworth, Santa Clarita, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, and several other cities across California.

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If you’ve been reported to ChexSystems, Premier Community Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking account to help you get back into banking. Their only requirement is that all items on the report must be paid.

This account is very minimal and doesn’t include any extra features or perks. If you appreciate a no-frills, ultra-basic account, this may be a good option for you. There is a $10 monthly service fee and you’re able to apply for a Basic Checking account after 12 months of your account being in good standing.

Premier Community CU locations are in Manteca, Stockton, and Lodi. Visit their website or one of their branches to get started!

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New Leaf Checking, offered through Priority One Credit Union, is a fantastic option for those who have experienced financial setbacks in the past and are looking for a fresh start. Regardless of your status with ChexSystems, you can open a New Leaf Checking Account with a $25 deposit and a credit score of at least 520.

If approved for this account, you will have no minimum balance required and will be responsible for a $15 per month service fee. It’s worth noting that there is a $300 daily limit on withdrawals via purchases and ATMs, as well as a $500 monthly direct deposit requirement. Online and mobile banking can be accessed from anywhere and the Visa check card can be used at accepted locations.

To open an account, visit a location in South Pasadena, Los Angeles, or Van Nuys today.

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Self-Help Federal Credit Union is known to be more lenient with ChexSystems, so even if you have a record you may still be able to get an account. We like their Access Checking for it’s low monthly fees and notable account features.

The monthly service fee is only $5, but can be waived by keeping a balance of $2500 or more in your savings and checking accounts, enroll in direct deposit of $500 or more each month, or simply be under the age of 24 or over the age of 65. They also offer a Bill Pay service that allows you use the service free of charge 20 times a month.

Self-Help FCU has over a dozen branch locations in cities including Biggs, Fresno, Lamont, Modesto, Napa, and many others.

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Strata Credit Union, formerly Kern Federal, features its Fresh Start Checking account as an option for those with a less-than-perfect financial track record. Whether you have a history of insufficient funds or a negative entry in ChexSystems, this option is here to help you get back on top.

Before applying for this account, you’ll need to make sure any outstanding balances from other banks are paid off. After that, however, you’re free to apply and begin the process of recovering your financials. To open the account, a $25 deposit will be required along with a moderate $10 monthly service fee. We like that there is no minimum balance requirement and after a positive year of use you’re eligible to upgrade to a free checking account.

Strata CU has three branch locations in Bakersfield, California. In order to become a member, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Kern County and deposit $5 into a savings account.

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Sun Community FCU can provide the chance you’ve been looking for and help you get back on track with banking. That isn’t easy to do when you keep getting turned away. If you’re serious about your financial future and turning over a new leaf, do it with the Select Checking account.

Features of Sun Community FCU’s checking accounts include access to 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs, online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, and eStatements. The features and requirements of the Select Checking account are best discussed in person at one of the bank’s branches.

If you’re interested in learning more about Select Checking or finding out if you qualify, you can visit one of Sun Community Federal Credit Union’s eight branches located in Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Palm Springs, and several other cities.

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Right Start Checking, provided by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, is a go-to option for people who have been denied a traditional checking account due to a negative history with ChexSystems. Opening a Right Start Checking account, with an initial deposit of $25, will allow you to write as many checks as you need and provide overdraft protection up to $250.

This account has no monthly fees associated and allows for eBanking from any device, meaning you’ll have access to your funds anywhere in the world that you have service. Building a positive checking history has never been easier with this second chance bank account.

UNIFY FCU has several branches in the greater Los Angeles area including Lakewood, Montebello, Torrance, Redondo Beach, Hawthorne, and several others. Visit their website to find a branch near you!

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Union Bank is another option that uses ChexSystems but is more lenient on their requirements. For example, if your record is over a year old, paid, and doesn’t indicate fraud, you could be eligible for an account. They will also offer you an account if your record is over three years old and doesn’t indicate fraud.

If this sounds like a possibility for you, we recommend the Bank Freely Checking account. They don’t charge any monthly service fees and all you need to open the account is a deposit greater than $0. Union Bank understands that mistakes happen, so if you overdraw your account by an amount less than $5, they will not charge any overdraft fees.

There’s a good chance you’ll find a branch location anywhere you go in California. Bakersfield, Walnut Creek, Oakland, Vallejo, Los Angeles, and San Diego are just a few cities with Union Bank locations.

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For those who don’t qualify for a standard checking account due to a ChexSystems history, Renew Checking is a popular option offered by Upward Credit Union. After a one-time payment of $25, as a processing fee, and a $100 deposit to your regular share account, you can officially open up your Renew Checking account.

This option provides the same benefits as Upward Credit Union’s Elite Checking program, with the exception of overdraft protection. With that said, after a nine-month waiting period you are free to apply for their standard checking account. Features of Renew Checking include:

• No monthly service charge
• Visa debit cards and access to ATMs all across the country
• No minimum balance requirement

Membership is extended to those who live, work, attend school, or belong to an eligible employer in San Mateo county. You can find Upward CU branches in Burlingame, San Mateo, and Redwood City.

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Safe Debit is an option offered by US Bank that, for all intents and purposes, is a normal account with the exception that you can’t write checks. However, you will receive a debit card along with online and mobile banking options. A $4.95 monthly service fee gives you access to your account, free access to view your credit score on VantageScore 3.0, and discounts on money orders.

To open an account, you will need to visit one of US Bank’s branches located in and around most major cities in California. It is important to note that some of these are not traditional US Bank buildings, but rather are located within other stores, such as Walmart or Vons.

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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.

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If you’re a Walmart shopper, 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.

Our favorite features include:

• 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.

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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

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