If you’ve recently been denied a bank account in Georgia, you’re not alone. Over 400,000 households 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 four 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 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!
List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Georgia

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:

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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.

- 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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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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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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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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- 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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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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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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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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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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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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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

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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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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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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All UNIFY checking accounts offer:
- Free online eBanking
- Free Visa debit card
- Free UNIFY ATM access
- Free online eStatements
- No check 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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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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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

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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Did we leave your financial institution off this list? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.