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!
List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Michigan
BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance checking account for residents of Michigan. BBVA doesn’t use ChexSystems or your personal credit score when opening a checking account. Instead, they use EWS to screen applicants.The account is loaded with features and has no minimum balance requirements or monthly service charge. Simply stated, the BBVA Online Checking account has a combination of features no other bank can match. These include:
- NO ChexSystems
- NO monthly Service Charge
- NO monthly account balance minimums
- NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
- FREE award-winning mobile app (one of the best we’ve reviewed)
- FREE Visa® debit card you can personalize with your favorite photo
- FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
- FREE money transfer to and from any email or mobile phone in the U.S. via Popmoney®, Venmo®, and other instant transfer services
- FREE dedicated team of mobile bankers you can contact via text, email, or phone
- FREE cash back rewards for everyday debit card purchases with Simple CashBack
- FREE unlimited check writing
- FREE Visa Zero Liability protects you against fraudulent purchases made on your debit card
- BBVA USA, member FDIC
It’s simple to apply. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. Your online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes.
Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:
Our runner up is Chime and is another great checking account option. Chime doesn’t perform ChexSystems background checks and the account comes with lots of perks, including a debit card and transaction alerts, which allow you to track how much you’re spending and what your balance is throughout the day. It’s free to open an account and there’s no monthly maintenance fee or other hidden fees.Another perk that makes this account stand out is that if you use direct deposit for paychecks from your employer, you can access that money two days sooner than you could with many other banks.
Though Chime doesn’t offer paper checks, users can still send checks to anywhere in the U.S. using the bank’s mobile app — which can also be used for making check deposits on the go.
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.
The Basic Checking by 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.
Fifth Third Bank offers easy checking accounts to anyone without a history of fraud or a debt owed to Fifth Third. You have a choice of multiple checking options with Fifth Third. Their Free Checking account is one of their best accounts for those looking to rebuild their banking relationship. With no minimum deposit and no minimum balance required, banking is simple with Fifth Third.The contactless debit MasterCard offered by Fifth Third makes transactions fast and safe. You can also safely track your purchase online or through the mobile app. You also receive:
- Mobile alerts for transactions
- Easy Deposits program
- Access to more than 50,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
- Online and mobile statements
Fifth Third has more than 180 branch locations in Michigan.
GoBank is an online option for simple banking. All you need to do to open an account is to purchase a GoBank starter kit from a partner retailer and pass an identity verification. In return, you receive the ability to use a debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can also write checks to avoid expensive money order fees.Deposits to your account can be made through mobile check deposit, direct deposit or by adding cash through participating retailers for a small fee. If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $8.95 is waived.
Account holders appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools and a savings vault. There are many participating retailers, including Walgreens, CVS and Kroger.
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.
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 very small 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.
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 Fresh Start Checking 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, you will need to pay a fee of $8 per month. You can lower the cost to $5 a month by signing up for e-statements.
The Pathways Checking account was established to help anyone gain access to crucial banking features that they need. It is comparable to the Fresh Start Checking accounts that many have established to help those needing a second chance in checking and savings accounts.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.
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. To start you off, you’ll get a free set of checks to start repairing your credit history.
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 have 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.
This second chance checking account is called the Rebuild Checking Account 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 going to one of their 5000 nationwide branches. You can write unlimited checks and bank easily. Most importantly, however, you’ll be able to rebuild your banking history in the opes 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.
This offering by Preferred Credit Union is called Fresh Start Checking and it certainly lives up to its name. The Fresh Start Checking 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 low 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.
You will need $50 to open the account and the low $10 monthly fee keeps it very affordable to keep open.
You do not need a perfect banking history to open an Essential Checking account through Radius Bank. Designed to help you manage your money, this is an excellent opportunity to start over.All you need is a $10 minimum opening deposit. After that, you have no minimum balance requirements. There is a monthly service charge of $9, but you can apply for a free checking account after 12 months of positive banking history.
You can easily apply online for all Radius banking services. Essential Checking comes with:
- Free MasterCard® debit card
- Free mobile banking with check deposit
- Free online banking with bill pay
- No minimum balance
If you are looking to save money, SoFi Money is our top choice for a non-traditional banking option. We recommend this online money management account to those who are tech savvy. One of the biggest perks is there aren’t any account fees. ATM fees are reimbursed, transfers are free and you have no minimum balance requirements. You don’t even need an initial deposit to set up your account.SoFi will even pay you through a high-yield interest rate on your checking balance. If you sign up for SoFi Money and make two direct deposits of at least $500 each, SoFi will give you a $50 cash bonus.
The sign up process takes only a few minutes because SoFi does not use ChexSystems to approve accounts. After opening your account, you receive a SoFi debit Mastercard for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The easy-to-use mobile app keeps you in control of your money and offers bill pay, money transfers, and educational services.
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 over 200 branches in Michigan.
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
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 level up your account in 6 months, if 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 as if you had access to a fully-functioning regular banking account.
Varo Bank is another internet-only bank with services based on their mobile apps for Apple and Android devices. Varo doesn’t charge fees at 55,000+ Allpoint ATMs and offers strong budgeting tools and automatic savings programs.When you open an account at Varo you can do so with no initial deposit. Plus, there are never any monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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Washington Savings Bank gives you the opportunity to start fresh with their Online Rewards Checking. We understand that you need an account with easy accessibility and plenty of options. Washington Savings Bank provides all the perks you need to rebuild your banking relationship.With relaxed CheckSystems requirements, you’ll find it is easy to open an Online Rewards account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $10 and an online application. There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $14.95 monthly fee. After a year of good standing, you can convert your account to a free checking plan.
With Online Reward Checking, you have access to:
- A free Mastercard EMV debit card
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free budgeting tools
- Free mobile banking
- Mobile deposit after 3 months of direct deposits
- Free eStatements
Wells Fargo 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? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.