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A checking account is important to your financial well-being. Access to cash, payment for good and services, online shopping, money transfers, direct deposit, mobile tools to manage your financials, and peace of mind are just a few benefits of having a checking account.
But millions are without a checking account. If you’ve struggled with non-sufficient funds (“NSF”) charges, bounced checks, or unpaid fees at a bank or credit union, that gets reported to a company called ChexSystems. And the vast majority of banks and credit unions in Michigan use ChexSystems to screen new accounts. You can be locked out of the financial system for up to 5 years!
But there is a way. A few banks and credit unions in Michigan offer second chance checking accounts. Others don’t use ChexSystems at all. And there are national banks that offer some incredibly robust second chance checking accounts without any monthly fees, account minimums, or other ‘gotchas’.
Ready to find the right bank or credit union that wants your business?
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance checking accounts. We’ve selected the best accounts in Michigan 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!
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Michigan

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 0.50% 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.

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.
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.

- 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.
Envelopes
NorthOne has created a feature that helps you plan for and manage important expense categories. They call these sub-accounts “Envelopes” and you can set up as many as you want. This allows you to set aside funds you know you’ll need in the future such as taxes or payroll. You can set custom rules for your envelopes and easily move money back and forth as needed.
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.
NorthOne is one of the most competitive business bank accounts for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their combination of services and offerings, the fast application process, and customer support create an outsized competitive advantage for both the bank and its customers. Every small business owner understands how critical that is for success.

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 not only do you get a checking and savings account, but you also have access to an investment account once you’re ready to consider that. And, it’s free.
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 of 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. To get the $75 bonus, all you have to do is set up Acorns Spend as your direct deposit method with your employer and receive 2 direct deposits of at least $250 each ($500 total).
If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.

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.

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 $300 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 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.
Gena M., SoFi Money Customer

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.
Whichever account you choose, there are no minimum balance requirements. There are no fees at over 55,000 ATMs and no fees for paper checks you receive when you open the account. You can’t overdraft on your Spend & Save Account, so you don’t have to worry about overdraft fees, either.
If you set up direct deposit, your money will get to your account up to 2 days early. There is a $10 opening deposit required.
Do Well. Do Good.
Aspiration has created a banking experience they hope will match your environmental values. This includes a pledge that deposits won’t fund fossil fuel exploration or production and providing a personal impact score to help you shop to match your values. Another cool feature we like is that with every “round up” purchase you make, Aspiration will plant a tree.
If you upgrade to the Aspiration Plus account, there are a host of “Planet Protection” features. For example, Aspiration will provide carbon offsets to match the calculated carbon output for every gas purchase you make. You’ll get 10% cash back on purchases from the “Conscience Coalition” which includes retailers such as Blue Apron, Warby Parker, Imperfect Foods, and Toms.
This is the only banking product we’ve reviewed that offers the opportunity for members to spend and save with an environmentally friendly purpose.
Banking Your Way
There’s a lot to like about Aspiration: With NO ChexSystems and NO credit check, getting an account is easy and the smartphone and online apps are beautifully organized. Plus, you get rewarded for spending smarter and making an impact on your own carbon footprint.

What’s great about Advantage One Credit Union is that they offer accounts that far outpace traditional checking accounts when it comes to interest and benefits. If you want a checking account that makes your money work for you, this is the ideal choice.
Advantage One Credit Union even has a checking account designed specifically for veterans to provide them with more benefits than any other account they offer.

The account comes with an ATM card, unlimited check writing, and online banking access. After a period of good standing, you can apply for a standard account. To get started you will need to deposit $5 into a savings account to establish your membership at Birmingham Bloomfield CU.
To get started, you can call, email or visit one of their several locations in Birmingham, Holly, Lake Orion, or Waterford.

Out of their two checking account options, we recommend the Personal No Charge Checking account. It’s a simple account that doesn’t require a minimum balance and won’t charge any monthly service fees. To get started, they require an initial deposit and two forms of ID.
Central Savings Bank is Michigan-based and has nine locations in the state. You can find branches in Sault Ste. Marie, Kincheloe, Cedarville, Pickford, St. Ignace, DeTour Village, Rudyard, and Mackinac Island.

They offer one general Checking Account that comes with all of the basics like a debit card, checks for purchase, free eStatements, and access to online banking. We like this account because you can be paid dividends each month if your daily balance is more than $1,000.
To get started, become a member of Community First FCU by applying at one of their branches and pay a $10 membership fee. You can find them located in Lakeview, Howard City, Trufant, and Morley.

We like their Simple Checking account because it’s very affordable and includes all of the necessities. You can enjoy a free debit card, access to online banking, unlimited check writing, and access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. Plus, if you enroll in eStatements you won’t have to pay any monthly service fees!
You can find Consumers CU branches across southeast Michigan. They’re located in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Holland, Kalamazoo, and many other cities and towns. Stop by a branch nearest you to get started!

If you enroll in direct deposit, there are no monthly service fees. If direct deposit is not an option, there is only a monthly service fee of $2 if your balance falls below $300. Both accounts come with a free MasterCard debit card, overdraft privilege to those who qualify, and even a free order of checks!
Copoco Community CU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Bay, Arenac Midland, Saginaw, Isabella, and Gladwin Counties. There are other ways to join, so visit their website to see if you qualify. Their branches are located in Bay City and Saginaw.

Like the name would suggest, the account does not have any monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. You will also receive a free debit card, online and mobile banking, and overdraft protection services. We like this account because you are able to earn dividends on your balance if it is above $500.
CoVantage Credit Union is primarily based in Wisconsin, but you can find their Michigan branches in Crystal Falls, Iron River, and Menominee. Contact a branch nearest you to see if you qualify for membership!

One of the benefits of this second chance opportunity for a bank account is that you will experience many of the benefits that standard checking accounts are able to enjoy. This includes things like access to 30,000 free ATMs nationwide, low monthly fees, and automatic bill pay. If you want to enjoy an array of checking account features in a second-chance checking account, this is the perfect way to do it.
Credit Union One offers membership to anyone who lives or works in the state of Michigan. You can find their branches located in cities including Troy, Sterling, Ferndale, Traverse City, and dozens more.

To open an account, all you need is a $50 deposit. From there, you won’t need to worry about any pesky monthly service fees. The account also includes a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and overdraft protection services. There is a fee for paper statements, so be sure to enroll in eStatements to avoid the fee.
To get started, contact one of their convenient locations in Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Gregory, Nashville, Olivet, and Stockbridge.

Their Basic Checking account comes with a free debit card, no minimum balance requirements, and even a free first box of checks! You can avoid the monthly service fee by enrolling in eStatements. You can also earn interest on balances over $2,500.
You can apply for membership online or visit one of their branches in Saginaw or Freeland to apply in person.

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 175 branch locations in Michigan. You can find them in Ann Arbor, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Portage, and dozens of other cities throughout the state. Visit a branch nearest you to apply for an account!

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.

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

As far as maintenance fees, it’s about as low as it gets. It only costs $5 a month to maintain your account and get access to a variety of features that will make your financial life easier and set you on the right track to getting things back in order.
You can use a Fresh Start account to pay bills, make deposits, and do any other banking that you need to. If you keep the account in good standing, you can easily upgrade to a standard account. Horizon Bank’s Michigan branches are in Midland and Grand Rapids for your convenience.

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 Michigan. 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.

It comes with a low monthly maintenance fee and provides you access to check writing, debit card usage, and online banking. Credit unions are historically friendly to those in tough situations, so this could be the right option for you, as it has been for many others.
To open an account, it is required that you deposit $10 into a savings account to establish your membership. You can find Kent County CU branches located in Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs.

- 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

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
Integrated Tools
The Lili smartphone app gives you access to tools to manage your expenses and taxes. You assign a category for each expense by swiping left for “life” or personal expenses and right for “work” or business. You can also add receipts to transactions, download quarterly and annual expense reports, and track spending in real-time. Lili will automatically assign an expense category based on the merchant, but allows you to edit the category as needed.
Buckets
Lili has an optional feature called “buckets” that allows you to set aside money in a savings account. The first of these is called a “Tax Bucket”, where you specify a percentage of your direct deposits you want to be saved for future tax payments. You can easily make adjustments and changes along the way and move the money back and forth from your checking account and tax bucket savings account. That way, you know the money will be there when you need to make tax payments.
The second of these buckets is called the Emergency Savings Bucket. You can automatically transfer at least $1 a day to this savings account to use for any larger purchase or unforeseen expense.
Robust for Most
Lili is best for small business owners who want a no-frills, no cost, no minimum balance bank account. You can run all your business and personal expenses through the account and can easily identify and separate them out for accounting and tax purposes. After your account is set up, you can add a business name or DBA name to the account. And you manage everything from the touch of your smartphone.
But there are some limits, too. Lili doesn’t offer checks and you can’t set up your account with an employer identification number. Depositing cash at Green Dot locations can cost up to $4.95 and mobile check deposits are limited to $6,000 per month.
Lili Pro
Lili recently announced a new set of features called Lili Pro. The cost is $4.99 per month and includes a no-fee overdraft up to $200 on debit card purchases and a robust and unlimited invoicing capability built into the smartphone app. On top of that, users receive 1.00% APY on savings account balances and a more robust expense tracking capability. The Pro version also offers cashback when you make purchases at over 14,000 merchants. If you’re not sure you want to sign up for Lili Pro, get Lili Standard (no cost) and you can upgrade later.
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.
Lili is open for business. Anyone who is their own boss: a sole proprietor, gigsters (ie. Uber and Lyft drivers), contractors, freelancers, or part-time entrepreneurs – you all qualify! Whether you opt for the fee-free Lili Standard account or the upgraded Lili Pro account, we think you’re going to like the way Lili helps you manage your growing business!
Open a Lili account now!
Many banks will turn people away based on this, but this Fresh Start Checking account is much more forgiving. For that reason, you might find it to be a great option for you. Though the account doesn’t afford you every feature that a standard checking account has, it does provide you with many of the essential ones such as bill pay, check writing, debit card use, and online banking.
To open a Fresh Start Checking account, you will need to pay a fee of $8 per month. You can reduce the cost by $1 if you enroll in eStatements and further reduce it by $2 if you use direct deposit. Marshall Community CU has offices in Marshall, Battle Creek, and Coldwater.

With their user in mind, Meijer Credit Union has custom-tailored the features of this checking account by providing no minimum monthly balance, online banking, bill pay, e-statements, and debit card use. All of this is available for a $5 a month fee. Everyone qualifies for this checking account.
We like this account because you can easily apply online. Meijer CU has two branches located in Grand Rapids and Rockford.

With online banking, check writing, ATM access, and a plethora of other features, this checking account will give you everything you need to function in the economy and practice responsible money management. Also, the monthly service fee is only &7.95 if you enroll in direct deposit.
Anyone that is a resident of Michigan is welcome to join Members First CU. You can apply for an account online or visit one of their several branches in Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Gladwin, Clare, Harrison, Evart, Grand Rapids, and Jenison.

A Premier Checking account is free on a monthly basis. With either of these accounts, there is no monthly minimum balance and you will gain access to over 30,000 free ATMs. You’re provided with one free ATM withdrawal a month with an out-of-network ATM, which is more than plenty for most people.
Membership is available to all residents of Michigan. Visit their website to apply for membership or stop by one of their branches in Metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Lansing.

Access your account any time of the day or night with online banking or by visiting one of their many branch locations in the greater Lansing area. You can write unlimited checks and bank easily. Most importantly, however, you’ll be able to rebuild your banking history in the hopes for a better future.

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
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
Business Banking Made Easy
There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, no incoming wire fees, and no transaction fees with Novo. Novo even refunds all ATM fees. You’ll never be charged for incoming or outgoing ACH transfers, debit card replacements, paper statements, or stop payments.
If you’d like, Novo will send free paper checks for your use. You can also use the app to have checks mailed out. The gotcha with paper checks is that if you don’t have enough money to cover the check, Novo will charge a fee of $27 for insufficient funds. And if you deposit a check from a customer that doesn’t clear, you’ll get whacked for $27.
Novo doesn’t allow you to deposit cash. Instead, you’ll have to use vendors such as USPS, Walmart, and grocery stores to exchange your cash for a money order. Then you can use the mobile check deposit feature to deposit the money order. Novo may not be the right business account for you if your business deals with a lot of cash.
Business Tools
You can manage your account from your computer or the Novo smartphone app. This allows you to avoid the hassle of visiting a physical bank. And the Novo Reserves budgeting tool allows you to set aside funds in your checking account for expenses such as payroll or taxes.
We especially like their fully integrated invoicing feature which allows freelancers and contractors to send and manage unlimited invoices. You can make payments by ACH transfer and if you are using the Novo Stripe integration you can accept payments through your Stripe account.
Novo seamlessly integrates with popular business tools such as Stripe, Shopify, Zapier, Quickbooks, and Xero. You can also connect Square, Wave, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Discounts
Novo has a program called Novo Perks that gives you perks on wide range of business software and services such as Stripe, Quickbooks, Gusto, Google, Hubspot, Booking.com, and many more. For example, you can get $20,000 in fee-free credit card processing with Stripe.
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.
Open an account today!
Once you get an account, there is no minimum balance or monthly service charge. You get access to online banking with bill pay, a PFCU debit card, and checks for purchase. The account is also available with Courtesy Pay that can help you avoid overdraft fees.
To get started, you can apply for membership to PFCU on their website. Their branches are located across the state in Portland, Ionia, Westphalia, Lake Odessa, Lansing, Lowell, Caledonia, Durand, Flint, Genesee, Owosso, Swartz Creek, and Flint.

Among the features that this checking account has to offer are free online banking, direct deposits, unlimited check writing, a moderate monthly fee of $10, and a free Visa debit card. Though it’s a second chance account, it helps provide you with much of the functionality of a regular checking account and lets you upgrade to a traditional checking account after a year.
All that is required to open the account is $50 for the opening deposit into the checking account and a savings account. Preferred CU has convenient locations in Grand Rapids, Hastings, Kalamazoo, Ludington, Belding, and several other cities in Michigan.

Basic Checking includes helpful features such as online and mobile banking access, a debit card, and free bill pay. You will also need to pay a moderate monthly service fee of $8.95 if your balance falls below $250. If you use direct deposit and receive $800 or more monthly, you may want to sign up for a Direct Advantage Checking account to avoid those monthly fees.
To get started, visit their website or one of their branches in Romulus, Detroit, Flat Rock, Garden City, Grosse Ile, Trenton, Taylor, Oak Park, or Redford!

We like that the account comes with all of the basics like a MasterCard debit card, overdraft protection services, and fee-free ATM access. You even get the opportunity to earn dividends on your account that are paid quarterly. This Share Draft Checking account is very simple and is a great option for day-to-day spending.
To open an account, you will need to join the credit union first. Settlers FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Ontonagon or Gogebic Counties. They have two offices located in Bruce Crossing and Watersmeet.

Their general Checking Account is fee-free and comes with all of the necessities. We like this account because it doesn’t even require an opening deposit to get started! Once it’s opened, you get access to online banking with bill pay, free eStatements, direct deposit, and overdraft privilege services. You also get a MasterCard debit card for everyday purchases.
There are countless ways to be eligible for membership at South Central CU. Visit their website to see all of the qualifications for membership or visit their main branch in Jackson.

Their Totally FREE Checking account is… well… totally free! You won’t need to worry about any monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. You also get the basics like online banking, a MasterCard debit card, and access to over 28,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.
Unfortunately, you can’t apply for this account online, but you can stop by a Straits Area CU location in Cheboygan, Indian River, and Mackinaw City. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!

They offer a general Share Draft Checking account that has no minimum balance requirement after the first week or two of the account being opened. This account has a low monthly service fee and includes a MasterCard debit card for everyday use. It’s important to note that there is a $2,000 daily spending limit to prevent fraud, but if you need that changed you just have to contact one of their branches.
To become a member at Tahquamenon Area CU, you are required to deposit $5 into a savings account. They offer membership to anyone who lives or works in Luce, Chippewa, Mackinac, Schoolcraft and Alger Counties. You can also join if you live or work in Seney or Burt. They have three convenient branches located in Newberry, Engadine, and Rudyard.

With this account you receive a free debit card, access to online banking and a smartphone app, and free eStatements each month. You can get peace of mind knowing you won’t be charged for any monthly service fees or required to have a minimum balance in your account. Plus, you get access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs worldwide!
To see if you’re eligible for membership, you can contact one of their branches in Traverse City. After an initial deposit into a savings account, you will be on your way to re-establishing a positive banking history!

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
- Digital wallet compatibility
- Online bill pay
- Free withdrawals at TCF ATMs
- Savings options with linked TCF savings accounts
TCF has over 200 branches in Michigan. You can find them all over the state in cities including Jenison, Kingsley, Oscoda, Hudsonville, and many others.

If you prefer simple, no-fuss options for checking, look no further than their Standard Checking account. You get a free personalized debit card, unlimited check writing, and online banking access to manage your money any time of day. You also can earn dividends on your balance of $1,000 or more!
To get started, you can apply for an account online. Anyone who is living, working, worshipping, or attending school in Michigan is welcome to join Team One CU. You can find their branches located in Bay City, Flint, Owosso, and Saginaw.

All UNIFY checking accounts offer:
- Free online eBanking
- Free Visa debit card
- Free UNIFY ATM access
- Free online eStatements
- No check fees
UNIFY FCU has branches located in Ann Arbor and York. They are also in-network with dozens of co-op branches throughout Michigan where you can handle most of your in-person banking needs.

A general checking account doesn’t have a minimum balance requirement and provides you with access to online banking with bill pay. In addition, you get access to thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide. The account is very simple but will help you rebuild a positive checking history nonetheless.
We like United Bay Community CU because they allow all residents of Michigan to join. You can find their branches located across the state in Bay City, Pinconning, Portage, and Mattawan.

This Fresh Start account offers you the opportunity to upgrade your account in 6 months as long as you keep the account in good standing. It represents one of the easiest paths towards financial success after a checkered history with checking accounts. You’ll be able to enjoy online banking, bill pay, and check writing all for a low $5 monthly service charge.
United Financial CU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in any county in the State of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. You can print out an application online or apply in-person at one of their branches located in Auburn, Saginaw, Chesaning, Freeland, and Bay City.

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.

Their general checking account includes all of the necessities such as online banking access, access to thousands of fee-free ATMs nationwide, and a free debit card for day-to-day purchases. We like this account because it won’t charge you a monthly service fee if you enroll in eStatements.
Vibe CU has 14 locations in Michigan. You can find them in cities including Berkley, Clarkston, Novi, Oxford, and several others. Visit their website to apply for membership or visit a branch nearest you to apply in person!

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

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
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Michigan? 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 November 1, 2021. 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.