A study by the FDIC indicates that about 6.6% of all households in Illinois are “unbanked”, meaning no one within the household has a checking or savings account. That’s more than 300,000 households in the state alone!
There are many different reasons why people don’t have bank accounts. A lot of people cannot afford to meet the minimum balance requirements, have a bad credit score, or have difficulties opening an account due to their negative banking history. If you’ve been blacklisted from opening an account at the major banks in Illinois, you may have been flagged by a consumer reporting agency called ChexSystems.
Believe it or not, ChexSystems is used by over 80% of banks in the country. If you’ve banked with an institution in the past and have experienced involuntary account closures, unpaid debts, or a number of other common banking mishaps, there’s a good chance that your previous bank flagged that activity and reported it to ChexSystems, making it next to impossible to open an account elsewhere.
Luckily, there are still options out there for anyone who has been reported to ChexSystems or has a bad credit score! Here at CheckingExpert.com, we compile the best options out there for those that are in the ChexSystems database. Many banks and credit unions offer second chance bank accounts that are designed for those that have a checkered banking history. Other options don’t use ChexSystems at all during the application process.
Here are all the banks and credit unions we have researched in Illinois that want your business!
List of Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Illinois for October 2022
Open an account today!
Chime® is a fast-growing internet-only financial company and our top choice for a second chance bank account.
And, best of all, Chime accepts almost all customers who apply. Even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or the credit bureaus.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts fees1, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems. Opening an account is super easy. It takes about 2 minutes and you don’t have to make an initial deposit. Here’s what we like:
No Monthly Fees
For the past couple of years, Chime’s huge growth has come at the expense of the big banks and their outrageous fees. And it’s one of the best features of a Chime account. There are no monthly or annual service charges, no minimum balance requirement, no foreign transaction fees, no fees at over 60,000 ATMs2, and no fees for mobile and online bill pay.
Deposit Cash for FREE at Over 8,500 Walgreens
Having access to a physical location for cash deposits is important to Chime members. And now it’s easy. All you have to do is go into a Walgreens store, hand the cashier the cash you want to deposit along with your Chime card, and the deposit will show up in your account immediately. This offers Chime members more walk-in locations than any other bank in the U.S. With over 78% of the country within 5 miles of a Walgreens, this is a significant benefit for millions.3
Smart Technology
Unlike big banks, Chime was created during the smartphone era and, therefore, features an app that is more than just a way for customers to review their bank accounts.
You can transfer funds to friends and family, Chime members or not… and they can claim their money instantly4 without any additional apps. The Chime app also has a series of notifications that you can turn on or turn off so you stay in complete control. Misplaced or lost your card? You can instantaneously turn off your card using the app. No wonder over 300,000 customers have given the app a 5-star review.
Customers First 
Chime was one of the first to offer a “round up” option. If you use your Chime card on a purchase of $10.65, Chime gives you the option of automatically rounding up to $11.00 and putting the remaining $.35 in your free Chime savings account. And that adds up over time! Plus, Chime pays 1.50% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)5 in interest on that savings account.
If you use direct deposit with your Chime account, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days early6. And Chime is just saying no to big bank NSF charges with a fee-free overdraft program up to $200. Finally, Chime just recently launched their Credit Builder credit card with no interest and no annual fee. We don’t think there is another company innovating for their customers like Chime.
Get a Chime Account Today!Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. See additional disclaimers below.
Current is another web-only national bank that has some really great features… and has become one of the fastest-growing checking accounts for consumers who want it all without all the costs and hassles.
Why are we featuring Current on our website? It’s simple: they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report to open a new account. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates. But what’s really cool are the incredible features offered with this account:
- NO minimum balance
- NO deposit required to open an account
- NO overdraft fees when you overdraw by up to $100 with Overdrive™
- NO fees at over 40,000 ATMS in the U.S.
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Earn 4.0% interest on your balance up to $6,000
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly for free
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
Current offers a really unique service it calls Gas Hold Removals. What’s a gas hold? Some gas stations may apply a hold from $50 to $100 when you use a debit card to pump gas. If you only pumped $10 of gas, but the gas station places a $100 hold on your funds, you won’t have access to the $90 difference for up to 3 business days! The Current debit card will immediately refund the hold so you have access to all your funds. We haven’t found that benefit anywhere in the marketplace.
Here’s what’s really important, though. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the highest possible amount allowed: $250,000. We love the features, we love the smartphone app, and we love Current. That makes us think you’ll love them too.
Get a Current Account Now!Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Members FDIC.
For many people, having access to a local bank branch is paramount when setting up a checking account. With over 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be the perfect fit.
Here are some of our favorite features with this account:
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE access to over 16,000 Chase ATMs
- FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
Highly Rated Mobile App
Available for iOS and Android, the Chase Mobile app offers 24/7 access to your account. The app is highly rated, earning 4.8 stars out of 5 on the App Store and 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google Play.
You can transfer funds, deposit checks, send money with Zelle, set up account alerts and notifications, and lock your card if it’s been lost or stolen.
The app also has incredibly helpful budgeting tools, personalized insights, and the ability to check your credit score for free.
How The Account Works
Opening the Chase Secure Banking account is easy. They verify your name, address, and social security through Experian, but don’t pull a credit report or credit score. Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems for this account, either. Account approval is immediate, there’s no opening deposit requirement, and you’ll receive your Chase Secure card within a matter of days.
Chase doesn’t offer overdraft services with this account as you can only spend the money you have available and the account does not include paper checks. You should also know that using non-Chase ATMs can cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction.
Chase Secure Banking carries a $4.95 monthly service fee that cannot be waived. But combined with all the free services and the $100 cash bonus when you use the card for 10 purchases within 60 days, the monthly fee doesn’t pose a problem for most customers. And, you’ll have peace of mind with Chase’s Zero Liability Protection if you detect and report unauthorized transactions.
Banking With A Leader
Chase claims to be involved with 40% of Americans in some way or another. There can be comfort in size, reach, and stability. Chase has all of that and the assurance they will be there for a long, long time.
If you’ve wanted to bank with Chase and wondered if you’d qualify, we think you’re going to be really happy with the Chase Secure Banking account.
Get a Chase Secure Banking account today!
Acorns doesn’t use ChexSystems or a credit report to approve accounts and offers some strong benefits.
We love the heavy metal tungsten Visa debit card and the world-class smartphone app that allows you to manage every aspect of your new checking account such as budgeting, spending, and security.
Another nice option is the ability to round up on every purchase and Acorns will take that money and automatically put it in a savings account. This really helps build a nest egg.
It takes about 2-3 minutes to sign up and you get both a checking and savings account. Here’s more:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- FREE bank-to-bank transfers
- FREE physical check sending online or through the mobile app
- FREE mobile check deposits
- FREE or reimbursed ATM withdrawals nationwide
- NO minimum balance or overdraft fees
- NO credit check; ChexSystems OK
- FDIC insured
There is a $3 monthly fee that is easily covered by the ATM fee reimbursement and other goodies included with the account.
If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.
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Instead of using ChexSystems, Advantage One Credit Union looks at your credit report to determine if you are eligible for a checking account. Once you’ve become a member and have been approved for an account, all that is needed to get started is a $25 opening deposit.They offer a general checking account that has no minimum balance requirement or monthly service charges. The account also includes fifty free starter checks, a MasterCard debit card, and access to online banking.
Advantage One CU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Bureau, Carroll, Henry, Lee, Ogle, Rock Island or Whiteside County, or within a 35 mile radius of their only branch in Morrison. Visit their website or stop by to see if you qualify!
If you have a negative history with ChexSystems but your credit report is still somewhat healthy, Archer Heights Credit Union may be a good option for you. They will look over your credit report when you apply for a checking account.Their Share Draft Checking account is a no-frills, no-fee checking account that comes with all the basics. With this account, you get a Visa debit card and access to overdraft protection while not having to worry about any monthly service fees or per-check charges. All that is required when you open the account is a $25 opening deposit.
Archer Heights CU is Chicago-based and offers membership to those who live or work in one of five eligible zip codes (60632, 60501, 60652, 60629, 60638). If this fits your situation, you can apply for membership online or contact their branch located on Archer Avenue to get started!
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 Illinois branches in Great Lakes and North Chicago.
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Arsenal Credit Union utilizes Telecheck when screening new applicants. Out of their several different checking account options, we recommend their Totally Free Checking account to anyone who wants to access their money with no strings attached.With Totally Free Checking you won’t have to worry about any monthly service fees, debit transaction fees, or minimum balance requirements. Courtesy pay, fraud protection, and overdraft protection services are also included.
Arsenal CU extends membership to anyone who lives or works in St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, or Randolph Counties. You can also visit their website to see a list of alternative ways to join. Their Illinois branch is conveniently located in Swansea.
Aspiration is a socially and environmentally conscious company that can help you make more sustainable choices — while making the most of your money. Their Spend & Save account combines both checking and savings and opening an account takes just a couple of minutes.
Here’s a few of the account features:
- NO minimum balance
- NO fees for paper checks
- NO overdraft or NSF fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO fees at over 55,000 ATMs in the U.S.
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit
Free or Monthly Fee – You Choose
With an Aspiration account, you decide how much your monthly fee will be — starting at $0. Through its “Pay What Is Fair” model, the company trusts customers to choose a monthly fee that’s fair for your wallet and fairly reflects the service you get from Aspiration. You can change your fee at any time.
For $7.99 per month, you can also choose to become an Aspiration Plus member and earn extra perks: 5% APY interest on savings, 10% cashback on certain purchases, and a debit card made of recycled ocean plastic. That’s a load of benefits!
This is the only banking product we’ve reviewed that offers the opportunity for members to spend and save with an environmentally friendly purpose.
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Banterra Bank is one of our favorite Illinois options for second chance banking. The Banterra Restart Basic and the Banterra Restart Checking both offer the opportunity to open a traditional checking after establishing a good checking relationship with their bank. The only difference between the two accounts is the ability to write unlimited checks with a Restart Checking account.All you need to open a Restart account is an opening balance of $50. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you choose to direct deposit your paycheck, your monthly service charge is reduced from $9.95 to $6.95. Both Restart accounts offer:
- Free digital banking
- Free eStatements (paper statements for $1)
- Free Visa debit card with a daily $750 merchandise limit and $300 cash limit
You can find branches located throughout southern Illinois including cities such as Carbondale, Du Quoin, Harrisburg, Metropolis, and many others.
Rebound Checking through Catholic & Community Credit Union is a great option for those with a less-than-perfect checking history. With the low cost of $7.50 a month, Rebound Checking allows you to move forward without excessive charges. After 12 months of maintaining a positive balance, you can easily switch to a standard checking account.Rebound Checking offers:
- Free online banking and bill pay
- No minimum account balance
- Debit card access to over 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- Overdraft protection
Catholic & Community CU has two locations in Belleville and one in Shiloh. They’re also in-network with dozens of co-op shared branches in the state where you’re able to conduct most of your in-person banking needs.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Central Federal utilizes Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for an account. Out of their several checking account options, we recommend Totally Free Checking if you’re looking for a simple and easy way to manage your money.This account comes with unlimited check writing, a Visa debit card, and access to online banking. After you deposit $50 or more at the time of opening, the account is entirely free after that. There are no minimum balance requirements, no per-check charges, and no pesky monthly service fees.
Visit their website or one of their branches located in Cicero, Berwyn, or La Grange Park to see if Central Federal is a good fit for you!
Chester National Bank is another example of a non-ChexSystems bank that uses Telecheck instead. Out of the four checking accounts they offer, the Regular Checking account is the simplest option with the least requirements.There is a required opening deposit of $50 and a monthly service fee of $5. The service fee can be waived if you have a daily balance of $500 or more in your account or if you keep a daily balance of $1,000 in your savings account each month.
We like Chester National Bank because you’re able to apply for an account directly through their website. You can also visit one of their branches located in Chester or Sparta if you prefer to apply in-person.
Collins Community Credit Union provides a true second chance to those who are looking to rebuild their credit and re-establish a positive banking history. Their Take2 Checking comes with all of the checking necessities while remaining low-cost and easy to manage.Take2 Checking requires $50 as an opening deposit and has a moderate monthly service fee of $9.95. In return, you get a free Visa debit card, access to online and mobile banking, unlimited check writing, and unlimited transactions. We like this account because it allows you to upgrade to a traditional checking option after 12 months of good standing.
Collins Community CU is Iowa-based, but extends membership to anyone who lives or works in Henry, Rock Island, or Mercer Counties. You can also join if you have a family member who has already become a member or if you work for one of their select employee groups.
Dupaco Community Credit Union is another great example of a bank that utilizes a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems when verifying new accounts. If your credit score is intact and there aren’t too many negative entries, you should be able to get an account.We recommend their Free Checking if you tend to keep an account balance of less than $5000. All that is needed to get started with the account is a $50 opening deposit. After that, you won’t need to worry about any monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. You also get access to nice benefits including unlimited check writing, a free MasterCard debit card, and online banking access.
Dupaco Community CU is mostly Iowa-based, but they offer services to those living or working in Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Carroll, Whiteside, and Rock Island Counties. When you apply, you will need to deposit $25 into a savings account to establish membership. You can find branches located in Dubuque and Galena for your convenience.
Fifth Third Bank offers easy checking accounts to anyone without a history of fraud or a debt owed to Fifth Third. You have a choice of multiple checking options with Fifth Third. Their Momentum Checking account is one of their best accounts for those looking to rebuild their banking relationship. With no minimum deposit and no minimum balance required, banking is simple with Fifth Third.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 more than 130 branch locations in Illinois. You can find them in Aurora, Chicago, Des Plaines, Elgin, and dozens of other cities throughout the state. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!
Fresh Start Checking from First American Bank is designed specifically for those who have been turned down by other banks. With a low opening deposit of $50, First American Bank helps you to repair your checking credit history.There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $9.95 monthly fee. First American Bank provides free money management tools to all account holders. Their website gives you access to educational tools, financial advice, and various calculators. Fresh Start Checking includes:
- A free Mastercard debit card
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free e-Statements
- Free access to a 24-hour telephone service
- Free unlimited checking
- Access to 55,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint network
You will find First American Bank locations in Chicago and surrounding areas.
When you apply for an account at First Community Credit Union, all that is required are two forms of ID, one of which must be government issued. If you have a negative history with ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or credit agencies, this may be a great option for you.We like their Checking 1 account because it covers all of the basic needs. The account comes with a free debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to fee-free ATMs. There is also no monthly service fee or required opening deposit. If you want more rewards, check out their Cashback Checking account. It has all of the same benefits as Checking 1 and gives you cashback on everyday purchases!
First Community CU extends membership to anyone who lives or works in Madison, Monroe, and St. Clair counties. You can also join if you work for an eligible business or have a family member who has already joined. There are several branches in Illinois in cities including Belleville, Collinsville, Fairview Heights, Glen Carbon, and many others.
First Financial Bank’s NoWorry Checking account offers a fresh start regardless of your checking history. There is a $25 minimum opening deposit, as well as a $10 monthly service charge. If you complete one of their approved financial education courses, the monthly service fee is discounted to only $5.You’ll receive a debit card along with free ATM access and you even get a free gift when you open at a banking center. There are also plenty of digital features, including mobile deposits and online and mobile banking.
First Financial Bank offers locations throughout Illinois, including Indianapolis, Columbus, Greensburg, and many other cities for your convenience.
If you have a negative entry on your ChexSystems report, First National Bank gives you the tools you need to rebuild your finances. Their Renew Checking only requires a minimum opening deposit of $25 and a monthly service fee of $7.95 if you’re enrolled in direct deposit.Designed to help you move into a standard checking account after 12 months, Renew Checking is a convenient checking choice. Your debit Mastercard is in your hand immediately upon opening an account at one of the five locations in Roscoe, Clinton, Winnebago, Rockton, and Forest Point. You can use it to make purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted, earn rewards points, and withdraw money from over 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs.
First National’s Renew Checking also includes:
- Free online banking
- Free bill pay
- Free eStatements
- Free mobile banking and mobile banking app
- 24-hour telebank access
First Savings Bank of Hegewisch is known to be more lenient with ChexSystems. As long as you don’t owe FSBH any money and your report doesn’t indicate fraud, there’s a good chance you will be able to get an account.They offer a few different checking options, but we’d recommend Totally Free Checking if you want to avoid service charges and balance requirements. To get started, all that is required is a measly $10 opening deposit. After that, this account is entirely fee-free plus you can get free standard checks whenever you need them!
First Savings Bank has locations in Chicago, Calumet City, Frankfort, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Oak Forest, and Tinley Park. Contact the branch nearest you to see if Totally Free Checking will work for you!
GN Bank is another example of a bank that is more lenient with ChexSystems. As long as there is no indication of fraud and you don’t owe GN Bank any money, you should be able to get an account. They offer an array of checking account options, so it’s important to choose the best account suited to your lifestyle.All accounts except for their Student Checking require a $100 opening deposit. If you use direct deposit, we recommend the Renaissance Checking account. This account comes with a debit card and has a low $7 monthly service fee that can be waived with a $10 daily balance. They also offer accounts for those not enrolled in direct deposit as well as free accounts that don’t include debit card usage.
To get started at GN Bank, you can contact or visit their branch in Chicago on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
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.
Great Lakes Credit Union offers a second chance to those who have been reported to ChexSystems. Their Fresh Checking account will help you get back on track and establish a positive banking relationship with GLCU.Unlike most second chance accounts, Fresh Checking comes with a lot of nice account features to help you get the most out of banking. After you deposit at least $25 into the account, you will receive a free debit card and won’t have to worry about any monthly service fees or overdraft fees! If you tend to keep lower balances, this account could be perfect for you.
As the name would suggest, Great Lakes CU has several locations in Illinois near Lake Michigan. You can find them in Antioch, Chicago, Country Club Hills, Crystal Lake, Gurnee, Woodstock, and several other nearby cities.
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
IH Credit Union is another example of an option that will refer to your credit report rather than your history with ChexSystems. As long as your credit report doesn’t have too many negative entries, you should be good to go.We recommend their Step Up Free Checking account because it is simple and easy to keep open. With this account, you won’t need to worry about pesky monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer direct deposit services and provide free eStatements each month.
IH CU is primarily Ohio-based, but they offer services to any resident of the state of Illinois. You can become a member by joining the American Consumer Council, which is a non-profit organization that is free to join. At this time they only have physical branches located in Ohio.
Lili was custom made for freelancers and independent contractors who are operating as sole proprietors and single member LLCs and we really like their offering. Lili aims to approve most accounts within 2-3 days, but some accounts are approved in 2-3 hours.Lili offers a checking account and Visa debit card with no initial deposit or minimum balance requirement, no hidden fees, no credit check, and no ChexSystems. Lili makes getting your account easy! Here’s more of what we like:
- FREE business VISA debit card
- FREE (and very user-friendly) mobile app
- NO minimum balance
- NO NSF charges or fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- Receive direct deposit funds 2 days earlier than many banks
- Mobile check deposit
- Unlimited fee-free transactions
- Takes 3 minutes to apply
Application Process
You can set up an account online. If you’re a freelancer, you should receive approval and account access almost instantly. If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, approval can take a couple of days. You can fund your account using a mobile check deposit, direct deposit, ACH transfer, or by linking your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account.
Marquette Bank’s ReStart Checking account is the perfect low-cost option for a new beginning. Designed for those with challenges to their credit, ReStart Checking is a simple checking account with a low monthly fee of only $5. All you need is a minimum opening balance of $20. There isn’t a minimum balance requirement for ReStart Checking.Marquette Bank wants you to succeed. They provide all ReStart Checking account holders with access to a Fresh Start Personal Finance Workshop. After your account is in good standing for 12 months, you can transfer your money into a My Marq Checking account.
ReStart Checking features:
- A free debit Mastercard
- Free money orders for the first year
- Free online statements
- Easy online and mobile banking options
- Free direct deposit
You must apply for Restart Checking in person at one of Marquette Bank’s eleven branch locations in the southern Chicago area.
If you’ve had difficulties in the past with banks that use ChexSystems, MidWest America Federal Credit Union may be a viable option for you. Instead of ChexSystems, they use Telecheck when screening new applicants. If this sounds suitable to your situation, we recommend their Freedom Checking account.With Freedom Checking you won’t need to worry about minimum balance requirements or per-check charges. If your average balance is more than $500 or you use your debit card five or more times each statement cycle, the monthly service fee will be waived. This account also offers overdraft protection and monthly eStatements.
MidWest America FCU extends membership to Select Employee Groups as well as those who live or work in Vermilion or Coles County. You can also join if you have a relative that is already a member. Contact one of their branches in Mattoon or Danville to see if you’re eligible!
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
NorthOne is a fast-growing company built specifically around business banking solutions for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. In addition to dramatically streamlining the application process, NorthOne doesn’t check your credit and doesn’t use ChexSystems. Here’s a recap:
- FREE business Mastercard debit card
- FREE access at over 1,000,000 ATMs nationwide
- FREE online and mobile app
- FREE live chat (not a chatbot), telephone, or email support
- FREE in-app invoice creator
- NO minimum monthly balance requirement
- NO NSF fees
- NO ACH transfer fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
Banking Services
NorthOne doesn’t require a minimum account balance and charges a $10 monthly fee that includes unlimited transactions in your account. These include ACH payments, bill pay, debit card usage, mobile deposits, and transfers. The only other fee is $15 for wire transfers.
You can also grant read-only access to employees or your accountant or bookkeeper. This keeps your account safe while also giving access to those who need it.
Integrations
With NorthOne business banking, you can connect your account to an almost unlimited number of third-party apps. NorthOne integrates with business tools including Paypal, Stripe, Square, Etsy, Shopify, Airbnb, Amazon, Venmo, Toast, Uber, Lyft, Quickbooks, FreshBooks, Wave, Expensify, and many more. Through these integrations, you can sync transaction details, collect payments, see and pay invoices, send payroll, pay contractors, and more.
If creating and sending invoices, quotes, and estimates is critical to your business, NorthOne offers a free stand-alone invoice creator that integrates seamlessly with the banking app. We’ve tried it and think it’s an elegant solution.
Application Process
NorthOne targets account approvals within one to two business days. Information required to open an account includes name, address, and social security number or tax identification number. If applicable, NorthOne may ask for a copy of your business license and business formation documents. After you’re approved, you’ll need to make a $50 minimum opening deposit.
One of the most important steps to taking your business to the next level is the need to set up a business bank account. And if you get the right business account, it can give your growing business all the tools much larger businesses enjoy… without all the big business costs.
Novo understands small business owners and makes it easy to open and manage an account. As an online-only bank, you’ll find Novo strikes the right balance between technology, human touch, and real-world benefits. Here are some of our favorite features for Novo Business Checking:
- NO monthly fees
- NO minimum balance requirement
- NO ATM fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- FREE Mastercard debit card
- FREE mobile app
- FREE transfers, mailed checks, and incoming wires
- FREE invoicing to create, send, and track invoices
- FREE mobile check deposit
Application Process
It takes about 10 minutes to sign up for a Novo account. You’ll need personal and business information, which may include a social security number, business tax ID, and business formation documents. They do not check your credit or use ChexSystems.
Novo is growing quickly. Their offering is popular with small business owners. The account approval process is currently taking 1-2 business days and once you’re approved, you can get full access to your account with a simple $50 deposit.
We like Novo. We think you’ll like it, too.
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Prairieland Federal Credit Union prides itself on being better than your normal bank. They understand that life happens. Their second chance checking allows you to repair your credit history and re-establish a good banking relationship.The Not Your NORMAL Checking 2 account is unique in that it allows you to make good on your old debts. A second savings account is started to help you make payments on your ChexSystems debts. Once your debts are paid, you will be switched to a regular checking account.
Not Your Normal Checking 2 also comes with:
- Zero monthly service fees
- A low minimum balance requirement of $25
- Free online banking with bill pay
- Free monthly eStatements
- A free Visa debit card
- Free direct deposit and payroll deduction for savings
Membership is open to those living, working, worshiping, volunteering or attending school in Mclean County. You must apply in person at one the branch locations in Normal or Bloomington.
R.I.A. Federal Credit Union utilizes your credit report in lieu of ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS. If your credit report doesn’t show too many negative entries, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to get an account.Out of their several different account options, we like Basic Checking the best. This account is a simple, low-cost way to manage your money. With a low opening deposit of $25, you will get access to online banking with bill pay as well as a MasterCard debit card. You also have the ability to write 40 checks per month free of charge.
R.I.A. FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Carroll County. You can also join if you work for one of their select employee groups or are a relative of a current member. Their Illinois branches are located in Milan, Moline, Rock Island, and Savanna.
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking and savings 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. With over 2.5 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!
The $325 bonus comes in two parts. When you deposit at least $10, SoFi will credit your account $25. When you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to $300 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit) and bump the interest rate you earn to 1.25% APY. The bonus and interest rate are some of the highest we’ve seen.
- No account fees
- No minimum balance
- No overdraft fees
- No fees at over 55,000 ATMs
- Access to SoFi member benefits like career coaching and financial advising
- Automated bill pay
- Freeze debit card on-the-go
SoFi Money has been great! The account was easy to open and I got my debit card a few days later. The smartphone app is easy to use and I can check everything from my computer, too. I’ve had some issues with ChexSystems in the past and SoFi Money seems to be the perfect account.
Kevin M., SoFi Money Customer
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Southern Illinois Credit Union believes that everyone deserves a fresh start. We recommend their Fresh Start Checking for anyone looking for an easy-to-qualify checking account. All you need to open the account is an opening deposit of $50 or more. Although there is no required minimum balance to worry about, you will be charged a $5 monthly maintenance fee.SICU requires you to purchase a Visa debit card for $10, but you are allowed to write unlimited checks without fees. You receive access to online and mobile banking, thousands of surcharge-free ATMs, and shared branches.
Membership is quick and easy. All you have to do is apply online or visit a branch location. Membership is restricted to those who live or work in Alexander, Clinton, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Monroe, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White, Williamson or Union counties in Illinois. You may also be eligible if you work for a member company, belong to an eligible association, or have a relationship to an existing member.
South Side Community Federal Credit Union is known to be more lenient with ChexSystems records than other institutions. As long as you have no history of fraud and don’t owe SSCFCU any money, you should be able to get an account with them.We recommend their Free Checking if you want an account that provides the necessities at a low cost. There is a $50 opening deposit requirement and if you keep at least $50 in your account, you won’t need to pay the $5 monthly service fee. It’s important to note that you will also need to have $100 in a savings account at the time the account is opened.
To become a member at SSCFCU, it is required that you live, work, worship, or attend school in the south side of Chicago. Visit their website or their location on Wentworth Avenue to see if you’re eligible!
If you are looking for a membership in a credit union focused on getting you back on your feet, we recommend Staley Credit Union. Their Renew Checking is a simple checking option designed to help you monitor your money. The CardValet service helps you to stay in touch with your money through account alerts and monitoring.We also like that SCU offers Renew Checking customers easy overdraft protection. If you happen to be short on checking funds, SCU simply transfers funds from your savings account or your Staley Visa Credit Card to cover the overdraft.
You can open a Renew Checking account with a $50 minimum balance. There is a low $7 monthly maintenance fee. SCU checking accounts feature:
- A debit card with EMV chip technology
- Free access to Staley Online and Mobile Banking
- Free bill pay
- Access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs
Visit their website or contact one of their three branches in Decatur to get started!
Suburban Bank & Trust’s Money Smart Checking is our top choice for easy savings. With no minimum deposit and easy savings options, you can improve your finances with little effort.The Dollar-a-Day Savings Service automatically transfers $1 or more from your Money Smart Checking to your savings account every single day. You won’t notice the small deduction, but you will notice your growing savings.
Smart Checking is a second chance checking option available to everyone who completes a Money Smart Financial Training session. The account provides you with a free debit or ATM card. You’ll be reimbursed for up to six ATM fees per statement cycle. You also receive mobile debit alerts to keep track of your spending.
There are two Suburban Bank & Trust locations in Elmhurst and one in Oak Brook.
If you don’t need to write physical checks, we recommend US Bank’s Safe Debit Account. Think of it as a checking account without checks. The Safe Debit Account gives you easy access to your money with a free US Bank Visa debit card and online banking. The free mobile app allows you to track your spending, receive low balance alerts and send money securely to your family and friends. If you do happen to overdraw your account, you won’t be charged a fee.US Bank is a national bank that wants you to grow financially. While you build a positive banking relationship with your Safe Debit Account, you have free access to the TransUnion CreditView Dashboard. This feature allows you to view your credit score and learn how to build and maintain positive credit. There is a low monthly maintenance fee of $4.95.
There’s a good chance that you will find a US Bank branch near you. They have locations across the entire state including cities such as Addison, Belleville, Cahokia, Loves Park, Mt. Vernon, and dozens of others.
Rather than using ChexSystems, U.S. Employees Credit Union utilizes Telecheck to determine if applicants are eligible for an account or not. They offer one standard Share Draft Checking account that is loaded with a lot of nice features.In order to reap all of the benefits of this account, you will need to enroll in direct deposit. From that point, this account comes with a free Visa debit card, one free box of checks, and access to online banking with bill pay. There are also no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.
U.S. Employees CU extends membership to anyone who works or who has retired from the U.S. Federal Government. You can also join if you are the immediate family member of a current member. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Chicago and Hines to get started!
Vantage Credit Union utilizes Telecheck and a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems when verifying new accounts. As long as there are no red flags with Telecheck and your credit score is at least 499, you should be approved for an account.We like their Simple Checking account because it focuses on providing you with a convenient, easy way to access your money. This no-frills account includes a debit card, overdraft protection options, and easy money management tools to help you stay on track with your account. You also won’t need to worry about monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.
You can apply for a checking account on Vantage CU’s website or you can visit their Illinois branch in East St. Louis.
Varo Bank is another internet-only bank with services based on their mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. Varo doesn’t charge fees at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs and offers strong budgeting tools and automatic savings programs.Opening an account is easy and Varo doesn’t check your credit or use ChexSystems. Varo doesn’t even require an initial deposit to open an account, either. There are never any monthly maintenance fees, account balance minimums, overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Varo’s recent bank charter has them innovating more than ever. They have a very strong cashback program, a payroll advance option, and have started to offer their customers a secured credit card called Varo Believe.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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. It’s included on our list due to Woodforest’s dedication to providing everyone with solid banking options, regardless of their ChexSystems history. 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 also offers:
- Online banking
- A mobile banking app
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Additional financial services to meet your needs
You can find branches located in cities such as Orland Hills, Crystal Lake, Peru, Springfield, and many others throughout the state of Illinois.
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Illinois? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
1Eligibility requirements apply. Overdraft only applies to debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. Limits start at $20 and may be increased up to $200 by Chime. See chime.com/spotme.
2Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Cash deposit or other third-party fees may apply.
3Customers are limited to three $1,000 cash deposits at Walgreens each day and $10,000 each month.
4Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. See your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Friends Transfers details.
5The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of August 25, 2022. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
6Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.