It can be discouraging to be denied a bank account, but there is a way to solve the problem. And the good news is that there are banks and credit unions in Nevada that offer second chance accounts. Even if you have bad credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems, you can get a new account.
What’s ChexSystems? If you’ve had unpaid fees or too many bounced checks, your bank history is flagged in the ChexSystems database. And the vast majority of banks and credit unions in Nevada use ChexSystems to screen new accounts. Unfortunately, that record remains in the database for up to 5 years.
We’ve done the work of finding banks and credit unions who offer second chance checking accounts. Most have branches in the state, some are online, and others don’t use ChexSystems at all.
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance checking accounts. We’ve selected the best accounts in Nevada based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. Best of all, you can open an account today!
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Nevada
The SoFi Money Cash Management Account is offered by SoFi Securities LLC, a FINRA registered broker dealer. It’s a checking account on steroids and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems to approve accounts.You get a debit MasterCard and a very slick smartphone app. You can make deposits, write checks, utilize electronic bill pay, and transfer money. There are no monthly fees or overdraft fees. Plus, you earn interest on all the money in the account! The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds.
There is no minimum balance requirement and the initial deposit is only $10. Plus, when you make that initial deposit SoFi Money will credit your account $25 as sign up bonus immediately deposited into your new account! Available in all 50 states.
- No account fees
- Unlimited reimbursed ATM fees
- Access to SoFi member benefits like career coaching and financial advising
- Automated bill pay
- Freeze debit card on-the-go
SoFi Money has been great! The account was easy to open and I got my debit card a few days later. The smartphone app is easy to use and I can check everything from my computer, too. The chip technology on the card gives me peace of mind. With no fees and all sorts of benefits, SoFi Money offers more than I imagined!
Gena M., SoFi Money Customer
Axos Bank, formerly called Bank of Internet USA, has been around for over 20 years and has created some of the best banking offerings we’ve reviewed. And our favorite is the Axos Bank Rewards Checking account. So what are the rewards? Check it out:- NO monthly minimum balance
- NO monthly maintenance fees
- NO overdraft or NSF fees
- UNLIMITED domestic ATM fee reimbursements
- Earn up to 1.25% APY
The Rewards Checking interest payment can be earned by jumping through a couple of hoops. If you have a direct deposit of $1,000 per month, you’ll earn one-third of the interest amount. If you use your Axos Visa Debit Card at least 10 times per month, you’ll earn another one-third of the interest amount. And, if you increase that number to 15 transactions per month, you’ll earn the final one-third of the interest amount. We like the fact that that the interest payment isn’t an all-or-nothing feature.
Axos has created a simple, but powerful smartphone app to manage your account. You can chat 24/7 with a financial assistant, get real-time account transactions and notifications, and freeze your account if your card is lost or stolen. Anything you need to do can be completed using their robust and user-friendly app.
Applying is easy. You’ll need your social security number, a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license, a valid U.S address, and you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. There is an initial deposit of $50 to set up the account.
Finally, as a member of FDIC, Axos offers the full protection offered by that institution.
Chime is a fast-growing internet-only financial company. Unlike big banks, Chime was created during the smartphone era and, therefore, features an app that is more than just a way for customers to review their bank accounts.And, best of all, Chime accepts all customers who apply. Even if you have bad or poor credit or have been blacklisted by ChexSystems or credit bureaus. This makes Chime a solid choice for a second chance bank account.
Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems.
Here are a few of the highlights:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- NO monthly Service Charge
- NO monthly minimums
- NO credit check; Bad credit OK
- NO ChexSystems or Telecheck; guaranteed approval
- FREE online banking and mobile banking/deposits
- FREE mobile and online bill pay
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs at convenient locations like Walgreens, 7-Eleven, CVS and more
- SAVINGS: You can round up every purchase to the nearest dollar and automatically deposit that difference into your savings account.
Chime Lets You Get A Jump On Payday
You can receive your paycheck up to two days earlier than at a traditional bank if you set up direct deposit — Chime processes your employer’s check immediately instead of waiting like other banks may.
Chime is one of the most friendly for those who have been negatively impacted by bad credit, ChexSystems, or Telecheck.
Your Chime Visa Debit Card charges NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs found at these retailers and many more:
Get a Chime Account Today!
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by, and debit card issued by, The Bancorp Bank or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC.
Rather than referring to your ChexSystems record, Armed Forces Bank will refer to a credit report and Certegy check services to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you only have issues with ChexSystems, there’s a good chance you will be approved.We like their Access Checking account because it provides all of the banking necessities while remaining affordable. The account comes with digital banking access, free eStatements, a free Visa debit card, and overdraft protection services. To waive the moderate $10 monthly service charge, you just need to enroll in direct deposit.
To get started, all you will need is $25 for an initial deposit. As the name may suggest, Armed Forces Bank offers accounts to anyone who is actively enrolled or retired from the U.S. Army. You can find their Nevada branch located at Nellis Air Force Base.
Although Bank of the West does look at your ChexSystems history, they offer you a second chance with their Fresh Start Checking account. If it has been one year since your incident with ChexSystems and you have no history of fraud, you shouldn’t have any problem qualifying for the account. Fresh Start Checking offers:- Unlimited check writing
- A Bank of the West debit card
- Unlimited Bank of the West ATM access
- Online banking with bill pay
- Mobile banking
- Free bankers-by-phone access
There is a moderate $12 monthly service fee for this account and you’re able to apply by visiting a Bank of the West branch location. There are 7 locations in Nevada in cities including Sparks, Reno, Carson City, Las Vegas, and Henderson.
City National Bank gives you a second chance at checking with a Safe Check Account. This account is designed to prevent costly non-sufficient funds fees. Checks and debit transactions are refused if there isn’t enough money in your account. If an overdraft accidentally occurs, you won’t be charged a fee.Low fees are an added bonus. There is a required opening deposit amount of $25. You aren’t required to maintain a minimum monthly balance. If you have direct deposits totaling $250 or more, your monthly maintenance fee is waived.
All City National Bank accounts feature:
- A City National Visa check card
- Free eStatements
- Free mobile banking
- Free online banking
- First five bill pay transactions for free
- Free telephone banking
- Access to more than 90 branches and ATMs
You can open a City National Bank online or in person. City National Bank has locations in Carson City, Las Vegas, Minden, and Reno.
Credit unions are often willing to help you rebuild your banking relationship. Clark County Credit Union offers their CheckAgain account for members with a less-than-perfect checking history. All you need to do is qualify for membership by working for or supporting certain non-profit organizations in Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson or Clark County.You must deposit $50 into savings and $50 into the Check Again account. There is also a $12 monthly service fee. After 12 months of positive checking balances, you are eligible for a traditional checking account.
CCCU accounts include:
- A CCCU debit card
- Online and mobile banking
- Monthly e-Statements
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.
GTE Financial’s Go Further Checking helps you move past your negative checking history. This second chance checking option is available to Nevada residents through an easy online application process.Designed to build your banking confidence, GTE Financial will automatically upgrade you to a standard checking account after 12 months of successful Go Further Checking. As an added bonus, your $4.95 monthly service fee is waived if you deposit more than $500 a month and make at least 15 transactions.
Go Further Checking includes:
- A free EMV-equipped debit card
- Online and mobile banking
- Free bill pay
- Go Points and Ampre rewards programs
- Popmoney service to transfer money to friends and family
Idaho Central Credit Union is another non-ChexSystems bank that uses a credit report when screening new applicants. As long as your credit report is still intact, there’s a good chance you will be able to get an account.Out of their three checking account options, we recommend the Free Checking account that won’t require any minimum balance or charge monthly service fees. In addition to a free Visa debit card and online banking access, this account comes with a helpful feature called CardControl. It allows you to set spending limits and protect your card from theft all from your mobile phone.
As the name suggests, Idaho Central CU is primarily Idaho-based but offers services to anyone who lives or works in Jackpot, Nevada. Their closest branch is located in Twin Falls, Idaho.
LendingClub Banking, formerly Radius Bank, has a second chance checking account called Essential Checking. It’s an FDIC-insured checking account designed to help you manage your money with powerful technology and limited fees. Available to residents in all 50 states.- Free MasterCard® debit card
- Free mobile banking with check deposit
- Free online banking with bill pay
- $10 minimum deposit to open account
- Monthly service charge of $9.00
- No minimum balance
- Ability to upgrade account after 12 months of responsible banking
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:
- ATM fee reimbursements
- Interest and dividend rate payments
- No minimum balance
- No monthly service fees with direct deposit
OnBudget Banking through Nevada State Bank is a simple solution to getting back on track. Although you can’t write checks or count on overdraft protection, you receive a solid account designed to keep you from hefty banking fees.All you need to open an OnBudget Banking account is a $50 opening deposit. The low monthly fee of $5 keeps your maintenance costs low. Online banking and e-statements help you avoid the $2.50 paper statement fee.
Some of our favorite OnBudget features include:
- A NSB debit card
- Easy mobile deposits
- Purchase alerts to your phone
- Pop money transfers to friends and family
You can apply online or at a Nevada State Bank location. They have several locations throughout the state in cities including Eureka, Tonopah, Carson City, Las Vegas, Reno, and many others.
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.
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.
UNIFY FCU has one branch in Nevada in Las Vegas. They are also 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 throughout the entire state.
US Bank offers you a new start with a Safe Debit Account. Not having check writing abilities is seen as a plus by US Bank. By only offering a debit card, the Safe Debit Account keeps you from accidentally overdrawing your account. If an overdraft does happen, US Bank will not charge you a fee. Your only fee is a $4.95 Safe Debit Account monthly maintenance fee.The Safe Debit Account features:
- A US Bank Visa debit card
- Online banking and bill pay
- Mobile banking with mobile check deposit
- Discounts on money orders
US Bank also helps you build a better credit future with free access to the TransUnion Creditview Dashboard through your online banking. You can use this financial tool to see your VantageScore 3.0 credit score and see what minor changes in your behaviors can do for your future.
Application is easy through a fast and secure online application. You can also apply in person at one of the multiple US Bank locations in Nevada. You can find them in cities including Elko, Henderson, Las Vegas, Pahrump, 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
WestStar Credit Union allows you to reset your banking history with Fresh Start Checking. This second chance checking option features a high monthly fee of $16.50, but in return, you have no minimum opening deposit amount and no monthly minimum balance. The account fee encourages you to work hard to manage your money. After a year of positive account balance, you can convert your account to free Simple Checking.Fresh Start Checking includes:
- A free debit Mastercard
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free eStatements
- Free mobile banking
- Free telephone banking
- Courtesy overdraft services
- Direct deposit
Membership is open to all employees of a qualifying company or any company that is licensed for gaming by Nevada. You can apply online or in a Las Vegas or Reno branch location.
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Nevada? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.