The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Georgia

BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of Georgia. They have the strongest offering of any of our recommendations. No hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no monthly service charge. 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.

• 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. BBVA does not use ChexSystems, but instead utilizes EWS to screen new applicants.

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!

Chime Bank is one of the fastest growing online banks with banking services for Georgia residents. Chime offers both online checking and savings accounts without performing a ChexSystems background check or pulling your credit score. We like how Chime processes direct deposits faster than other banking systems, giving you access to your money two days faster.

One of the best features of a Chime account is that you always know exactly how much money you have in your account through the easy-to-use mobile app and real-time alerts. Chime Bank also offers Automatic Savings. Every purchase is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited into your savings account.

Setting up an account with Chime is incredibly easy, and there is no minimum deposit amount. You can complete the entire process online. Your account comes with:

• FREE Visa® debit card
• Free online banking, bill pay and online checks
• Free money transfers and foreign transactions
• Fee-free overdraft up to $100
• No monthly fees or service charges
• No monthly minimums
• Access to a network of 38,000 MoneyPass® and Visa Plus Alliance ATMs worldwide

Open a Chime Bank account today!

Ameris Bank uses ChexSystems, but as long as the report has since been settled, only one bank is reported, and there are no previous reports indicating fraud or account abuse, applicants should not have any issues opening a new account. Ameris has 9 branch locations in Georgia and it currently offers four checking accounts.

It’s the cheapest account is Free Checking, which doesn’t charge a monthly fee nor have a minimum account balance. It offers free online, mobile, and text banking, as well as free bill pay. To open an account, an initial $25 deposit is required.
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Becoming a member of a credit union is a good way to rebuild your banking relationship. The Lend-A-Hand Checking Account from Associated Credit Union helps get you back on track. All you need is an initial deposit of $25.

If you want to add a person to this account, you are allowed a joint account holder. Direct deposit is required and there is a $9.95 monthly service charge. If you choose to receive an eStatement, your mailed statement fee is waived. The Lend-A-Hand account also includes:

• Free Visa debit card
• Credit monitoring and ID protection
• Online banking
• Mobile app and smart wallet features
• Online bill pay
• Account information through text message

You can join Associated Credit Union online. To be eligible, you must be a resident of Georgia, qualified by your employer or related to an existing family member. There are multiple locations throughout the Atlanta area.
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If you’ve been turned down by other banks, we recommend The Pathway Checking from Bank OZK. Many accounts limit your access to features, but this second-chance checking option gives you all the benefits of a traditional checking account.

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

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

Bank OZK gives you access to 70 branches in Georgia and multiple locations across the country.
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City National Bank helps you manage your money wisely. Their Safe Check program is designed to keep you from spending more than is in your account. In return, you don’t have to face a negative checking balance due to high NSF and overdraft fees. A free Visa check card and online bill pay provide you with easy access to your money.

The low monthly maintenance fee of $5 is waived if you have direct deposits totaling at least $250 for the month. All you need is an opening deposit of at least $25. Safe Check Account features include:

• Unlimited check card transactions
• Online banking
• Mobile banking with FASTdeposit
• Telephone banking
• Five free bill pay transactions every month

You can apply online or visit the full-service location in Atlanta.
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Second Slice Checking at Community Bank & Trust is a solid choice for second chance checking. With only a $100 minimum deposit to open, you receive the opportunity to build a strong banking relationship for a secure financial future. If you maintain your account in good standing, Community Bank & Trust will upgrade your checking account to a conventional option.

To open an account, all you need to do is visit one of the four locations in western Georgia. Your Second Slice Checking includes:

• Unlimited check writing
• Debit card with ATM access
• Direct deposit
• Mobile banking app
• E-statement or traditional image statements

Community Bank & Trust’s main branch is located in LaGrange. There are three satellite branches in Columbus, Hogansville and West Point.
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Corporate America Family Credit Union is a convenient choice for those seeking a second chance. CAFCU goes beyond simply providing you with checking, they want to see you succeed financially. They offer free money-management and financial education tools to help you manage your checking account.

To open a Fresh Start account with CAFCU, you must first become a member of the credit union. CAFCU makes the process easy with an online membership process. Membership is restricted to those who are:

• Employed or retired from a CAFCU sponsor group
• Members of The Hope Group, which anyone can join
• Direct family of existing members

Once you are a member, you must keep a $100 balance in your savings account (“Regular Share Account”). The Fresh Start checking account has no minimum balance and requires a $10 monthly service fee. With Fresh Start, you have access to multiple co-op shared branches in Georgia.
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Excel Federal Credit Union offers a full range of perks, even if you’ve had banking hiccups in the past. Their Fresh Start Checking is designed to help you reestablish your credit. Although there are monthly fees, members are eligible to move into a traditional checking account after a period of good checking management.

All EFCU checking accounts include easy online banking, free 24-hour telephone access, direct deposit, free and easy online bill pay, access to 45,000 surcharge-free ATMs, and optional overdraft protection.

You can join EFCU and open an account online. To become a member, you must work with a partnership company or be related to an existing member. There are three locations in the Atlanta area.
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Family First Credit Union meets the needs of those seeking a full service second-chance checking. E-Checking is designed for those with a beacon score below 579 or a negative Deluxe Detect report. All you need to do is pay your outstanding debt.

There is a $12.00 monthly service fee, and direct deposit is required. You aren’t allowed to write checks with E-Checking, but you do receive a free ATM/Visa debit card. The switch kit from FFCU helps you easily set up direct deposit and other account features. E-Checking also includes:

• Online banking with NetBranch
• Online bill pay
• Overdraft protection from share account
• Mobile banking and check deposit

You can apply for FFCU membership and set up your accounts in person at the Hapeville or Roswell location.
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Fifth Third Bank offers easy checking accounts to Georgia residents without a history of fraud or a debt owed to Fifth Third. You have a choice of multiple checking options with Fifth Third. Their Free Checking account is one of their best accounts for those looking to rebuild their banking relationship. We like how Fifth Third has no minimum deposit and no minimum balance required for this checking account option..

The contactless debit MasterCard offered by Fifth Third makes transactions fast and safe. You can also safely track your purchase online or through the mobile app. You also receive:

• Mobile alerts for transactions
• Easy Deposits program
• Access to more than 50,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
• Online and mobile statements

Fifth Third has 33 branches across Georgia. You will find branches in Atlanta, Marietta, Roswell and other convenient locations.
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Fort Sill National Bank is an excellent choice for those looking for second-chance checking. Their Basic Checking Account does not require a credit check. We like that you aren’t required to direct deposit and you won’t pay high fees. If your account balance is over $75, your monthly service fee of $6 is waived. If your account balance is over $500, you begin to earn interest.

All you need is $5 to open an account at one of the convenient Atlanta branch locations. The Basic Checking Account comes with:

• A free Visa CheckCard
• Unlimited check writing
• Surcharge free ATM withdrawals at FSNB locations
• Access to the Savings Round Up program
• Online, mobile and text checking options

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Restart Checking from Georgia United Credit Union helps you get a fresh financial start. With no minimum deposit and no monthly service fee, you’ll find GUCU makes restoring your banking relationship an easy experience.

Online and mobile banking options make it easy to keep track of your money. After 12 months of positive checking history, you become eligible to upgrade to a traditional checking account.

You can apply online or visit one of Georgia’s 19 branch locations in central and northern Georgia. As a member of GUCU, you also have access to shared co-ops in Georgia and across the US.

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If you are looking to get back to a place of financial peace, Resolution Checking from Georgia’s Own Credit Union is a step in the right direction. If you aren’t eligible for other checking accounts, the representatives at Georgia’s Own can help you open an account. You’ll receive:

• A free debit card
• Free online access
• Free mobile banking and check deposits
• Free bill pay
• Free balance text alerts

You can apply online or in person. Georgia’s Own has branches in Savannah, Augusta and the Atlanta area. There are also 30 additional shared co-op locations in Georgia.
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GoBank is an online option for simple banking. You don’t have to worry about finding your nearest branch with this online bank. 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 and 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, GTE’s 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

Although there are no physical branches in Georgia, all of your banking can be easily done online, by phone or through the mobile app. You’ll find 30,000 surcharge free ATMs across the US.
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Health Center Credit Union understands that managing money can be difficult. Their Fresh Start Checking requires no minimum balance and offers free e-Statements. All you need is $10 to open an account and a $10 monthly fee.

Membership in HCCU is open to all persons associated with Augusta University and the University Health Systems, medical and dental offices in greater Augusta, and the Richmond, Columbia and Lincoln County school systems. You can also be eligible through a relationship with a current member.

Fresh Start Checking includes a HCCU Check Card and access to member discounts, financial tools and money management education.
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If you’ve had trouble opening a checking account, Interstate Credit Union can help you build a new banking relationship with Renew Checking. You’ll receive all the traditional checking perks, including:

• A Visa debit card
• Internet banking access and bill pay
• Online statements and notices
• Easy mobile banking
• Telephone banking access
• Optional direct deposit

Because ICU wants you to succeed, they provide you with complimentary financial counseling, budgeting services and money-management tools through the Balance Financial Fitness Program. If you sign up with direct deposit, your monthly fee of $10 is reduced to $7.

With 5 branches in Georgia, ICU serves those who live, work, worship or attend school in Appling, Bacon, Glynn, Jeff Davis, Liberty, Long, McIntosh, Pierce, Tattnall and Wayne Counties.
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Another Chance Checking through Members United Credit Union helps you repair your poor checking history. We like the low monthly fee of only $5. Free telephone banking, online banking and bill pay helps you stay in control of your money. You can also access your accounts through a convenient mobile banking app.

All you need to join MUCU is a $5 membership fee. There are several ways to qualify for membership, including residency, relationships and employment. You must apply in person at one of the branch locations in Albany, Columbus or Leesburg.
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No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members in Georgia 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

You can apply online or in person at one of Navy Federal’s branch locations in Georgia.
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OneSouth Bank provides you with the chance to move forward. Their Opportunity Checking is designed for those who have been denied traditional checking privileges. With a $100 minimum deposit, you will be on your way to a positive banking relationship.

You’ll find managing your money is easy with online and mobile banking. OneSouth offers account balancing assistance to all account holders. You’ll also receive a OneSouth Bank ATM/debit card, which can be used to make ATM withdrawals and purchases anywhere Visa or MasterCard is accepted.

OneSouth Bank has locations in Blakely, Lawson and Macon.
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If you are looking for a great banking relationship, Peach State Federal Credit Union is one of our top picks. Fresh Start Checking gives you the opportunity to rebuild your ChexSystems record and move forward. After 12 months with PSFCU, you request an upgrade to a Basic, or even Premium, checking account.

It costs $10 in one-time fees to join PSFCU. You’ll also be required to pay a $9 monthly account fee. In return, you receive a debit card, full digital services and access to financial planning and money management tools.

You must apply in person at one of the 19 branch locations in Georgia. Membership is open to specific employee groups, boards of education and various associations. You are also eligible if you live, work, worship or attend school in Chattooga, Clarke, Habersham or Richmond counties.
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Peoples Cash Solutions doesn’t hold your negative ChexSystems or TeleCheck past against you. If you haven’t been involved in fraudulent activity, all you need is a fresh start. You can find it with a Peoples Cash Solution’s Second Chance Checking Account.

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 easily 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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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. You can earn a $50 cash bonus if you sign up for SoFi Money® and make one direct deposit of at least $500.

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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Synovus will approve your checking account application by looking at your credit report instead of ChexSystems. Their friendly account specialists can help guide your checking account choice, but we recommend their Free Checking account as a good starting point to rebuilding your checking history.

With Synovus, you receive full access to your accounts through newly designed online experiences and an easy-to-use mobile app. All Synovus personal checking accounts come with:

• Free unlimited ATM transactions at Synovus and Publix Presto! ATMs
• Free Visa debit card with no annual fee
• Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay compatibility
• Overdraft protection options

You can apply online or in person. Synovus has branch locations in Byron, Warner Robins and Perry.
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The Wright Credit Union offers 2nd Chance Checking to members who truly need a fresh start. Managing your money is easy through online banking and a 24-hour telephone system. You have the ability to check your balances, transfer funds and more with secure access to your account. 2nd Chance Checking comes with a free Visa debit card.

Membership in The Wright Credit Union is open to anyone who lives or works in Stephens County. You are also eligible if you are an employee or former employee of select work groups. Membership includes a full line of free or discounted financial products and dependable service.
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Right Start Checking from UNIFY Financial Credit Union is perfect for those starting out with a new checking account. You can easily open a UNIFY account online or in person with a $25 deposit. You aren’t required to have a minimum balance or direct deposit for this opportunity to build a positive checking account history.

All UNIFY checking accounts offer:

• Free online eBanking
• Free Visa debit card
• Free UNIFY ATM access
• Free online eStatements
• No check fees

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If you don’t need a physical bank branch, we recommend Varo Bank. This online bank keeps the banking process simple. You have no minimum balance, and there is no minimum opening deposit requirement. As an online bank, Varo keeps your costs low. You won’t pay monthly maintenance fees, transfer fees or other traditional banking fees.

With 55,000 Allpoint ATMs, your money is always easily accessible. The easy to navigate mobile app keeps you up-to-date on all transactions and balances. As an added bonus, you have access to budgeting tools, automatic savings programs and early direct deposit.

Varo understands that banking mistakes happen. They do not use ChexSystems or credit reports to determine your eligibility.
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Washington Savings Bank gets you back into checking with Online Rewards Checking. There are no minimum balance requirements for this full service checking account. With Online Rewards, you aren’t limited to only a debit card. You have full check writing privileges.

You’ll want to use your free debit card on a regular basis to earn up to $20 back in rewards every month. After a year of good management, the $14.95 monthly service fee disappears.

Free digital banking services keep you in touch with your account balance at all times. You can apply for Online Rewards Checking online with a $10 minimum opening deposit. You must have a banking background free of criminal activity and a limited charge-off history of $2,000 or less. Direct deposit is required.
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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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