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 that 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 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
The SoFi Money Cash Management Account is offered by SoFi Securities LLC, a FINRA registered broker dealer. It’s a checking 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.
There is no minimum balance requirement and the initial deposit is only $10. Plus, when you make that initial deposit SoFi Money will credit your account $25 as sign up bonus immediately deposited into your new account! Available in all 50 states.
- No account fees
- Unlimited reimbursed ATM fees
- 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. The chip technology on the card gives me peace of mind. With no fees and all sorts of benefits, SoFi Money offers more than I imagined!
Gena M., SoFi Money Customer
Axos Bank, formerly called Bank of Internet USA, has been around for over 20 years and has created some of the best banking offerings we’ve reviewed. And our favorite is the Axos Bank Rewards Checking account. So what are the rewards? Check it out:- NO monthly minimum balance
- NO monthly maintenance fees
- NO overdraft or NSF fees
- UNLIMITED domestic ATM fee reimbursements
- Earn up to 1.25% APY
The Rewards Checking interest payment can be earned by jumping through a couple of hoops. If you have a direct deposit of $1,000 per month, you’ll earn one-third of the interest amount. If you use your Axos Visa Debit Card at least 10 times per month, you’ll earn another one-third of the interest amount. And, if you increase that number to 15 transactions per month, you’ll earn the final one-third of the interest amount. We like the fact that that the interest payment isn’t an all-or-nothing feature.
Axos has created a simple, but powerful smartphone app to manage your account. You can chat 24/7 with a financial assistant, get real-time account transactions and notifications, and freeze your account if your card is lost or stolen. Anything you need to do can be completed using their robust and user-friendly app.
Applying is easy. You’ll need your social security number, a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license, a valid U.S address, and you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. There is an initial deposit of $50 to set up the account.
Finally, as a member of FDIC, Axos offers the full protection offered by that institution.
Chime is a fast-growing internet-only financial company. 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.And, best of all, Chime accepts all customers who apply. Even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or credit bureaus. This makes Chime a solid choice for a second chance bank account.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- NO monthly Service Charge
- NO monthly minimums
- NO credit check; Bad credit OK
- NO ChexSystems or Telecheck; guaranteed approval
- FREE online banking and mobile banking/deposits
- FREE mobile and online bill pay
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs at convenient locations like Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS and more
- SAVINGS: You can round up every purchase to the nearest dollar and automatically deposit that difference into your savings account.
Chime Lets You Get A Jump On Payday
You can receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than at a traditional bank if you set up direct deposit — Chime processes your employer’s check immediately instead of waiting like other banks may.
Chime is one of the most friendly for those who have been negatively impacted by bad credit, ChexSystems, or Telecheck.
Your Chime Visa Debit Card charges NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs found at these retailers and many more:
Get a Chime Account Today!
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
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.
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.
Members of Corporate America Family Credit Union (CAFCU) are eligible for their Fresh Start Checking account. This account is perfect for members who may have a less-than-stellar checking history and are looking to re-establish themselves. With only a $10 monthly service fee, Fresh Start Checking could be a great option for you.In addition, CAFCU offers a course on how to become a successful account holder to ensure financial success for its members. Get in Balance, an online study course, provides members with the empowerment and tools to make better financial decisions and more closely manage their checking accounts.
CAFCU has ten branches located in the greater Chicago area including Burbank, Oak Brook, Rosemont, Warrenville, Arlington Heights, and several other surrounding cities. They’re also in-network with dozens of co-op shared branches across the state of Illinois.
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.
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.
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!
Glenview State Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS when screening new applicants. Instead, they will look at your TransUnion credit report. If your credit score is 650 or higher, you will most likely be approved for an account.Their traditional account is called GSB Checking and it offers unlimited transactions, free identity theft resolution services, and access to over 37,000 fee-free ATMs. It is also important to note that there is a steep $100 opening deposit, but no minimum balance requirements or monthly fees.
Glenview State Bank is Illinois-based and has branches located in Glenview, Northbrook, Northfield, and Mount Prospect. Contact the branch closest to you to get started!
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.
LendingClub Banking, formerly Radius Bank, has a second chance checking account called Essential Checking. It’s an FDIC-insured checking account designed to help you manage your money with powerful technology and limited fees. Available to residents in all 50 states.- 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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 dozens of branches across Illinois. You can find them in Shorewood, New Lenox, Romeoville, Frankfort, Naperville, and countless other cities and towns across the state.
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.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.
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 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.