If you’ve recently been denied a bank account in Georgia, you’re not alone. Over 400,000 household in the state do not have a bank account. It’s a good bet that many of those without a bank account have had financial struggles with bounced checks or excessive bank fees they can’t pay. This lands them on ChexSystems, a company who keeps track of over 300 million account holders in the United States… and several million in Georgia.
Unable to get a checking account, they’re forced to carry cash, purchase cashiers checks, and use expensive check cashing services. Even though prepaid cards make life a little easier, the cost is much more expensive versus a checking account.
But all that can be avoided if you use a bank that doesn’t use ChexSystems. And some banks and credit unions offer so-called second chance bank accounts.
During the past three years, we’ve kept tabs on the banks and credit unions in Georgia who want your business, even if you’ve had a run in with ChexSystems, experienced bad credit, or have been unable to pay escalating bank fees.
We’ve selected the best accounts in Georgia for 2019 based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. The vast majority of the time, you can get a bank account with ALL the features and benefits you need and deserve with no fees, minimums, or restrictions. Best of all, you can open an account today!
Best Second Chance Bank Account of 2019
BBVA Online Checking
The BBVA Online Checking Account is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of Georgia.
BBVA is owned by a multi-billion dollar international bank and has won several awards for their leading products and online services. They are a fully insured FDIC member.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, and NO monthly or annual fees. Setting up an account is almost too easy and the smartphone app tools are some of the best we’ve reviewed. Simply stated, the BBVA Online Checking account has a combination of features no other bank can match. These include:
- NO ChexSystems
- NO monthly fees or service charges
- NO monthly account balance minimums
- NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
- FREE award-winning mobile app (one of the best we’ve reviewed)
- FREE Visa® debit card you can personalize with your favorite photo
- FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
- FREE money transfer to and from any email or mobile phone in the U.S. via Popmoney®, Venmo®, and other instant transfer services
- FREE dedicated team of mobile bankers you can contact via text, email, or phone
- FREE cash back rewards for everyday debit card purchases with Simple CashBack
- FREE unlimited check writing
- FREE Visa Zero Liability protects you against fraudulent purchases made on your debit card
Applying is simple. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. You’re online approval is immediate and you’ll never be required to step foot in a branch unless you want to. 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.
For anyone interested, I signed up for a BBVA Bank checking account. I have been using the new checking account, debit card, online website, direct deposit, and customer service for over a month now. I have to say I am genuinely impressed with everything they have done with me and my account.
So far it seems like the ideal bank.
B. Lewis, BBVA Customer
Get a BBVA account now!
The Runners Up: List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Georgia
We’ve surveyed banks and credit unions across Georgia to find local, regional, or national financial institutions that offer “Second Chance Bank Accounts” or what some banks call Fresh Start Checking, Opportunity Checking, or New Start Checking.
Most of these institutions use ChexSystems or EWS, but are willing to look at opening these kinds of accounts on a case-by-case basis. Many times, they require a personal visit to a branch and may offer accounts that come with monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. While not as easy and fee-free as the BBVA Online Checking account, they do offer you an alternative.
| Financial Institution | Product |
| BBVA (Our Top Pick) | Online Checking |
| Chime Bank (Our Runner Up) | Chime Bank Checking & Savings Account |
| Atlanta Federal Credit Union | E-Checking |
| Bank of the Ozarks | Pathway Checking |
| Community Bank & Trust (“Red Apple”) | Second Slice Checking |
| Corporate America Family Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking |
| Doco Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking |
| Energy One Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking |
| Excel Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking |
| Fifth Third Bank | Express Banking |
| Georgia United Credit Union | Restart Checking |
| Georgia’s Own Credit Union | Resolution Checking |
| Health Center Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking |
| Members United Credit Union | Another Chance Checking |
| Peach State Federal Credit Union | Fresh Start Checking |
| PNC Bank | Foundation Checking |
| Wells Fargo | Opportunity Package |
| Woodforest National Bank | Second Chance Checking |
Did we leave your financial institution off this list? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.
