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:

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!

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.
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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.

A great benefit of All In Credit Union is that they have what is considered to be one of the best account rewards systems in the region. If you’re looking to get a couple of steps ahead in your financial future, a rewards checking account is the perfect stepping stool to help.
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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 only requires a $25 deposit to begin an account.
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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 the Opportunity Checking Account. 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 the regular accounts with 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.
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BancorpSouth has one of the best options if you want to get back on your feet fast. They offer a Second Chance Checking account that rewards good financial behavior. With a Second Chance Checking, 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 their Second Chance Checking 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 $10 monthly and you will have to make a $50 deposit to open the account. With plenty of locations, it will be easy to find a branch when needed.
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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 the Pathway Checking is to help you find your feet and start establishing good financial 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.
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Centennial Bank has a great option for those with past blemishes called the Opportunity 100 Checking Account. Centennial bank does check 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.
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CenterState Bank currently has a second chance checking account available for 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. You can access this second chance account with online banking, set up automatic bill pay, and write unlimited checks.

At the low price of $12.95 as a monthly fee, CenterState Bank provides a great service for those that are looking to get back on track and build positive checking account usage.
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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.
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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.

One of the great benefits of a credit union is that they tend to offer much higher interest rates on savings and checking accounts than what is normally offered by big, national chain banks. If you want to maximize your savings, a Share Draft account from CCECU is a great place to start.
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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 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.
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Community First Credit Union is one of the many banks in Florida that uses ChexSystems. However, they also offer a second chance banking 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 fee associated with holding the account and you will need a $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.
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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 had financial hardship 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.
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With 149 branches in Florida, 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.

These accounts require a monthly service charge, but there are several ways to bypass the charge by having other accounts with the bank or maintaining a minimum balance.
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First American Bank currently has a second chance bank account known as Fresh Start Checking account. These accounts are great for those getting back on their feet because they require no minimum balance. However, they do require $50 to open.

The Fresh Start account 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 is located in Jacksonville and serves customers in the region.
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The Smart Track Checking account is offered by First Florida Credit Union as a way to help those that have been through a financial burden a way to 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 $5 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.
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Gold Coast FCU is another credit union that offers options to those with poor records when it comes to checking accounts. Their product, Fresh Start, does not require a minimum balance, making it easier for anyone to start and keep an account. After only 12 months of keeping the Fresh Start account in good standing, it also comes with the ability to upgrade your account to a standard checking account.

Perhaps the greatest feature of Gold Coast FCU and their many checking account products is their several locations. With locations all over Florida, you can easily find a branch in your area. Another benefit of this credit union is that 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.
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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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For a great second chance account option, Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has an account known as the MyOpportunity Checking account. With MyOpportunity, you’ll get to have access to most of the features and services that are available in a standard checking account. It has a low monthly fee of $11 to maintain the account and does require an initial deposit of $25 to start it.

You will also need to know that there is a minimum balance of $25 to avoid additional fees. One of the greatest strengths of this credit union is that they have branches in six different locations for maximum convenience and access. Opening an account is quick and easy.
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For those that have experienced financial hardship in their past and have a poor ChexSystems report, JetStream 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.

The second chance checking account includes unlimited check writing, free online banking and mobile access, bill paying functionality, direct deposit, and ATM access. There are a few qualifications that must be met to be eligible including having no overdue debts with JetStream and no fraud activity on your record.
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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. With five locations throughout Florida, you’ll always be able to access your banking information when you need it. In addition, you’ll have online banking functionality for maximum convenience.
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For those that have a less-than-perfect financial history, the McCoy FCU offers a second chance checking account. With only a few limitations when compared to the regular checking account, the second chance account is a perfect choice for anyone that is just trying to get back on their feet.

The second chance checking account from McCoy is one of the most functional and versatile in the state when it comes to second chance accounts. It includes the ability to write unlimited checks, have access to free direct deposit, use a debit card, pay bills, easily access their statements online, and enjoy banking services at one of many locations.
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If you have resolved any ChexSystems disputes and issues more than 90 days ago, then you are now eligible for a second chance checking account from Members First. This second chance account is designed to help those with past issues related to non-sufficient funds have a financial future with a checking account that they can rely on.

The monthly fee for this account is $12 and there is no minimum balance. The fee includes many free benefits such as a debit card, direct deposit, coin counting, notary services, check images, and online banking with your computer or mobile phone. For a second chance account, it’s hard to envision how they could possibly pack more value than what they have offered with this account.
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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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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. In addition, you’ll get access to their mobile banking app to make banking on the go a breeze!
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If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to find a bank that will accept a checking account opening even with negative marks on your credit or ChexSystems report, then look no further. This account from OneUnited provides you with all of the benefits and features that you could want out of a checking account with none of the disappointment of getting turned down.

With a $50 minimum deposit and first-month fee waived, it’s never been easier to get the checking account that you need. In addition, you’ll have access to online banking, mobile applications, and free ATMs not only in Florida, but across the nation. Maintain the account in good standing for 12 months and you’ll gain the ability to upgrade the checking account to a standard checking account.
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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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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 Credit Union. 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.
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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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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 free debit card use, unlimited check writing, online bill pay, online account access, and free ATM transactions at locations around the state.
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For those without much startup capital, a second chance checking account is available for only a $5 minimum deposit with San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union. However, there are restrictions when it comes to eligibility. You must live, work or study in select counties to qualify.

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.
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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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With no ChexSystems screening, South Florida Federal Credit Union is a great option for those in need of a second chance checking account. Credit unions are great banks to be a part of because of all the benefits that a credit union account generally has to offer.

This checking account from SFFCU is called the Another Chance Checking account and comes with no monthly fees to ensure you won’t have a problem maintaining the account and keeping it open. You’ll receive a free debit card with your account that can be used at ATMs around the Miami area.

To make things as easy as possible, SFFCU has made available an online application to test your eligibility for the Another Chance Checking account.
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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 base level checking account.

A checking account from Synovus requires a $100 starting deposit to open and there are plenty of benefits to love about the Synovus account. With branches in several areas around the state, you should always have access to an in-person location to handle all of your banking needs.
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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.
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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. The Freedom Checking account is the product that you’re looking for if you want to get the most out of your banking experience. With a Freedom Checking account, you’ll be able to bank with a free debit card, avoid any service fee, write unlimited checks, and pay bills online for free.

Union State Bank has one branch in Destin that is conveniently located for easy access.
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The Gateway Checking account by United Bank is the “gateway” to your new financial future. For anyone that is unable to access a traditional bank account, the Gateway Checking account offers a lifeline. Even if you have bad credit or a poor ChexSystems file, you will be able to apply for a Gateway Checking account.

A Gateway Checking account allows you to enjoy most of the benefits of a regular checking account, with some restrictions, of course. The service fee is an affordable $10 to keep the account open and you can add more features for more fees, should you choose.

After just 6 months of good standing on the account, you can open up a traditional checking account to enjoy the full range of benefits.
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The Safe Debit Account 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 $5 maintenance fee, the account is very affordable to open and maintain.

Another added benefit of this account is that you’ll get free monitoring of your credit score so you can ensure you are on the right track.
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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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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. Woodforest 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 8 locations in Georgia.
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