The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in California

BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of California. They have the strongest offering of any of our recommendations. No hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no monthly service charge. BBVA uses EWS to screen applicants instead of ChexSystems. It’s easy to get approved and takes about 3 minutes. Plus, their smartphone app and online tools are the best we’ve reviewed.

Why do we recommend BBVA Online Checking so highly? If you’ve got poor credit or find yourself on ChexSystems, BBVA will approve you for an account. And, there are over 45 BBVA branch locations in the state.

• NO monthly service charge
• NO monthly account balance minimums
• NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
• FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
• FREE unlimited check writing
• FREE Visa® debit card
• Open with as little as $25
• BBVA USA, member FDIC

It’s simple to apply. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. Your online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes.

Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:

Open a BBVA account today!

Our runner up is Chime and is another great checking account option. Chime doesn’t perform ChexSystems background checks and the account comes with lots of perks, including a debit card and transaction alerts, which allow you to track how much you’re spending and what your balance is throughout the day. It’s free to open an account and there’s no monthly maintenance fee or other hidden fees.

Another perk that makes this account stand out is that if you use direct deposit for paychecks from your employer, you can access that money two days sooner than you could with many other banks.

Though Chime doesn’t offer paper checks, users can still send checks to anywhere in the U.S. using the bank’s mobile app — which can also be used for making check deposits on the go.
Open a Chime account today!

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

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Fresh Start is an innovative option offered by Bank of the West that serves as a second chance checking account. Bank of the West uses ChexSystems to screen new applications and Fresh Start is a solution for people with negative entries on their ChexSystems report.

To be eligible for this checking account, your entry must be older than one year and it cannot be fraud-related. There is a $10 monthly fee tied to the account, but this can be waived via one of the following ways:

• Maintain an account balance above $1,000
• Have a $250 or more monthly deposit to your account
• Use your debit card at least 10 times during the month

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Pathway Checking is an account offered by Bank OZK, formerly Bank of the Ozarks, that can give you access to a bank account in California regardless of your ChexSystems history. With a minimum opening balance of $50 and a small monthly fee of $10, the Pathway Checking account features no minimum monthly balance. All Bank OZK checking accounts feature benefits such as:

• Unlimited check writing
• eStatements and online image statements
• Online banking and bill pay
• Mobile banking

There are four branch locations across California, with two being in Los Angeles and the other two being located in San Francisco.
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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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City National Bank’s Safe Check account serves as an alternative to a standard checking account that’s sole purpose is to help you not spend more than you have in your account. With a monthly maintenance fee of only $5 and an opening deposit as low as $25, Safe Check is a great option for anyone looking to get some more management on their account. Features include:

• Debit card for day-to-day and ATM transactions
• FASTdeposit to deposit checks through your smartphone or tablet
• Online banking and bill payment

If you’re usually worried about overdraft on your account, Safe Check is a smart option for ensuring you stay on top of your money.
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The Fresh Start Checking Account offered by Corporate American Family Credit Union, who have a location in Santa Clara, is ideally for people who have had difficulties maintaining a positive checking history. This option gives people the chance to rebuild their accounts, regardless of if you do not qualify for a standard checking account, helping you to clean up your overall checking history. To qualify for this account:

• You must be a member of Corporate American Family Credit Union
• Maintain a minimum balance of $100 in your Regular Share Account
• Pay a monthly fee of $10

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The E-Builder Checking Account offered by E-Central Credit Union, located in Pasadena, is centered around helping you find your footing again after a financial setback. This second chance is only available to residents in Los Angeles County and requires $50 to open the account initially, $200 in a savings account, and a $10 monthly fee. Some benefits of this account include overdraft protection and the E-Central advantage package.

After 12 months, you will be given the option to upgrade to another account, provided your banking history over the last year was positive. Restart your banking with the E-Builder Checking Account and begin to recover.
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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 measly $10 per month due to a 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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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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GoBank is an online option for simple banking. All you need to do to open an account is to purchase a GoBank starter kit from a partner retailer and pass an identity verification. In return, you receive the ability to use a debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can also write checks to avoid expensive money order fees.

Deposits to your account can be made through mobile check deposit, direct deposit or by adding cash through participating retailers for a small fee. If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $8.95 is waived.

Account holders appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools and a savings vault. There are many participating retailers, including Walgreens, CVS and Kroger.
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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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Second Chance Checking is offered by the Los Angeles Federal Credit Union and can be earned after all your ChexSystems balances are paid off. This is a great option for anyone who has been denied a traditional checking account due to their ChexSystems history. An added benefit is that keeping this account in good standing for a year will make you eligible to upgrade to a Regular Checking.

The fees associated with this account are fairly cheap and if you sign up for a direct deposit with this account, you will only have a $10 monthly fee. Considering the alternative is $15 per month, it’s clear that this is a safe and cheap option. You will also be provided with a debit card and standard services associated with banks.
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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 brings 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 is required

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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

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Peoples Cash Solutions understands that being denied a checking account for bad credit or problems with ChexSystems or TeleCheck isn’t a good feeling. If you haven’t been involved in fraudulent activity, all you need is a fresh start. You can find it with the Second Chance Checking account from Peoples Cash Solutions.

Second Chance Checking offers easy direct deposit to save you time and money by eliminating the check cashing process. Your access to your money is simple through a Peoples Cash Solutions debit Mastercard. Other convenient features include:

• Online banking
• Online money transfers
• Online bill pay
• A personal checkbook
• ATM access

You can apply online with a $30 minimum deposit. There is a monthly maintenance fee of $4.95 for Second Chance Checking through Peoples Cash Solutions.
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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
• 30,000 fee-free ATMs
• eStatements and mobile deposits

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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. 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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You do not need a perfect banking history to open an Essential Checking account through Radius Bank. Designed to help you manage your money, this is an excellent opportunity to start over.

All you need is a $10 minimum opening deposit. After that, you have no minimum balance requirements. There is a monthly service charge of $9, but you can apply for a free checking account after 12 months of positive banking history.

You can easily apply online for all Radius banking services. Essential Checking comes with:

• Free MasterCard® debit card
• Free mobile banking with check deposit
• Free online banking with bill pay
• No minimum balance

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If you are looking to save money, SoFi Money is our top choice for a non-traditional banking option. We recommend this online money management account to those who are tech savvy. One of the biggest perks is there aren’t any account fees. ATM fees are reimbursed, transfers are free and you have no minimum balance requirements. You don’t even need an initial deposit to set up your account.

SoFi will even pay you through a high-yield interest rate on your checking balance. If you sign up for SoFi Money and make two direct deposits of at least $500 each, SoFi will give you a $50 cash bonus.

The sign-up process takes only a few minutes because SoFi does not use ChexSystems to approve accounts. After opening your account, you receive a SoFi debit Mastercard for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The easy-to-use mobile app keeps you in control of your money and offers bill pay, money transfers, and educational services.
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Strata Credit Union, formerly Kern Federal, features its Fresh Start Checking 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 hefty $20 monthly service fee. On the flip side, there is no minimum balance requirement, you receive a MasterCard debit card, and a positive year of use will make you eligible for an upgrade to Strata Credit Union’s Free account option.
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Right Start Checking, provided by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, is a go-to option for people who have been denied membership of a traditional 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 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.
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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

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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 in-store branches located in California. It is important to note that these are not traditional US Bank buildings, but rather are located within other stores, such as Safeway.
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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.

When you open an account at Varo you can do so with no initial deposit. Plus, there are never any monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.

Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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Washington Savings Bank gives you the opportunity to start fresh with their Online Rewards Checking. We understand that you need an account with easy accessibility and plenty of options. Washington Savings Bank provides all the perks you need to rebuild your banking relationship.

With relaxed CheckSystems requirements, you’ll find it is easy to open an Online Rewards account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $10 and an online application. There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $14.95 monthly fee. After a year of good standing, you can convert your account to a free checking plan.

With Online Reward Checking, you have access to:

• A free Mastercard EMV debit card
• Free online banking and bill pay
• Free budgeting tools
• Free mobile banking
• Mobile deposit after 3 months of direct deposits
• Free eStatements

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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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