If you live in Illinois and have a negative ChexSystems record, opening a bank account might prove difficult. The majority of banks and credit unions in Illinois use ChexSystems to monitor bank accounts state-wide.
If you’ve struggled with excessive non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) charges or haven’t been able to pay excessive bank fees, this throws up a red flag when you try to apply for an account at another bank or credit union. Worse, ChexSystems keeps this information for five years! That’s a long time without a bank account.
But there is a way you can get a new checking account. Look for banks and credit unions who don’t use ChexSystems or who offer so called second chance checking accounts. Both options offer you a strong opportunity to get a new account.
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance checking accounts. We’ve selected the best accounts in Illinois for 2020 based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. Best of all, you can open an account today!
List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Illinois
BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of Illinois. They have the strongest offering of any of our recommendations. No hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no monthly charges. BBVA uses EWS to screen applicants instead of ChexSystems, so it’s easy to get approved and takes about 3 minutes. Plus, their smartphone app and online tools are the best we’ve reviewed.Why do we recommend BBVA Online Checking so highly? If you’ve got poor credit or find yourself on ChexSystems, BBVA will approve you for an account.
- NO monthly fees or service charges
- 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
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. You’re online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes.
Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:
Chime Bank is one of the fastest growing online banks. 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. Their simple, online services are what makes Chime a good option for easy checking.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. 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
Banterra 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 Banterra. 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 direct deposits
- Free digital banking
- Free online statements
- Free Visa debit card with a daily $750 merchandise limit and $300 cash limit
- Paper statements for an addition $1 per month
- Free ATM transactions at Banterra ATMs
Becoming a member of a credit union is an excellent way to build a banking relationship. 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 positive balance, you can easily switch to a standard checking account.Rebound Checking offers:
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Convenience, service and security
- No minimum account balance
- Debit card access to 28,000 surcharge-free ATMs
- Overdraft protection
Catholic & Community CU has two locations in Belleville and one in Shiloh.
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With nine locations in Illinois, we find Corporate America Family Credit Union 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. 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
- Living within a 25 mile radius of a CAFCU branch office
Once you are a member, you must keep a $100 balance in your Regular Share Account. The Fresh Start checking account has no minimum balance and requires a $10 monthly service fee.
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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 Free 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.
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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.
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Are you looking for a fresh start, but have run into roadblocks due to past credit issues or ChexSystems reports? The Eagle Fresh Start Checking Account from First Eagle Bank may be your ideal checking solution. We like how First Eagle Bank makes building a new checking history worry free.Their simple checking solution provides you with a First Eagle Debit Card for purchases anywhere that takes Visa. As an added bonus, there are no ATM surcharges through STAR ATMs. First Eagle Bank checking accounts also include:
- Online banking services for 24-hour access
- Online bill pay
- A mobile banking app for easy transactions from your smartphone
- Overdraft protection upon approval
First Eagle Bank has two locations in Chicago and Hanover Park.
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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 one-time opening fee of $15.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 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
GoBank is an online option for simple banking. All you need to do to open an account is to purchase a GoBank starter kit from a partner retailer and pass an identity verification. In return, you receive the ability to use a debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can also write checks to avoid expensive money order fees.Deposits to your account can be made through mobile check deposit, direct deposit or by adding cash through participating retailers for a small fee. If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $8.95 is waived.
Account holders appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools and a savings vault. There are many participating retailers, including Walgreens, CVS and Kroger.
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Go Further from GTE Financial helps put you on the path to a better checking account. If you don’t qualify for a traditional account, the Go Further account will help you get there in as little as 12 months. We consider this a low-cost second chance checking. As long as you make a total deposit of $500 for the month, opt to receive eStatements and make 15 monthly transactions, the $9.95 maintenance fee is waived.GTE Financial is one of the largest credit unions in the US. Membership is open to anyone through easy requirements and an online application process. The Go Further account includes:
- Free EMV-equipped debit card with built-in rewards
- Online and mobile banking tools
- Free bill pay service
- Easy money transfers through the Popmoney service
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.
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No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members in Alabama and across the US. With no review requirements of your banking history, NFCU is an excellent choice for active duty or retired US military, family members and government contractors. There are two banking choices to choose from: Active Duty Checking and Free eChecking.Both account options come with a free NFCU debit card. There is no monthly service fee with direct deposit. Your account is protected from overdrafts with free savings transfers, a checking line of credit or an optional overdraft protection service. You also receive:
- Free mobile deposits
- Free bill pay
- Free traditional name-only checks
- Dividends credited monthly
Peoples Cash Solutions understands that being denied a checking account for bad credit or problems with ChexSystems or TeleCheck isn’t a good feeling. If you haven’t been involved in fraudulent activity, all you need is a fresh start. You can find it with the Second Chance Checking account from Peoples Cash Solutions.Second Chance Checking offers easy direct deposit to save you time and money by eliminating the check cashing process. Your access to your money is simple through a Peoples Cash Solutions debit Mastercard. Other convenient features include:
- Online banking
- Online money transfers
- Online bill pay
- A personal checkbook
- ATM access
You can apply online with a $30 minimum deposit. There is a monthly maintenance fee of $4.95 for Second Chance Checking through Peoples Cash Solutions.
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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.
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The Radius Bank Essential Checking account is a FDIC-insured checking account designed to help you manage your money with powerful technology and limited fees.- Free MasterCard® debit card
- Free mobile banking with check deposit
- Free online banking with bill pay
- $10 minimum deposit to open account
- Monthly service charge of $9.00
- No minimum balance
- Ability to upgrade account after 12 months of responsible banking
If you are looking to save money, SoFi Money is our top choice for a non-traditional banking option. We recommend this online money management account to those who are tech savvy. One of the biggest perks is there aren’t any account fees. ATM fees are reimbursed, transfers are free and you have no minimum balance requirements. You don’t even need an initial deposit to set up your account.SoFi will even pay you through a high-yield interest rate on your checking balance. If you sign up for SoFi Money and make two direct deposits of at least $500 each, SoFi will give you a $75 cash bonus.
The sign up process takes only a few minutes because SoFi does not use ChexSystems to approve accounts. After opening your account, you receive a SoFi debit Mastercard for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The easy-to-use mobile app keeps you in control of your money and offers bill pay, money transfers and educational services.
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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 a Fresh Start account is a minimum balance of $50. 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.
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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 5,000 free ATMs
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.
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The low maintenance fee of only $4 a month makes the TCF Base Account an affordable second chance checking account. You only need $25 to open a Base Account online.TCF understands that you don’t have money to throw away on fees. If you don’t have the money in your account to cover a transaction, the transaction will not be paid. This saves you from expensive overdraft and NSF fees. Checks are not available with this account, but you are provided with a debit card.
The TCF Base Account includes:
- Digital banking options for check balances, deposits and money transfers
- Mobile wallet compatibility
- Online bill pay
- Free withdrawals at TCF ATMs
- Savings options with linked TCF savings accounts
TCF has several ATMs throughout Illinois.
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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.
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.When you open an account at Varo you can do so with no initial deposit. Plus, there are never any monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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Washington Savings Bank gives you the opportunity to start fresh with their Online Rewards Checking. We understand that you need an account with easy accessibility and plenty of options. Washington Savings Bank provides all the perks you need to rebuild your banking relationship.With relaxed CheckSystems requirements, you’ll find it is easy to open an Online Rewards account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $10 and an online application. There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $14.95 monthly fee. After a year of good standing, you can convert your account to a free checking plan.
With Online Reward Checking, you have access to:
- A free Mastercard EMV debit card
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free budgeting tools
- Free mobile banking
- Mobile deposit after 3 months of direct deposits
- Free eStatements
Wells Fargo is a national bank with convenient locations throughout Illinois. Their Opportunity Checking is a good option for those with past credit or banking issues. You can open an account online or in person with a $25 initial deposit.Although there is a $10 monthly service fee, it is easy to get a fee waiver. All you need to do is make 10 or more debit card transactions per month, have a daily balance of at least $1500, or direct deposit $500 or more per month. Opportunity Checking from Wells Fargo includes:
- Free online access to balances, transfers, and statements
- Free bill pay
- A spending report with budget watch
- Wells Fargo Mobile app access
- Free platinum debit card
- Free access to 13,000 ATMs and 5,400 branches nationwide
After 12 months of good standing, Wells Fargo offers the opportunity to upgrade to a traditional checking account.
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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. There are Woodforest National Bank branches located throughout Illinois for your convenience. Woodforest also offers:
- Online banking
- A mobile banking app
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Additional financial services to meet your needs
Did we leave your financial institution off this list? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.