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 bank accounts 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!
Second Chance Banking in Mississippi for October 2023
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Chime® is one of our favorites for a second chance banking account. 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.
Chime at a Glance
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO initial deposit required
- NO minimum balance required
- NO monthly or annual fees
- NO NSF/overdraft fees1
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs2
- NO fees for mobile and online bill pay
- FREE cash deposits at 8,500+ Walgreens
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit3
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Current offers an innovative account to consumers who want it all without the costs and hassles.
The Current Build account works just like a checking account but also helps you build credit every time you use the card. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates.
Current at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO minimum balance
- NO deposit required to open an account
- 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% APY on your balance up to $6,000 with direct deposit; earn 0.25% APY without
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly for free
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Most people know Chase and with over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be a good fit for a second chance bank account.
Chase Secure Banking at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE access to over 15,000 Chase ATMs
- FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking AND savings account and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report 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. You don’t need to make an opening deposit to get an account and SoFi never charges monthly maintenance fees. You’ll have access to a large and fee-free ATM network along with a generous cashback program.
Using the SoFi direct deposit option unlocks additional benefits. First, if you overspend a bit, SoFi will cover up to $50 with no overdraft fees. Second, you’ll receive a much higher interest amount of 4.50% APY on savings account balances and .50% APY on checking account balances.
If you decide not to utilize direct deposit, you’ll receive 1.20% APY on savings balances. And finally, when you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to $275 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit).
The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds. With over 5.5 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!
SoFi 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 seems to be the perfect bank.
Claire M., SoFi Customer
Get a SoFi Account Now!
Want to earn cash back on Walmart purchases – up to $75 each year? Then you might love the Walmart MoneyCard. It’s a debit card that has some strong features such as cashback on Walmart purchases, overdraft protection, interest on your savings, and a mobile app that lets you track your purchases and deposit funds into your account.
Walmart Moneycard at a Glance
- Easy approval: no ChexSystems or credit check
- No initial deposit is required and there are no monthly minimums
- Deposit cash for free at any Walmart store and it shows up 10 minutes later
- Deposit checks using the Walmart MoneyCard smartphone app
- Easily request multiple cards for family use1
- Manage your account from your computer or the smartphone app
- 3% cashback on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cashback for Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back for use in-store2
- Earn 2.00% APY on money you set aside in a free savings account3
- With qualifying direct deposits4, you can opt-in and enjoy overdraft protection of up to $200 on eligible purchases5
- No monthly fee when you direct deposit $500+ in the previous monthly period. Otherwise, there’s a $5.94 monthly fee.6
The Walmart MoneyCard is available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Open an account today!
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!
Lili at a Glance
- 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
- NO fees for incoming wire transfers
- 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. All others (Sole Proprietor, Single-Member LLC, Multi-Member LLC, General Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or S Corp) can take a couple of days to get approved. You can fund your account using a mobile check deposit, direct deposit, ACH transfer, or by linking your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account.
Open a Lili account now!
It’s a tall order to “Make People Happy” when it comes to banking, but that’s the stated mission behind mph.bank.
Powered by Liberty Savings Bank (established in 1889!), the mph.bank Fresh account does use ChexSystems, but as long as you don’t have more than 3 charge-offs totaling $1,000 or reports of fraud approval rates are very high. Fees for the account include a $9 monthly service fee and a $10 overdraft fee.
mph.bank Fresh Account at a Glance
- $0 initial deposit to open account
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Access your account with your phone or computer
- When coupled with a free savings account, earn up to 5.00% APY
- Optional ability to round up charges and stash the cash into savings
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
Acorns 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 access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs
- NO minimum balance or overdraft fees
- NO credit check
- $3 monthly fee
- FDIC insured
Acorns was built to give everyone the tools to manage their finances which makes it one of our top picks.
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Ally Bank has been one of the most highly rated online banks for the past several years. It’s not because they have the most features, but because they consistently make their customers delighted with the features the bank offers.
For starters, there’s no minimum opening deposit required. Ally doesn’t charge any monthly maintenance fee and there is no overdraft fee (more on that below). You’ll have access to 43,000+ ATMs and Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle if you get charged for using another institution’s machine.
You’ll become eligible for Ally’s overdraft program called CoverDraft 30 days after depositing a total of $100. Ally will activate CoverDraft automatically and send you an email when they do. You can turn CoverDraft off at any time, as long as your account balance isn’t negative. Otherwise, Ally will decline the transaction without payment. In either case, you won’t be charged an overdraft fee.
We like that you can use Zelle to send and receive money, get paid up to 2 days sooner with early direct deposit, and deposit checks remotely with Ally eCheck Deposit. We also like that Ally has high approval rates as long as you don’t have a ChexSystems or EWS fraud alert in your past.
To get the bonus, use code GET200 by Nov. 30, 2023. Make sure to fund your account within 30 days of opening it and set up one or more direct deposits totaling $1,500 within 90 days. Ally will send your bonus within 30 days of your account receiving $1,500 in qualified direct deposits.
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.
My Way 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!
The Capital One 360 Checking Account uses a proprietary approval process that does not include ChexSystems and might be a solid option for those who have had past financial challenges.
Available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Capital One acts more like an online bank than one with over 400 branches in a few states. Its highly-rated smartphone app gives customers full control of their account and you can access everything from a computer, too.
Capital One 360 Checking at a Glance
- No opening deposit is required
- No monthly or annual fees
- No minimum balance and no overdraft fees
- Add cash to your account at CVS® locations.
- No-fee access to over 70,000 ATMs nationwide
- No foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad
- Deposit checks and pay bills with the smartphone app
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Early direct deposit feature
- Monitor your credit score with Capital One’s CreditWise feature
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
The Citi® Access Checking account is a solid option if you’ve been blacklisted by ChexSystems or Early Warning Systems. As long as you haven’t been flagged for fraudulent behavior and don’t owe Citibank an outstanding amount, approval rates for this account are good.
There are no monthly service fees for the first 3 months after opening the account. The $5 monthly service fee can easily be waived after that time by depositing at least $250 per month.
We also like that there are no overdraft or returned item fees because if you don’t have enough money in your account, the item will be returned.
Citibank Access Checking at a Glance
- 65,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Send money to almost anyone with a U.S.-based bank account through Zelle®
- No overdraft or NSF fees
- $5 monthly fee can be waived with $250 in qualified direct deposits
- $0 liability for unauthorized charges
- Available in all 50 states and Washington DC
- No minimum opening deposit
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!
Like David slaying Goliath, Dave is taking on big banks and their predatory ways. The Dave checking account is a mobile-centric bank account that doesn’t use ChexSystems or your credit score for account approval.
The only fee Dave charges for the account is a $1 monthly maintenance fee. There are no monthly minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fees, and no fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass® ATMs in 7-Eleven and other spots near you. There’s no opening deposit requirement to get your Dave account either.
If you opt for direct deposit and get paid on a regular basis, Dave will spot you up to $250 if your balance isn’t enough to cover an incoming charge. That feature won’t cost you any fees or interest charges.
Just like a savings account, you can set aside money in “Dave Goals” for any special purpose such as a vacation or car purchase. While you work toward your savings goal, Dave will pay 4.00% APY on your money.
Finally, Dave has partnered with a number of businesses around the country to help accountholders find side gigs. This is a unique feature we’ve not seen with any other checking account. You can find work when you need it, right from the Dave app. Between instant-pay surveys and easy-apply side hustles, there are thousands of ways to get paid.
We like the robust Dave smartphone app. Customers like the app, too. Dave is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store and 4.4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.
No. Fees. Period. That’s how Discover Bank promotes its Cashback Debit Checking Account. And, after conducting our research, we can say that’s mostly true. In fact, the only fees you’ll ever incur are for outgoing wire transfers and service charge fees if you use a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in their no-fee network.
As long as there are no past incidences of fraud on your ChexSystems report, Discover might be a great account for you. The only negative? There is no way to deposit cash directly into the account.
Discover Bank® Cashback Debit Checking Account at a Glance
- 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
- Access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs; $510 cash withdrawal limit per day
- Fee-free opt-in overdraft protection transfer service
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- No monthly fee (no balance or activity requirements)
- No fee for insufficient funds
- Mobile check deposits
- No deposit to open
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 secured credit card, which has no annual fee and no 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 4.50% on all money in the savings 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.
Liberty Federal Credit Union’s Opportunity Checking account offers you a second chance to prove you can manage a checking account. We like this account because you’re able to upgrade to a fee-free checking account after 12 consecutive months of good standing.
With Opportunity Checking you will receive an ATM or debit card depending on what you qualify for. You can make up to 10 free ATM withdrawals a month, plus, Liberty Federal will never charge you additional fees for using another bank’s ATM. You can also link your account with direct deposit, online banking, overdraft protection, and bill pay.
There’s a $7.50 service fee for this account and no minimum balance requirement. To learn more about this account, visit their website or visit their Mississippi branch located in Ridgeland.
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 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 40,000 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.
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.
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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 Simple Checking if you’re looking for a straightforward account with no strings attached.
One of the convenient features of Simple 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.
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.
The First Bank offers an entire program developed to assist customers who need a myriad of financial tools to help them better their finances. TheFirst Step Checking account is a great place to start if you’re looking for a low maintenance account that comes with most of the perks of a traditional checking account.
A small $15 deposit is required to open TheFirst Step Checking account and there is no minimum balance required to keep the account open. We like this account because the monthly maintenance fee is only $3! You also get a debit or ATM card, but there are no paper checks are allowed.
After six months of opening the account, you can request a review to determine if you qualify for an account upgrade. Through this program at The First Bank, you can also gain access to loan services that have fewer requirements compared to other loans out there. To open an account, visit one of their branches in Brandon, Madison, Petal, Hattiesburg, and many other cities across the state.
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.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. 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.
3Early 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.
4Customers are limited to three $1,000 cash deposits at Walgreens each day and $10,000 each month.
5Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. Once you are approved for a Chime Checking Account, see your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Anyone Transfers details. Please see the back of your Chime debit card for your issuing bank. See Terms and Conditions.
6The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of May 22, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
7Early 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.
1Family Accounts: Activated, personalized card required. Other fees apply to the additional account. Family members age 13 years and over are eligible. Limit 4 cards per account. See Deposit Account Agreement for details.
2Cash back, up to $75 per year, is credited to card balance at end of reward year and is subject to successful activation and other eligibility requirements. Redeem rewards using our website or app. You will earn cash back of three percent (3%) on qualifying purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app using your card or your card number, two percent (2%) at Walmart fuel stations, and one percent (1%) on qualifying purchases at Walmart stores in the United States (less returns and credits) posted to your Card during each reward year. Grocery delivery and pickup purchases made on Walmart.com or the Walmart app earn 1%. For the purposes of cash back rewards, a “reward year” is twelve (12) monthly periods in which you have paid your monthly fee or had it waived. See account agreement for details.
3Interest is paid annually on each enrollment anniversary based on the average daily balance of the prior 365 days, up to a maximum average daily balance of $1,000, if the account is in good standing and has a positive balance. 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield may change at any time before or after account is opened. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of 3/1/2022.
4Direct Deposit: Early availability of direct deposit depends on timing of payroll’s payment instructions and fraud prevention restrictions may apply. As such, the availability or timing of early direct deposit may vary from pay period to pay period. Make sure the name and social security number on file with your employer or benefits provider matches what’s on your Walmart MoneyCard account exactly. We will not be able to deposit your payment if we are unable to match recipients.
5Opt-in required. $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid the fee. We require immediate payment of each overdraft and overdraft fee. Overdrafts paid at our discretion, and we do not guarantee that we will authorize and pay any transaction. Learn more about overdraft protection.
6No monthly fee with qualifying direct deposit, otherwise $5.94 a month. Waived when $500+ is loaded in the previous monthly period. First monthly fee occurs upon first use, the day after card activation or 90 days after card purchase, whichever is earlier.
