Second chance banking in Florida is an important topic to almost 535,000 households in Florida. Why? That’s the number of households who do not have a bank account in the state. And not having a bank account makes it difficult to pay for goods and services, receive direct deposits, and manage your money with all the latest online and mobile tools.
Plus, it’s expensive. Payday loans and check-cashing fees are some of the biggest ripoffs consumers continue to endure. Prepaid cards aren’t far behind.
Luckily, there are banks and credit unions in Florida that offer second chance checking accounts. Plus, if you’ve ever been denied an account because of poor marks in ChexSystems, you no longer have to wait years to get back into banking.
Finding the right bank or credit union in Florida is the first step toward getting rid of the hassles of having no bank account. You can have all the advantages of a checking account, debit card, online tools, and immediate access to your cash.
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance banking accounts. We’ve selected the best banks and credit unions in Florida 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!
List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Florida
BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of Florida. 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, so 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:
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 anywhere in the U.S. using the bank’s mobile app — which can also be used for making check deposits on the go.
The SoFi Money Cash Management Account is offered by SoFi Securities LLC, a FINRA registered broker-dealer. It’s a checking account on steroids and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems to approve accounts.You get a debit MasterCard and a very slick smartphone app. You can make deposits, write checks, utilize electronic bill pay, and transfer money. There are no monthly fees or overdraft fees. Plus, you earn interest on all the money in the account! The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds.
There is no minimum balance requirement and you don’t have to make an initial deposit to get an account. Plus, you can earn a $50 cash bonus if you sign up for SoFi Money® and make one direct deposit of at least $500. Available in all 50 states.
- No account fees
- Unlimited reimbursed ATM fees
- Access to SoFi member benefits like career coaching and financial advising
- Automated bill pay
- Freeze debit card on-the-go
I love SoFi Money! Easy to open, easy to make transactions and move money around, and an awesome smartphone app that alerts me to all the key indicators on my account. And I like making a little interest on the money in my checking account. During the past several months, I have come to appreciate the contactless payment capability of the Mastercard debit card.
Kevin M., SoFi Money Customer
Addition Financial is perfect for everyone ranging from those that need a fresh start to those that are opening their first account and everyone in between. Perhaps the greatest service that Addition Financial has to offer is that they feature a comprehensive product suite that is designed to meet the needs of a variety of account holders.Not excluded are those that need a fresh financial start and to start building back their credit. Their Opportunity Checking account is designed specifically for this purpose. As a checking account that builds credit and forgives some past blunders, it is sure to set you on the right track towards financial success. When you do reach that point, they have plenty of other products that should help you as well.
Addition Financial is Florida-based and has dozens of locations in the greater Orlando area including Eustis, Leesburg, Merritt Island, and several other surrounding cities and towns.
All In Credit Union offers many of the benefits that we have come to know and love about credit unions. They have low fees, easy-to-use products, and provide a sense of community. Part of that is the way they open their arms to people with such varying account needs. With a robust product offering and a forgiving approval process, you are sure to find a home at All In Credit Union.If you need a bit of extra help re-establishing yourself in the banking system, they offer a You Choose Debit Account that won’t let you overdraw your account and leave you with hefty fees. All you’ll need to open the account is $25! Although you won’t have any check-writing capabilities, you will be able to get a free debit card and you won’t have to worry about monthly service fees.
If you live in northwestern Florida, there’s a good chance you’ll find a branch in your area. They have locations in Marianna, DeFuniak Springs, Santa Rosa Beach, Crestview, and Mobile.
Ameris Bank has been known to be a destination for those with a blemish on their financial past. However, there is a limit to what their system will tolerate. They utilize ChexSystems to verify the financial history of applicants, but it will overlook a report as long as it is the only one and that it is settled. It will also deny based on past fraud or abuse with accounts in the past.Even so, it is friendly to applicants in general and Ameris offers a variety of checking account options. Its flagship product that will be the most attractive option for many is the Free Checking account. This account is free to own with no monthly fee and no minimum account balance requirements. It offers all the benefits of a modern bank account such as mobile access and online banking and requires a $100 deposit to get started.
Visit their website or visit one of their branches located in Orlando, Winter Garden, Bradenton, Palmetto, Tampa, or Lake Mary to open an account!
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems record, Armed Forces Bank will refer to a credit report and Certegy check services to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you only have issues with ChexSystems, there’s a good chance you will be approved.We like their Access Checking account because it provides all of the banking necessities while remaining affordable. The account comes with digital banking access, free eStatements, a free Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. To waive the moderate $10 monthly service charge, you just need to enroll in direct deposit.
To get started, all you will need is $25 for an initial deposit. As the name may suggest, Armed Forces Bank offers accounts to anyone who is actively enrolled or retired from the U.S. Army. You can find their Florida branches located at Macdill Air Force Base (AFB) and Tyndall AFB.
For most regular accounts, Axiom bank does utilize ChexSystems. However, they have a banking option that is friendly to those with past demerits on ChexSystems. This account is called Opportunity Checking. It only requires a $25 deposit to begin, but there is a monthly service fee of $10 to keep it open. An Opportunity Checking account offers many of the benefits of a standard account including checks, bill pay, and online banking along with mobile access.Perhaps the greatest benefit of Axiom Bank is its many locations throughout Florida, which allow you close access to a branch even if you are on the move quite often. Tampa, Palmetto, Winter Haven, Orlando, and Port Orange are just a few cities with convenient branch locations.
BancorpSouth has one of the best options if you want to get back on your feet fast. They offer a Budget Smart Checking account that rewards good financial behavior. With a Budget Smart Checking account, you can enjoy the ease of access to your funds with a debit card and free access to online budgeting tools to help you out.With this account, you’ll also be eligible to level up to a regular checking account in as little as 12 months as long as no more blemishes pop up. This account costs only $5 monthly and requires a $25 deposit to open the account.
With plenty of locations, it will be easy to find a branch when needed. BancorpSouth has six locations in Florida; two in Panama City, and one in Miramar Beach, Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, and Pensacola.
For many people in Florida, Bank OZK has been a lifeline that is crucial to their financial future. The help they extend comes in the form of the Pathway Checking account. This account is meant specifically for those that have been turned away from other banks due to their past history. The goal of Pathway Checking is to help you get a good start on re-establishing positive banking history.To start a Pathway Checking account, you’ll have to make a starting deposit of $50 and there is a $10 monthly recurring fee to keep it open. Access includes check writing, mobile access, bill pay, and the ability to bank at several locations throughout the state.
Bank OZK has over 25 locations in Florida. Apollo Beach, Cape Coral, Ft Lauderdale, Miami, Punta Gorda, and St Petersburg are just a few examples of convenient locations available to you.
BankUnited is another example of a bank that is more lenient with ChexSystems when it comes to opening new checking accounts. If you only have one bank that reported you to ChexSystems, all items on your record are paid, and there is no indication of fraud, it’s likely you’ll be approved for an account.We like their Value Checking because it offers the basics and is a low-cost account. It requires a $50 opening deposit and has a $7 monthly service fee that can be waived in one of three ways:
- Maintain an average monthly balance of $500 or more
- Enroll in direct deposit and receive $500 or more in your account each month
- Use your BankUnited debit card ten times or more each statement cycle
You can find dozens of BankUnited locations across the state of Florida. Cities like Orlando, Tampa, Venice, Fort Myers, Naples, and Boca Raton are just a few examples of where their branches are located.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Cadence Bank will look at your credit report to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. It’s important to note that they require a credit score of at least 675 at the time of account opening.Blue Checking is their most basic account that comes with a bunch of additional services for a low cost. There is a $50 minimum opening deposit as well as a low $8 monthly service fee that can be waived if you keep an average balance of $250 or more. We like this account because it comes with unique benefits like cell phone protection, buyer protection, and ID theft aid.
Cadence Bank has over 10 branches located in Florida. You can find them located in cities including Brooksville, Beverly Hills, Bradenton, Tampa, Clearwater, and several others.
Rather than looking at your ChexSystems record, Campus USA Credit Union will pull your Equifax credit report when you apply for an account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries on your credit report, you should be able to set up an account.We recommend their Free Checking because it offers quite a few nice features while still being a low-cost account. As the name would suggest, the account is free after you deposit an initial $50. You won’t need to worry about any pesky maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements. This account also offers a free debit card and optional overdraft products.
Campus USA CU is a Florida-based credit union that has branches located in Gainesville, Newberry, Lake City, Tallahassee, and several other cities across the state.
Centennial Bank has a great option for those with past blemishes called the Opportunity 100 Checking account. Centennial Bank checks for past history using ChexSystems for their regular accounts, but has established the Opportunity 100 account as an option for those unable to get a standard checking account.Though the Opportunity 100 account is designed for this purpose, it doesn’t mean it has any less functionality than many standard checking accounts. It comes with the ability to pay bills online, have access to a debit card, and enjoy the benefits of online banking. It is eligible to be upgraded after 12 months.
Centennial Bank has branches in most major cities in Florida including Pensacola, Santa Rosa Beach, Tallahassee, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami, just to name a few. Visit their website or one of their locations to open an account!
CenterState Bank currently offers their Fresh Start Checking account available to those that won’t pass a ChexSystems verification. With many of the features that you could want in a checking account, it’s a perfect option for those that need some functionality out of an account that doesn’t necessarily have all the freedom of a regular account. For a $12.95 monthly service fee, you can access online banking, set up automatic bill pay, and write unlimited checks.CenterState Bank provides a great service for those that are looking to get back on track and build positive checking account usage. You can find over 20 branches located in and around the Tampa area including cities such as Lakeland, Sarasota, Bushnell, and many more!
A Fresh Start Checking account from CCUF is exactly what it sounds like–a fresh start! If you’re looking to get back on track and start building good history with a financial institution, then the Fresh Start Checking is a great option. There is no minimum deposit, which is very helpful. However, starting a membership requires a purchase of one share of the Credit Union, which is $5.Every account holder of a Fresh Start Checking account is provided with a Visa debit card for easy transactions. You must be a resident or working in select counties in Florida to qualify for an account. CCUF has four convenient branches in Pensacola and one in Panama City.
City County Employees Credit Union offers flexible checking account options that do not require a ChexSystems all-clear. With all the benefits of a checking account and the joy of working with a Credit Union, you should have everything you need to make a lasting positive financial impact on your life.They offer a variety of checking accounts available to all their members. If you need some extra help on getting back into banking, we recommend their Fresh Start Checking. With a moderate monthly service charge of $9.95, you’ll get access to a free ATM card, unlimited check writing, and overdraft protection services for a small fee.
Visit their website or branch in Clearwater to determine which account is right for you!
Are you looking for features that will help you to responsibly manage money and overcome past mistakes? If so, a Safe Check account from City National Bank could be the right option for you. This traditional checking account alternative will track what you spend as well as what you take in to help you gain a greater understanding of the flow of money in your account.For a low $5 monthly maintenance fee, the Safe Check account features a debit card, ATM access, online banking, bill payment, and mobile access to help you get the most out of your banking experience.
You’ll find City National Bank’s only Florida location in Miami. Visit their website or contact the branch to get started with an account!
Community First Credit Union is one of the many banks in Florida that uses ChexSystems. However, they also offer a second chance bank account known as Fresh Start Checking. Fresh Start Checking accounts enable people to write checks, have access to a debit card, and utilize the benefits of online banking.There is a $10 monthly service fee associated with holding the account and a required $25 initial deposit. There are also residency restrictions. However, if you are eligible you can open a share account with the credit union to gain access to the Fresh Start Checking account.
To find out if you’re eligible, you can contact Community FCU via their website, or contact one of their several branches located in the greater Jacksonville area.
Compass Financial Federal Credit Union has a wide range of financial products available for their members. One of them is the Restart Checking account. This checking account is designed specifically for those that have experienced financial hardships in the past and need an account with a forgiving approval process.The Restart Checking account features most of the functionality of their other account products including access to online banking, bill pay, and the ability to write checks. CFFCU is built on providing second chances, and with the Restart Checking account, you can get back on track while proving your financial readiness.
Membership is extended to anyone who has connections to one of several eligible South Florida communities within Miami-Dade County. Compass Financial FCU has one physical location in Medley and is in-network with shared branches across the state where you can conduct most of your in-person banking needs.
Coral Community Federal Credit Union is a local institution that can provide you with a checking account depending on the severity of your ChexSystems and Equifax records. As long as all items are paid and there is no indication of fraud, you should be able to get an account.We like their Lifesaver Checking account because it is fee-free and doesn’t require direct deposit. You’ll also get access to free eStatements, online banking, and a MasterCard debit card for all your everyday expenses. No wonder this account is their most popular!
Since this is a local credit union, they offer services to those with connections to the Broward County area. If this sounds like a possibility for you, visit their website or their location in Fort Lauderdale to learn more!
Country Financial Credit Union is another local institution that doesn’t use ChexSystems when opening new checking accounts. Instead, they’ll take a look at your credit report to determine your eligibility.They offer a general Share Draft Checking account that only requires $5 to open. This account is fee-free if you enroll in eStatements and includes a free Visa debit card and overdraft protection services after you have the account for 90 days. You’ll also receive your first box of checks for free!
To become a member of CFCU, you’ll need to live or work in Baker, Nassau, or Duval counties. You can find one of their four branches in Macclenny, Baldwin, Callahan, and Glen St. Mary. Get started with an account today!
Instead of using ChexSystems to determine eligibility, Eglin Federal Credit Union utilizes Telecheck. If your Telecheck record checks out, we recommend their Premium Checking account as a positive step towards re-establishing yourself in the banking system.Premium Checking only requires a $5 opening deposit and won’t ever charge a monthly service fee. You’ll be able to enjoy a free smartphone mobile banking app, optional overdraft protection, and even earn dividends if your balance is over $500.
Eglin FCU extends services to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school near Eglin, Destin, Niceville, Crestview, Navarre, Mary Esther, Hurlburt Field, or Fort Walton Beach. If this sounds like an option for you, visit their website or stop by a branch to apply for membership!
Fifth Third Bank is truly one of the leaders in providing convenience and utility to their members. Anyone is able to open a checking account at Fifth Third Bank, providing they have no history of fraud or open balances with the bank. With a low barrier of entry, almost anyone will be able to enjoy the wide array of financial products available at this bank including multiple versions of both checking and savings accounts.If you’re looking for the simplest way to manage your funds, we recommend Express Banking. This is a checkless account that has no monthly service charge, no minimum balance requirements, and no overdraft fees. Also, keep in mind that Express Banking does not allow for deposits at ATMs. If you’re looking for an account with more features, check out their Free Checking account.
Fifth Third Bank has over 150 locations in Florida alone. You’ll be able to find a location in almost every major city including, but not limited to, Clearwater, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Naples, Orlando, and Tampa.
First American Bank currently has a second chance bank account known as Fresh Start Checking. This account is great for those getting back on their feet because it requires no minimum balance. However, they do require $50 to open and charge a recurring monthly service fee of $9.95Fresh Start Checking is a great choice because it lays out a defined path of how you can return to normal status in as little as 12 months. If you are able to maintain your account in good standing over the period of a year, you can upgrade to a standard checking account.
The benefits of an upgraded checking account are online banking, mobile access, and fee-free ATMs around the state. First American Bank has several locations in the Miami area and services people living in and around the region.
First Choice Credit Union understands that life happens and sometimes all you need is a fresh start to improve your financial situation. Their Fresh Start Checking account can help you get back on track while still providing you with great account features.Fresh Start Checking doesn’t have any minimum balance requirements and offers online and mobile banking access. You’ll also be able to enjoy over 200 fee-free ATMs in Palm Beach County, as well as no per-check charges. After one year of good standing, you can upgrade your account to their Value Checking with overdraft protection and no monthly fees.
First Choice CU extends membership to anyone who lives or works in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, Glades, or Hendry counties. There are also a few ways you can become a member, so visit their website or their main office in West Palm Beach to see if you’re eligible!
Smart Track Checking is offered by First Florida Credit Union as a way to help those that have been through financial hardships get back on their feet. As an account that does not screen for ChexSystems infractions, your approval is almost guaranteed as long as you don’t trigger other warnings in the application process.The Smart Track Checking account helps you operate your financial life within the confines of your abilities from a financial standpoint and gives you the tools you need to manage your checking account well. The Smart Track Checking account requires a $10 monthly service fee. However, after 12 months of good standing, it can be upgraded to a standard checking account, which carries no fee. It also requires a $25 initial deposit to get started.
First Florida CU offers membership to those living or working in over 35 counties across Florida. You can also become a member if you work for one of their select employee groups. Visit their website or one of the branches in and around Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Orlando or Miami to get started!
Instead of using ChexSystems, Florida Credit Union utilizes Telecheck and a credit report to determine if you’re able to get an account. We like their Value Checking account because it covers all the essentials with none of the irksome service fees.It’s a standard account that includes all the necessities like online banking capabilities, free Visa debit card, no monthly maintenance fees or balance requirements. In addition, you’ll get nice perks like 8 ATM fee refunds per month and a free box of checks.
You can become a member of Florida CU if you live or work in one of 45 eligible counties in north and central Florida. They’re in just about every major city and town in the area including Gainesville, Ocala, and Lake City.
Gold Coast FCU is another credit union that offers options to those with less-than-perfect checking history. Their product, Fresh Start Checking, does not require a minimum balance, making it easier for anyone to start and keep an account.After 12 months of keeping the account in good standing, it also comes with the ability to upgrade your account to a standard checking account. We like this credit union because they have partnered with a central organization to be able to offer fee-free ATMs around the state, further lowering the cost of having an account.
Perhaps the greatest feature of Gold Coast FCU and their many checking account products is their several locations. You can find them in West Palm Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Belle Glade, Port St. Lucie, and Palm Beach Gardens.
GO2bank is an offering of pre-paid card giant GoBank and we think it’s a step in the right direction. Like some of the newer “challenger banks” GO2bank will deposit your direct deposit check up to 2 days early and has cashback rewards on several categories of purchases. This account also makes you eligible for the GO2bank credit card, which has no annual fee or required credit check.One significant drawback to many online-only bank accounts is that they have no way to accept cash deposits. But GO2bank accepts cash deposits at over 90,000 Green Dot locations nationwide. However, participating retailers may charge you a fee.
If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $5.00 is waived. And, they offer a pretty sweet overdraft protection program, but it has a gotcha charge of $15 if you don’t replace the funds within 24 hours.
Account-holders will appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools, and a savings vault. In fact, they pay 1% on all money in the saving vault up to $5,000.
Go Further from GTE Financial helps put you on the path to a better checking account. If you don’t qualify for a traditional account, the Go Further account will help you get there in as little as 12 months. We consider this a low-cost second chance checking. As long as you make a total deposit of $500 for the month, opt to receive eStatements and make 15 monthly transactions, the $9.95 maintenance fee is waived.GTE Financial is one of the largest credit unions in the US. Membership is open to anyone through easy requirements and an online application process. The Go Further account includes:
- Free EMV-equipped debit card with built-in rewards
- Online and mobile banking tools
- Free bill pay service
- Easy money transfers through the Popmoney service
For a great second chance checking option, Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has an account known as the MyOpportunity Checking account. We like this account because it will allow you to access most of the features and services that are available in a standard checking account.MyOpportunity Checking has a low monthly fee of $10.95 to maintain the account and requires an initial deposit of $25 to open. It’s also important to note that there is a minimum balance of $25 to avoid additional fees. In turn, you will receive a free Visa debit card, online banking capabilities, and a few other nice perks.
Gulf Winds FCU has several branch locations; four in Pensacola, one in Milton, and one in Gulf Breeze. Visit their website or a branch nearest to you to get started!
For those that have experienced financial hardship in their past and have a poor ChexSystems report, JetStream FCU offers a helping hand. They offer a Second Chance Checking account that has plenty of amazing features that make it almost indistinguishable from a regular standard checking account.Second Chance Checking includes unlimited check writing, free online banking and mobile access, bill paying functionality, direct deposit, and ATM access all for a low $10 monthly service fee. In order to qualify for this account, you cannot owe JetStream FCU any money or show any indication of fraud on your ChexSystems record.
To open an account, contact or visit one of their branches located in Miami, Doral, and Coconut Grove. JetStream FCU is also in-network with over 5,000 shared branches, so once you open an account you’ll have access to thousands of convenient banking locations across the country!
With the Clean Slate Checking account from Liberty Savings Bank, you’ll truly be empowered to wipe the slate clean and start over with a bank that understands that people deserve second chances. This easy-to-open account doesn’t require any minimum balance, making it very easy to maintain and keep open.For access to even more features in your banking experience, keep your Clean Slate account open and in good standing for 12 months. You’ll then be eligible to convert it to a regular account. This account also provides you with access to online banking for maximum convenience.
Liberty Savings Bank has several locations in Florida with two being in Sarasota, two in Venice, and one in Bradenton. Visit their website or one of their branches to start your application!
For those that have a less-than-perfect financial history, McCoy Federal Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking account. With only a few limitations when compared to a standard checking account, this second chance account is a perfect choice for anyone that is just trying to get back on their feet.With Fresh Start Checking you’ll have access to direct deposit services, a debit card, and online bill pay services. With a moderate monthly service fee of $10, you’ll also be able to take advantage of identity theft recovery services, which is rare for second chance accounts.
McCoy FCU branches are located in the greater Orlando area, including cities like Clermont, Lake Mary, Kissimmee, and several others. Visit one of their locations today to start improving your banking history.
Members First Credit Union of Florida offers a Second Chance Checking account for those with a ChexSystems record if they meet a few requirements. If you have only been reported to ChexSystems due to Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) activity and all items have been paid for at least 90 days, you’re eligible for this account.For a monthly service fee of $12, you’ll be able to access online banking, use notary services, get a free debit card, and a few other nice account perks. We like this account because it offers an upgrade to their Regular Checking account after 12 months of good standing.
To open an account, you will need to visit a banking specialist at one of their branches. Members First CU of Florida has 5 locations in Pensacola and one in Pace.
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
The Fresh Start Checking account from OCTFCU is perfect for anyone that has been turned down due to poor records in the past. As its name implies, this checking account is designed to provide you with a fresh start!Though this checking account is going to give you a new beginning, you certainly won’t be starting from nothing when it comes to the benefits and features you will have access to. The Fresh Start Checking account features a wide array of benefits that come along with it including a free debit card, online banking, bill pay, e-statements, and 24-hour customer support. All you’ll need is $25 for the opening deposit and $5 each month for the maintenance fee.
Membership is offered to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Okaloosa County. Stop by one of their four branches in Crestview, Baker, Fort Walton Beach, or Niceville to see if OCTFCU is a good fit for you!
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 over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- Mobile Remote Deposit Capture for depositing checks
Although OneUnited Bank only has one branch in Miami, they offer services to all Florida residents and are in-network with hundreds of locations where you can deposit or withdraw money from your account.
If you apply for an account at People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union, they won’t look at your ChexSystems report or EWS status. Instead, they will use Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for an account. Out of their several different checking account options, we like PAFCU Standard Checking the best.Standard Checking is inexpensive and includes all the basics. You won’t need to worry about any minimum balance requirements or monthly maintenance fees. If you want an account that earns dividends or is designed for members 55 and older, they have options for that as well.
PAFCU has a myriad of membership eligibility requirements, so feel free to visit their website or their branch in Miami to see if you qualify!
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.
The greatest benefit of banking with Priority Credit Union is the number of accounts that they have available. Their comprehensive checking and saving account selection ensures that everyone gets an account that is tailored to their needs. One of those accounts is the Restart Checking account, which is a second chance checking account that does not utilize ChexSystems verification.With online bill pay, online account access, unlimited check writing, and a debit card, it’s hard to find any flaws with this option from Priority CU. After several months of responsible usage, this account can upgrade to one of the many custom-tailored accounts that they have available at the credit union. It’s important to note that direct deposit is required for this account.
You can find Priority CU branches located in Orlando, Lake Mary, Melbourne, Winter Garden, and Lakeland. Stop in today to apply for membership!
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
Even if you have a negative ChexSystem history, Renasant Bank offers you conventional checking options. As long as you don’t have an account in bad standing with Renasant, you can choose from several checking accounts. We recommend Renasant Checking if you’re looking for a straightforward account with no strings attached.One of the convenient features of Renasant Checking is the ability to use Renasant’s Mobile Wallet with Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay options. If you opt to receive eStatements instead of traditional paper statements, your monthly fee of $10 is waived. Renasant Bank checking accounts come with:
- Online banking with online bill pay
- Mobile banking app access
- Renasant Debit Mastercard
- Unlimited check writing
Renasant Bank branch locations can be found throughout the state of Florida in cities such as Winter Park, Ocala, Gainesville, Alachua, and many others.
For anyone looking to build up positive banking history and start to improve their future, the Checking Builder account from Republic Bank is a wonderful option. This specially-designed bank account from Republic Bank will help you get back on your feet and comes with plenty of benefits to love, even for a second chance checking account.It requires no minimum balance to maintain and you will only need $50 as an initial deposit to open the account. It does come with a $13 monthly fee for accounts without direct deposit set up. The fee drops to $8 if direct deposit is set up. You can also lower the fee by performing 20 debit transactions per month.
The Checking Builder account comes with all the necessities like a free debit card, unlimited check writing, and online account access. You can find a Republic Bank location in Largo, New Port Richey, St. Petersburg, Seminole, Tampa, and Temple Terrace.
San Antonio Citizens FCU offers a second chance to those with a rocky banking history with their Checking Rebuilder account. All you will need to open the account is $50 and $10 each month for the maintenance fee.The great thing about this second chance account is that after a year of good standing and no overdrafts, the owner of the account will have the option to upgrade to a standard account to be able to qualify for all the benefits of a full checking account. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to reestablish their positive banking history.
To become a member of San Antonio Citizens FCU, you must live, work, or study in one of their eligible counties and deposit $5 into a savings account. Visit their website or their branch in San Antonio to see if this credit union can help you out!
With no ChexSystems screening, South Florida Federal Credit Union is a great option for those in need of a second chance checking account. They offer an Aspire Checking account that acts as a stepping stone towards positive banking history.With this account, you can avoid the $10 monthly service fee if you enroll in direct deposit. We like this account because you get your first 50 checks for free! Also, you can also upgrade to a traditional checking account after 10 months if you complete two financial education courses.
To see if you qualify to be a member of South Florida FCU, visit their website or stop by one of their branches located in Miami, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Fort Pierce, Lake Worth Beach, Royal Palm Beach, or West Palm Beach.
Synovus Bank has several different checking accounts available with standard features as well as some checking accounts with expanded functionality. Though they do not use ChexSystems to verify your eligibility, they will utilize your credit score. You will need a credit score of at least 500 to quality for their Free Checking account.We recommend this account because you won’t need to worry about any monthly service fees no matter how much your balance fluctuates. It does require a steep $100 as an opening deposit, but includes digital banking tools, online bill pay, and other convenient perks.
Synovus Bank has dozens of locations in Florida, so there’s a good chance you can find a branch close to you. Tampa, Brooksville, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota are just a few examples of cities with branch locations.
For those that have been denied a checking account due to their record with ChexSystems, UNIFY Financial Credit Union has a solution. The Right Start Checking account requires a $25 initial deposit and is perfect for anyone trying to reestablish themselves financially with an all-purpose checking account.This second chance checking account offers many of the benefits of a traditional checking account with unlimited check writing, overdraft protection, and online access to your account from anywhere. This bank won’t turn you down due to minor marks on ChexSystems and is the perfect solution for anyone in need of a fresh start.
UNIFY FCU only has one location in Maitland, but offers dozens of CO-OP shared branches in and around Orlando, Lakeland, and Tampa for all of your in-person banking needs.
You can rest assured that bank accounts at Union State Bank do not require you to pass a ChexSystems report in order to open them. We like the Freedom Checking account because it provides you with all the basics while avoiding service fees and balance requirements.With this account, you’ll be able to bank with a free debit card, write unlimited amounts of checks, and receive free eStatements. There are no monthly service charges or per-check charges associated with this account. All you’ll need to open the account is $50 for the opening deposit.
Although Union State Bank is Alabama-based, they have one branch in Destin that is available to all nearby residents.
United Bank understands that customers sometimes need a second chance. Their Gateway Checking is perfect for customers with little to no credit. In only six months, United Bank offers Gateway customers to upgrade to another account with the option to earn interest or save on fees.United Bank’s Gateway Checking does not offer a debit card or overdraft protection. There are a variety of check options available. Online bill pay can also be purchased for $4.95 per month. Gateway checking has a $10 monthly maintenance fee and offers:
- Itemized statement and e-Statement options
- Smartphone app with mobile check deposit
- 24/7 BankLine Service and Account Alerts
United Bank is another Alabama-based option, but they have several branches for Florida residents in Jay, Milton, and Pace. Stop by one of their locations today to get started!
If you’ve had issues in the past with banks that use ChexSystems, University Credit Union could be a viable option for you. They will take a look at your credit report and utilize Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for an account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, you should be good to go.They only offer one checking option called their Lifestyle Checking account. This account includes all the necessities like online banking, no per-check fees, and access to shared branches across the state. They also offer overdraft protection and credit monitoring services.
University Credit Union offers membership to just about everyone affiliated with the University of Miami, Florida International University, St. Thomas University, the local legal community, and the Miami-Dade community. Visit one of their branches located in Miami to open an account!
The Safe Debit account from US Bank is an account that almost anyone can use to store and transact money. You can use direct deposit, configure low balance alerts, and send money to family and friends within your account. The one thing that you won’t be able to do is write checks.Instead, the Safe Debit account makes things easier by making the funds available via debit card. With a debit card, it is proven that account holders are much less likely to overdraw. With only a $4.95 maintenance fee, the account is very affordable to open and maintain.
If the Safe Debit account sounds like it could work for your situation, you’re able to apply for the account online. Although there are no physical US Bank branch locations in Florida, they have several fee-free ATMs where you can withdraw and deposit money in and around Lakeland.
Vystar Credit Union utilizes Telecheck to determine whether or not you are eligible for a checking account. If you’ve had issues with ChexSystems banks in the past, this may be a good alternative for you. Once you’re a member of the credit union, you can open a Free Checking account.Depending on your financial needs, Vystar CU will recommend an account that works for you. A Free Checking account is actually free, meaning there are no monthly service charges, no check-writing fees, and no fees to transfer money between accounts. Plus, you will be able to earn interest on your daily balance!
To become a member, you are required to live or work in one of almost 50 eligible counties in the state. There’s a good chance you’re eligible if you live in central or northern Florida. Most of Vystar CU branches are located in and around Jacksonville.
Washington Savings Bank gives you the opportunity to start fresh with their Online Rewards Checking. We understand that you need an account with easy accessibility and plenty of options. Washington Savings Bank provides all the perks you need to rebuild your banking relationship.With relaxed CheckSystems requirements, you’ll find it is easy to open an Online Rewards account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $10 and an online application. There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $14.95 monthly fee. After a year of good standing, you can convert your account to a free checking plan.
With Online Reward Checking, you have access to:
- A free Mastercard EMV debit card
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free budgeting tools
- Free mobile banking
- Mobile deposit after 3 months of direct deposits
- Free eStatements
Wells Fargo recently changed the Opportunity Checking account to Clear Access Banking. And we like one change, in particular. Wells Fargo has done away with overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. Clear Access Banking is a debit card-only account (no paper checks available) and if you attempt to purchase something without sufficient funds, the transaction will be denied. That’s a lot better than having the transaction approved and then discovering you’ve been hit with a $35 overdraft fee.There is a $5 monthly fee, but that is be waived for account holders 24 years old and younger. This account is available to residents in all 50 states.
- The largest number of branches in the U.S.
- Minimum deposit of $25 to open an account
- Online bill pay and smartphone app
- Mobile check deposit
- Includes a Visa debit card
- Send and receive money through Zelle
- Additional features include account alerts, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and zero liability protection for your debit card
Woodforest National Bank’s Second Chance Checking is designed for those with previous banking account challenges. With a minimum initial deposit of only $25 and a $9 one-time account fee, you can begin to build a positive banking relationship.You can lower your Second Chance monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. This Woodforest account offers:
- Online banking
- A mobile banking app
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Free platinum debit card
All services are easily managed online or in-person at branches in Walmart Supercenters across the US. Woodforest National Bank has several locations in and around Jacksonville.
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Florida? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.