If you recently applied for a checking account and were denied because of a negative banking history, you’re not alone. Approximately 85% of banks in Nebraska use a company called ChexSystems when you apply for a new checking account. If you have experienced several overdraft checks from another bank or have been unable to pay overdraft fees, ChexSystems will flag that behavior making it next to impossible to find a bank willing to work with you.
Granted, ChexSystems is the safety net for bank institutions to weed out people who have committed fraud or identity theft, but if you get caught in the net it can be crippling. And most of us absolutely require the use of a bank checking account to manage our money, pay bills, and receive direct deposits from an employer or government agency.
Fortunately, some banks and credit unions offer so-called No ChexSystems Checking Accounts and/or Second Chance Checking Accounts to help people rebuild their credit and financial histories. Our job at checkingexpert.com is to find those institutions in Nebraska that can assist you.
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Nebraska
Chime is a fast-growing internet-only financial company. Unlike big banks, Chime was created during the smartphone era and, therefore, features an app that is more than just a way for customers to review their bank accounts.And, best of all, Chime accepts all customers who apply. Even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or credit bureaus. This makes Chime a solid choice for a second chance bank account.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- NO monthly Service Charge
- NO monthly minimums
- NO credit check; Bad credit OK
- NO ChexSystems or Telecheck; guaranteed approval
- FREE online banking and mobile banking/deposits
- FREE mobile and online bill pay
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs at convenient locations like Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS and more
- SAVINGS: You can round up every purchase to the nearest dollar and automatically deposit that difference into your savings account.
Chime Lets You Get A Jump On Payday
You can receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than at a traditional bank if you set up direct deposit — Chime processes your employer’s check immediately instead of waiting like other banks may.
Chime is one of the most friendly for those who have been negatively impacted by bad credit, ChexSystems, or Telecheck.
Your Chime Visa Debit Card charges NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs found at these retailers and many more:
Get a Chime Account Today!
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
The SoFi Money Cash Management Account is offered by SoFi Securities LLC, a FINRA registered broker dealer. It’s a checking account on steroids and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems to approve accounts.You get a debit MasterCard and a very slick smartphone app. You can make deposits, write checks, utilize electronic bill pay, and transfer money. There are no monthly fees or overdraft fees. Plus, you earn interest on all the money in the account! The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds.
There is no minimum balance requirement and the initial deposit is only $10. Plus, when you make that initial deposit SoFi Money will credit your account $25 as sign up bonus immediately deposited into your new account! Available in all 50 states.
- No account fees
- Unlimited reimbursed ATM fees
- Access to SoFi member benefits like career coaching and financial advising
- Automated bill pay
- Freeze debit card on-the-go
SoFi Money has been great! The account was easy to open and I got my debit card a few days later. The smartphone app is easy to use and I can check everything from my computer, too. The chip technology on the card gives me peace of mind. With no fees and all sorts of benefits, SoFi Money offers more than I imagined!
Gena M., SoFi Money Customer
At Adams County Bank they only require you to present a valid form of ID when you apply for a checking account. Regardless of what’s been reported to ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit agency, you should be able to get an account.We like their e-Checking account because it is affordable and includes all of the necessities. The account includes access to online banking with bill pay and requires you to enroll in monthly eStatements. The monthly fee is a low $3 plus an additional $0.10 per transaction if you use your card more than 30 times a month. You can waive these fees if your balance is over $500.
To get started, visit their website or one of their two branches located in Kenesaw and Juniata!
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Bank of Doniphan pulls a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries on your report, you should be able to open an account.We recommend their Simply Free Checking account if you want a wide array of benefits while keeping costs down. There is a $50 required opening deposit as well as a moderate $8 monthly service fee if your balance falls below $300. There is no required minimum balance and access to 24/7 online banking.
To open an account, you will need to contact one of their three branches. Visit one of their convenient locations in Doniphan, Hastings, and Grand Island!
Bank of the West does use ChexSystems to screen new applications, but for people with negative entries on their ChexSystems report Bank of the West offers a second chance checking account.It’s called Fresh Start Checking and to be eligible for this account your entry must be older than one year and cannot indicate any fraudulent activity. The monthly fee is $10, but this fee can be waived in a few different ways. You can waive the fee if you do any of the following:
- Have an account balance greater than $1,000
- Have $250 or more directly deposited each month
- Use your debit card at least 10 times or more each month
Bank of the West has over 30 locations in Nebraska. You can find them in Valentine, Chadron, Bridgeport, Omaha, La Vista, Bellevue, Lincoln, and many other cities across the state.
If you’re looking to avoid banks that use ChexSystems, look no further than Bruning State Bank. They will refer to a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. As long as your credit has remained somewhat healthy, you should be approved for an account!Their Free Checking account comes with all of the basics and no monthly service fees if you keep your account active. If your account becomes dormant and you have a balance of less than $100, a $5 monthly fee will be charged. Free Checking includes a free Visa debit card, access to online banking, and unlimited check writing privileges.
All that is required to get started is a $50 initial deposit into the account. Bruning State Bank has several branches in Nebraska including the cities of Bruning, Hebron, Broken Bow, Holdrege, and Kearney.
Butte State Bank is another prime example of a non-ChexSystems bank. Instead, they refer to your credit report when you apply for an account. They offer a few different types of checking accounts and we’d recommend the Primary Checking option.Primary Checking has no monthly fee if you keep a daily balance of $500 or more. You can also write 20 checks per month for free. The account also provides you with a MasterCard debit card and an app called CardValet that can help you keep a close eye on your account.
To open an account, you will need to stop by one of their convenient branches. They can be found in Butte and Spencer.
Central National Bank understands that life has its challenges and everyone deserves a second chance. Their New Opportunity Checking provides an account that is affordable and will assist you in improving your financial standing.This account comes with access to online and mobile banking, free eStatements, and unlimited check writing. It’s also important to note that there is a $7.99 monthly service fee if you enroll in direct deposit, as well as a $30 minimum deposit when you open the account. They also provide a financial tool called MoneyCentral to help you track your purchases and set saving goals.
You can find Central National Bank locations in eastern Nebraska. To apply for an account, visit their website or one of their branches located in Omaha and Superior.
Citizens Bank and Trust does not use ChexSystems when you apply for an account. Instead, they only require you to provide two forms of ID. They have a simple, hassle-free account called Citizens Free Checking that is perfect for day-to-day spending.To open the account, an initial deposit of $50 is required. From there, you will not need to worry about any minimum balance requirements or monthly service charges. If you use direct deposit, we recommend their Citizens Direct Checking account. It has the same features as Citizens Free Checking and it allows you to earn interest when you enroll in direct deposit!
Citizens Bank and Trust has several branches in Nebraska. They can be found in Central City, Loup City, and St. Paul. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems history, Farmers State Bank utilizes Telecheck when screening new applicants. If you prefer an account that is simple, easy to use, and affordable, look no further than their Check Point Free Checking account.A simple, no-frills account can be a great way to manage your money while avoiding unnecessary fees. Check Point Free Checking requires a $100 initial deposit but does not have any monthly service fees or balance requirements. You will even get your first box of checks for free! The account also includes digital banking services and optional fraud protection.
We like this account because you are able to apply for it directly through their website! If you prefer to apply in person, they have several branches in cities including Dodge, Bridgeport, Alliance, Chadron, Spencer, Atkinson, and Carroll.
If you’ve struggled in the past with a ChexSystems bank, First Nebraska Bank may be a viable option for you. They look at your credit score to determine your eligibility for an account. It’s important to note that your credit score will need to be at least 600 to qualify.If this fits your situation, we recommend one of their Simple Checking accounts. There is a monthly service fee of only $3 that can easily be waived by enrolling in eStatements. All accounts at First Nebraska Bank include online banking access, online bill pay, and a free Visa debit card.
You can open an account online or visit one of their branches to apply in person. They have locations across Nebraska in Arcadia, Norfolk, Stanton, Columbus, Brainard, Bennet, Emerson, Decatur, Valley, Elkhorn, Weeping Water, and Nebraska City.
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
Heritage Bank is another non-ChexSystems bank that pulls a credit report instead. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries on your report, there’s a good chance you will be approved for an account.We like their Cash Back Banking account because you’re rewarded for using your debit card for everyday purchases. There is a $6 monthly service fee, but every time you use your debit card you will receive a $0.25 credit that goes back into your account. If you use your debit card 24 times throughout the month your service fee will be eliminated.
To get started, there is a required $100 opening deposit. You can apply on their website for an account or visit one of their many branches located in Aurora, Broken Bow, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney, Loup City, Neligh, Orleans, Red Cloud, St. Paul, Stromsburg, and Wood River.
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.
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
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Trius Federal Credit Union relies on a credit report to determine your eligibility. We recommend their Simple Checking account because it is incredibly affordable and offers features that actively help you manage your account.Simple Checking does not require an opening deposit and will not charge you any monthly service fees if you request eStatements instead of paper statements. It is truly a free account! In addition to a free Visa debit card and online banking access, there are overdraft protection services available to help you keep your account in good standing.
Trius FCU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Buffalo, Dawson, Hall, Kearney, or Phelps Counties. You will need to deposit $5 into a savings account to establish your membership. Visit their website or one of their branches in Kearney or Lexington to apply!
If you don’t need to write physical checks, we recommend US Bank’s Safe Debit Account. Think of it as a checking account without checks. The Safe Debit Account gives you easy access to your money with a free US Bank Visa debit card and online banking. The free mobile app allows you to track your spending, receive low balance alerts and send money securely to your family and friends. If you do happen to overdraw your account, you won’t be charged a fee.US Bank is a national bank that wants you to grow financially. While you build a positive banking relationship with your Safe Debit Account, you have free access to the TransUnion CreditView Dashboard. This feature allows you to view your credit score and learn how to build and maintain positive credit. There is a low monthly maintenance fee of $4.95.
There’s a good chance that you will find a US Bank branch near you. They have locations across the entire state including cities such as Blair, Columbus, Elkhorn, Hastings, and many others.
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.
Washington Savings Bank gives you the opportunity to start fresh with their Online Rewards Checking. We understand that you need an account with easy accessibility and plenty of options. Washington Savings Bank provides all the perks you need to rebuild your banking relationship.With relaxed CheckSystems requirements, you’ll find it is easy to open an Online Rewards account. All you need is a minimum deposit of $10 and an online application. There is no minimum balance requirement, but there is a $14.95 monthly fee. After a year of good standing, you can convert your account to a free checking plan.
With Online Reward Checking, you have access to:
- A free Mastercard EMV debit card
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free budgeting tools
- Free mobile banking
- Mobile deposit after 3 months of direct deposits
- Free eStatements
Wells Fargo recently changed the Opportunity Checking account to Clear Access Banking. And we like one change, in particular. Wells Fargo has done away with overdraft and non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees. Clear Access Banking is a debit card-only account (no paper checks available) and if you attempt to purchase something without sufficient funds, the transaction will be denied. That’s a lot better than having the transaction approved and then discovering you’ve been hit with a $35 overdraft fee.There is a $5 monthly fee, but that is be waived for account holders 24 years old and younger. This account is available to residents in all 50 states.
- The largest number of branches in the U.S.
- Minimum deposit of $25 to open an account
- Online bill pay and smartphone app
- Mobile check deposit
- Includes a Visa debit card
- Send and receive money through Zelle
- Additional features include account alerts, 24/7 fraud monitoring, and zero liability protection for your debit card
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Nebraska? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.