If you’ve had trouble getting a checking account due to a negative ChexSystems report or bad credit, not all hope is lost. When it comes to finding the best second chance banks and credit unions in Mississippi, our team here at CheckingExpert.com is here to help. It’s our mission to assist you in finding banks and credit unions that offer second chance banking services, so you can re-establish a good banking history.
In Mississippi, 12.8% of all households are “unbanked”, meaning no one in the household has a checking or savings account. That’s over 130,000 households in the state alone! With that being said, approximately 85% of banks in the country use a consumer reporting agency called ChexSystems to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account or not.
If you’ve been reported to ChexSystems, it will be next to impossible to get a traditional checking account at the majority of banks and credit unions out there.
Luckily, there are many banking institutions out there that don’t use ChexSystems or offer second chance banking services to those in need. These banks and credit unions understand that mistakes happen and everyone deserves access to a reliable checking account. They’re willing to give their customers a second chance to improve their financial situations.
If you’re ready to start fresh and open a checking account, here are some of the best financial institutions in Mississippi that are more than willing to work with you!
List of Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Mississippi for October 2022
Open an account today!
Chime® is a fast-growing internet-only financial company and our top choice for a second chance bank account.
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 1.50% 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.
Current is another web-only national bank that has some really great features… and has become one of the fastest-growing checking accounts for consumers who want it all without all the costs and hassles.
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.
For many people, having access to a local bank branch is paramount when setting up a checking account. With over 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be the perfect fit.
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. You should also know that using non-Chase ATMs can cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction.
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.
Get a Chase Secure Banking account today!
Acorns doesn’t use ChexSystems or a credit report to approve accounts and offers some strong benefits.
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 you get both a checking and savings account. 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 or 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.
If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.
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Aspiration is a socially and environmentally conscious company that can help you make more sustainable choices — while making the most of your money. Their Spend & Save account combines both checking and savings and opening an account takes just a couple of minutes.
Here’s a few of the account features:
- NO minimum balance
- NO fees for paper checks
- NO overdraft or NSF fees
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO fees at over 55,000 ATMs in the U.S.
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit
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. That’s a load of benefits!
This is the only banking product we’ve reviewed that offers the opportunity for members to spend and save with an environmentally friendly purpose.
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BancorpSouth has one of the best options if you want to get back on your feet fast. They offer a Budget Smart Checking account that rewards good financial behavior. With a Budget Smart Checking account, you can enjoy the ease of access to your funds with a debit card and free access to online budgeting tools to help you out.With this account, you’ll also be eligible to level up to a regular checking account in as little as 12 months as long as no more blemishes pop up. This account costs only $5 monthly and requires a $25 deposit to open the account.
With plenty of locations, it will be easy to find a branch when needed. BancorpSouth has dozens of locations in Mississippi in cities such as Forest, Flowood, Ridgeland, Starkville, and many others.
If you’ve been turned down by other banks, we recommend Pathway Checking from Bank OZK. Many accounts limit your access to features, but this second chance checking option gives you all the benefits of a traditional checking account.There is a minimum opening balance of $50 and a $10 monthly service fee. However, there is no minimum balance requirement. Pathway Checking includes:
- Free debit card
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free telephone banking
- Free online bill pay
- eStatements
- Unlimited check writing
Bank OZK has one branch location in Mississippi in Brookhaven. Visit their website or stop by their branch to get started!
BankPlus is here to help those who need financial help. If you’re in a situation where you’re unable to get a traditional checking account and want to rebuild your credit, they offer a product called CreditPlus.In addition to a CreditPlus Checking account, you can use the product to help you get out of a Payday Lending cycle. They offer small, low-interest loans that are provided as an alternative to expensive Payday Lenders and Check Cashing services. To get started with any part of this program, you will need to complete a financial literacy course.
To open a CreditPlus Checking account, you will need $100 as an opening deposit. With dozens of locations across Mississippi, it is definitely worth looking into if you’re looking for a helping hand with your finances. Their locations include Byram, Cleveland, Durant, Jackson, and many other cities.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Cadence Bank will look at your credit report to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. It’s important to note that they require a credit score of at least 675 at the time of account opening.Blue Checking is their most basic account that comes with a bunch of additional services for a low cost. There is a $50 minimum opening deposit as well as a low $8 monthly service fee that can be waived if you keep an average balance of $250 or more. We like this account because it comes with unique benefits like cell phone protection, buyers protection, and ID theft aid.
Cadence Bank has over 10 branches located in Mississippi. Visit one of their convenient branches in Aberdeen, Armory, Columbus, Philadelphia, Starkville, or West Point to get started!
Citizens National Bank offers a second chance to those who have been turned away in the past with their Clean Slate Checking account. The account is designed to help you regain your financial strength and ultimately upgrade to a traditional checking account after 18 months of good standing.Clean Slate Checking includes all of the necessities like online banking access, free eStatements, and a CNB debit card for all of your day-to-day expenses. If you enroll in direct deposit, you can reduce the monthly service fee down to $7.95. It’s also important to note that there is a required opening deposit of at least $50.
You can find Citizens National Bank locations throughout Mississippi in cities including Carthage, Hattiesburg, Quitman, Macon, and many others. Contact a branch nearest you to get started!
If you’ve had problems in the past with ChexSystems banks, First Bank may be a viable option for you. They use Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. Out of their several different account options, we recommend the Simple Checking account.Simple Checking comes with all of the necessities while remaining easy and affordable. For a low monthly service fee of $6, you can enjoy online banking access, mobile check deposits, and a free MasterCard debit card with card freeze services. The monthly service fee can be waived entirely if your balance stays above $500.
First Bank is entirely Mississippi-based and has locations across the state. You can find them in Brookhaven, Hattiesburg, Liberty, Madison, Magnolia, McComb, Monticello, Osyka, and Summit.
First National Bank of Picayune is another example of an option that uses Telecheck when screening new applicants. If your main issue is with ChexSystems but you haven’t been reported to Telecheck, this may be an excellent option for you.We recommend their Choice Checking if you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss option for managing your money. All that is required to open the account is a deposit of at least $50. We like that you can waive the $6 monthly service fee just by keeping at least $50 in your account. The account also offers unlimited check writing.
First National Bank of Picayune has six branches for all of your in-person banking needs. You can find four of them in Picayune, one in Poplarville, and one in Wiggins. Contact the branch nearest you to open an account!
Fort Sill National Bank is an excellent choice for those looking for second chance checking. Their Basic Checking account does not require a credit check. We like that you aren’t required to enroll in direct deposit or pay high service fees. If your account balance is over $75, your monthly service fee of $6 is waived. If your account balance is over $500, you begin to earn interest.All you need is $5 to open an account at one of their branches in Byram, Canton, Flowood, Jackson, Madison, or Pearl. The Basic Checking account comes with:
- A free Visa CheckCard
- Unlimited check writing
- Surcharge-free ATM withdrawals at FSNB locations
- Access to the Savings Round Up program
- Online, mobile, and text checking options
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
Gulf Coast Community FCU offers a second chance to those who have a negative history with ChexSystems, regardless of how recent the incident occurred. They offer their New Chance Checking account to those with a ChexSystems record that is less than a year old. As long as all balances are paid, you will qualify for this account.New Chance Checking includes unlimited check writing, free online banking access, and a free Visa debit card. While there is a moderate monthly service fee of $15, you won’t have to worry about minimum balance requirements. The account also provides you with financial counseling to help you stay on track.
After 12 months of good standing, you will be able to upgrade to a traditional checking account at Gulf Coast Community FCU. You are eligible to join if you live, work, worship, or attend school in Harrison or Hancock Counties. Visit them in Gulfport, Bay St. Louis, or D’Iberville to get started!
Home Bank utilizes Telecheck in lieu of ChexSystems when you apply for a checking account. We recommend Choice Checking because it’s a low-cost account that is packed with noteworthy account features.Choice Checking comes with all of the necessities like access to online banking with bill pay, free eStatements, a Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. All that is required is a $100 opening deposit. There is an $8 monthly service fee that can be waived by meeting one of the following transaction types each statement cycle:
- Write 5 checks
- Utilize bill pay 5 times
- Use your debit card for 5 point-of-sale transactions (excluding ATM transactions)
- OR if the primary account holder is 24 years and younger
You can apply for Choice Checking online or visit one of Home Bank’s branch locations. You can find them in Vicksburg and Natchez.
Hope Credit Union is looking out for those who need a second chance. If your credit is low or you’ve had issues with ChexSystems in the past, their Easy Checking may be a great option for you.You’ll need to keep a $25 minimum balance, but the $9.95 monthly fee can be waived with a $200 minimum balance. Plus, there is an opening deposit of $25 that is required. On the upside, you’ll get a free debit card and free eStatements along with online banking, bill pay, mobile/smartphone app, free telephone customer service, and free direct deposit.
Hope Credit Union has 12 locations in Mississippi. You can find them in cities including Biloxi, Drew, Greenville, Jackson, and several others.
Lili was custom made for freelancers and independent contractors who are operating as sole proprietors and single member LLCs and we really like their offering. Lili aims to approve most accounts within 2-3 days, but some accounts are approved in 2-3 hours.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
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.
If you want a second chance with banking after having difficulties managing a checking account in the past, look no further than MUNA Federal Credit Union. Their Fresh Start Checking account is designed to help you improve your financial standing.Fresh Start Checking is a bare-bones account that includes the necessities. It includes a Visa debit card and access to online banking. The monthly fee is a moderate $10.50 and cannot be waived. While MUNA FCU does not have a huge internet presence, they do offer a simple product that can help you get back on track.
You can become a member of this credit union if you live, work, or worship in Lauderdale County. Visit their branch in Meridian to join and apply for a checking account.
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
NorthOne is a fast-growing company built specifically around business banking solutions for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. In addition to dramatically streamlining the application process, NorthOne doesn’t check your credit and doesn’t use ChexSystems. Here’s a recap:
- 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.
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.
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
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.
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If you have had issues with ChexSystems in the past but your credit has remained somewhat healthy, PriorityOne Bank may be a good option for you. They utilize a credit report to determine if you are eligible for an account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, you should be good to go.We recommend Keep It Simple Checking if you want an easy account that doesn’t charge unnecessary fees. The account has a low $7 monthly service charge that can be waived if you maintain a daily balance of $100 or more. The account requires $50 to open and you will even receive up to $25 if you bring in your unused checks and debit cards from previous banks.
We like this account because you can apply for it online. You can find PriorityOne Bank locations across the state in cities including Collins, Seminary, Hattiesburg, Brandon, and several others.
Opening a Fresh Start Checking account with Red River Credit Union can be a great step towards better financial wellness; even if you have a ChexSystems record. This account has most of the benefits of a standard checking account for a reasonable price.Benefits include a free Visa debit card with purchase alerts, access to online banking, and a reasonable maintenance fee of $10 a month. This account also offers money management tools that can help you stay on track with your finances.
To become a member of RRCU, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Quitman, Panola, Tallahatchie, Coahoma, or Bolivar Counties. You can also join if you have a relative who is already a member. To see if you’re eligible, visit their website or contact one of their branches in Batesville and Clarksdale!
Even if you have a negative ChexSystem history, Renasant Bank offers you conventional checking options. As long as you don’t have an account in bad standing with Renasant, you can choose from several checking accounts. We recommend Renasant Checking if you’re looking for a straightforward account with no strings attached.One of the convenient features of Renasant Checking is the ability to use Renasant’s Mobile Wallet with Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay options. If you opt to receive eStatements instead of traditional paper statements, your monthly fee of $10 is waived. Renasant Bank checking accounts come with:
- Online banking with online bill pay
- Mobile banking app access
- Renasant Debit Mastercard
- Unlimited check writing
Renasant Bank branch locations can be found throughout the state of Georgia in cities like Madison, Ridgeland, Kosciusko, Louisville, and many others.
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking and savings 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. 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 up to $300 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit) 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 overdraft fees
- 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.
Kevin M., SoFi Money Customer
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Southern Bancorp offers a smart way to manage your money with their Opportunity Card checking option. This bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, so even if you have a record there’s still a good chance you’ll be able to get an account.The Opportunity Card requires no minimum opening deposit and has a low monthly service fee of $5. We like this account because it doesn’t charge any NSF (non-sufficient funds) or overdraft fees. They also offer a few simple features like bill pay, check cashing, and online banking.
Southern Bancorp has branch locations spread across Mississippi in cities such as Carriere, Hernando, Indianola, Mound Bayou, Shelby, and many others.
Right Start Checking, provided by UNIFY Financial Credit Union, is a go-to option for people who have been denied membership of a traditional account due to a negative history with ChexSystems. Opening a Right Start Checking account, with an initial deposit of $25, will allow you to write as many checks as you need and overdraft protection up to $250.This account has no monthly fees associated and allows for eBanking from any device, meaning you’ll have access to your funds anywhere in the world that you have service. Building a positive checking history has never been easier with this second chance bank account.
Although UNIFY FCU only has one Mississippi branch located in Blue Springs, they are in-network with dozens of co-op shared branches where you’re able to make payments, transfers, check deposits, ect. These branches can be found in Tupelo, Oxford, Starkville, Magee, and many other cities.
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.Opening an account is easy and Varo doesn’t check your credit or use ChexSystems. Varo doesn’t even require an initial deposit to open an account, either. There are never any monthly maintenance fees, account balance minimums, overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Varo’s recent bank charter has them innovating more than ever. They have a very strong cashback program, a payroll advance option, and have started to offer their customers a secured credit card called Varo Believe.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
Wells Fargo recently changed the Opportunity Checking account to Clear Access Banking. And we like one change, in particular. Wells Fargo has done away with overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. Clear Access Banking is a debit card-only account (no paper checks available) and if you attempt to purchase something without sufficient funds, the transaction will be denied. That’s a lot better than having the transaction approved and then discovering you’ve been hit with a $35 overdraft fee.There is a $5 monthly fee, but that is be waived for account holders 24 years old and younger. This account is available to residents in all 50 states.
- The largest number of branches in the U.S.
- Minimum deposit of $25 to open an account
- Online bill pay and smartphone app
- Mobile check deposit
- Includes a Visa debit card
- Send and receive money through Zelle
- Additional features include account alerts, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and zero liability protection for your debit card
Woodforest National Bank’s Second Chance Checking is designed for those with previous banking account challenges. With a minimum initial deposit of only $25 and a $9 one-time account fee, you can begin to build a positive banking relationship.You can lower your monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. Woodforest offers:
- Online and mobile banking
- Woodforest Debit Card
- Overdraft solutions
- Additional financial services to meet your needs
All services are easily managed online or in-person at branches across the US. Woodforest National Bank has many locations in cities across Mississippi including Booneville, Corinth, Greenville, Meridian, and several others.
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Mississippi? 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 August 25, 2022. 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.