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
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.
If you’re looking for a wide array of options, then Advantage One Credit Union is a great choice for you. Advantage One Credit Union has up to 4 different checking account options, each designed to meet a different need.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.
Birmingham Bloomfield Credit Union offers a simple solution for those who have been turned down for traditional bank accounts in the past. Their New Beginnings Checking account comes with all the basics and can be a good first step in rebuilding a positive banking history.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.
Instead of consulting your ChexSystems report, Central Savings Bank pulls a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long as you don’t have too many negative entries on your credit report you should be able to get an account.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.
Community First Federal Credit Union is a non-ChexSystems bank that pulls a credit report when screening new applicants. As long as your credit is somewhat healthy, you should have no problem getting an account.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.
Consumers Credit Union is another example of an institution that utilizes your credit report in lieu of ChexSystems. If your main issue has been with ChexSystems and your credit report has remained intact, this may be an excellent option for you.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!
Instead of using ChexSystems, Copoco Community Credit Union utilizes Telecheck to determine if you’re eligible for an account. They offer two general Checking Account options; one with direct deposit and the other without direct deposit.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.
CoVantage Credit Union pulls a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long as your credit is in decent condition, you should be able to get an account. They offer one personal checking account option called Fee-Free Checking.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!
The Basic Checking account from Credit Union One is designed to be a second chance checking account that allows people to build up their banking history. With only a $25 deposit required to open an account, it is easier than ever to gain access to a checking account regardless of your history.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.
Eaton Community Bank will approve you for an account based on your standing with Telecheck. As long as everything checks out, your history with ChexSystems will not be a factor. If you’re looking for an account that is simple and fee-free, look no further than their Connect Checking account.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.
If you have had issues with ChexSystems banks in the past, Family First Credit Union could be a viable option for you. They use a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. As long as they don’t see anything of concern on your report, you should be good to go.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.
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 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!
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.
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
If you are looking for an account that is very easy to start, then this Fresh Start Checking by Horizon Bank is a great option. This Fresh Start account does not require that you open the account with any minimum balance, which creates as little barrier of entry as any bank in the state.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.
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 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.
If you are frustrated and have been turned down time and again for checking accounts, then the Fresh Start Checking from Kent County Credit Union could be the right choice for you. Almost anyone is eligible for this checking account and it provides you with access to all the features that you could want.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.
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
Looking for a fresh start? Then check out the Fresh Start Checking account from Marshall Community Credit Union. This checking account is designed to help those with a checkered past when it comes to checking accounts and financial history.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.
The Pathways Checking account was established to help anyone gain access to crucial banking features that they need. It is comparable to other second chance accounts that are offered to those wanting to rebuild a positive banking history.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 only a $25 minimum deposit required, this Fresh Start Checking account by Members First Credit Union is the perfect way to get started back on the path to success. This checking account is designed for those with past checking account trouble, but you wouldn’t know it based on the number of features that it has available.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.
For just $20 a month, you can have access to a traditional checking account once again. Though the Classic Checking account by MFCU is billed as a second chance checking account, it has all of the features that you could want of a regular checking account. The fees are higher due to the nature of the account, but you can switch to a Premier Checking account after six months of keeping your account in good standing.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.
This second chance checking account is called Rebuild Checking and is offered by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. This checking account only costs $10 a month in maintenance fees and provides you with access to all the features you need to manage your money including direct deposit and online bill pay.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.
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.
Instead of using ChexSystems, Portland Federal Credit Union pulls a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. They offer a general checking account that provides everything you need to manage your money while avoiding excessive fees.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.
This offering by Preferred Credit Union is called Fresh Start Checking and it certainly lives up to its name. The account is designed to help you get back on your feet and give you access to crucial banking features.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.
Instead of looking at your ChexSystems record, Public Service Credit Union utilizes Telecheck when screening new applicants. If you prefer a checking account that comes with all of the basics for a low cost, we recommend the Basic Checking account.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 Settlers Federal Credit Union because they only require applicants to provide a valid form of government-issued ID when opening an account. They offer one Share Draft Checking account that is suitable for everyone.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.
Rather than looking at your ChexSystems report, South Central Credit Union pulls a credit report when you apply for a checking account. As long as your credit is in decent shape, you should be able to get an account.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.
At Straits Area Credit Union, they only require a form of government-issued ID when you apply for a checking account. As long as no red flags pop up when they run your information through their system, you should be good to go.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!
Tahquamenon Area Credit Union is another option that only requires a government-issued ID when you first apply for an account. As long as no red flags pop up on their end, you should be able to get an account with ease.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.
If your main issue is with ChexSystems and your credit report remains somewhat intact, TBA Credit Union is likely to offer you an account. We like their Free Checking account because it doesn’t include any excessive fees or requirements.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!
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
- 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.
Team One Credit Union utilizes a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems when you apply for a checking account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, there’s a good chance you will get an account.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.
Right Start Checking from UNIFY Financial Credit Union is perfect for those starting out with a new checking account. You can easily open a UNIFY account online with a $25 deposit. You aren’t required to have a minimum balance or direct deposit for this opportunity to build a positive checking account history.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.
If you’ve been turned down from a ChexSystems bank in the past, United Bay Community Credit Union may be a viable option for you. They refer to Telecheck when verifying new account inquiries.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.
Finding a bank account when you have a troubled record is more difficult than it should be. However, United Financial Credit Union is here to help. They offer a Fresh Start Checking account that allows you to get back on track and overcome past hardships. If you are looking for an account that will provide you with access to crucial banking features, this is a great choice.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.
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.
Vibe Credit Union is an excellent choice for those who have a somewhat healthy credit report. Regardless of your ChexSystems history, you should be able to get a checking account if your credit has remained intact.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!
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
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.