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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey that can assist you.
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in New Jersey
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
We highly recommend Affinity Federal Credit Union if you’ve had trouble getting a checking account in the past. They don’t use ChexSystems or a credit score when you apply for an account. All that you’ll need to provide are two forms of ID, one being government-issued.Once you’re approved as a member, you’ll be able to get an Affinity Cash Back Debit account. There is no minimum opening deposit, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly fees if you opt for eStatements! Plus, you’ll receive 1% cashback on all the transactions you make with your debit card. We don’t see account features like these every day.
Becoming a member at Affinity FCU is accessible to everyone in the state. If you don’t live within their eligible communities, all you have to do is donate $5 to one of their financial literacy organizations. You can find their New Jersey branches in cities including Middletown, New Brunswick, Edison, Hillsborough, and many others.
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 New Jersey branch located at McGuire Air Force Base.
If you’ve struggled to get a checking account in the past due to a negative ChexSystems record, Atlantic Federal Credit Union may be able to help out. They offer their Take 2 Checking account to help people rebuild their credit and upgrade to a regular checking account quicker than other second chance accounts.Take 2 Checking comes with a free Visa debit card, access to online banking with bill pay, and free eStatements. Each month you will need to pay a moderate $12 monthly service fee. We like this account because it allows you to upgrade to another checking account after only 6 months of good standing!
Atlantic FCU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, or attends school in Union or Essex Counties. You can also join if you have an immediate family member who is already a member. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Kenilworth and West Orange to get started!
Century Savings Bank does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS when you apply for a checking account. Instead, they ask that you provide two forms of ID. It’s important to note that at least one form of ID must be government-issued. As long as everything checks out on their end, you should have no problem opening an account.If you prefer a simple, free way of managing your money, look no further than the Consumer Checking Plus account. All you need to open the account is an initial $25 deposit. From that point, you won’t need to worry about any monthly service fees or balance requirements. The account also includes unlimited check writing privileges, a free MasterCard debit card, and access to online banking.
Century Savings Bank is New Jersey-based and has branches in cities including Elmer, Mullica Hill, Vineland, Bridgeton, and Gibbstown.
Are you looking for features that will help you to responsibly manage money and overcome past mistakes? If so, a Safe Check account from City National Bank could be the right option for you. This traditional checking account alternative will track what you spend as well as what you take in to help you gain a greater understanding of the flow of money in your account.For a low $5 monthly maintenance fee, the Safe Check account features a debit card, ATM access, online banking, bill payment, and mobile access to help you get the most out of your banking experience.
Although there are no physical branches in the state of New Jersey, City National Bank’s services are still available to all residents. Their closest branches are in New York in the cities of Melville and New York.
If you have a history with ChexSystems and are unable to obtain a traditional checking account, Credit Union of New Jersey has you covered with their Right Turn Checking account. As long as you do not owe them any money or have any delinquencies with them, you should be good to go!To open the account, there is a $100 initial deposit required as well as a $10 monthly service fee. There is no minimum balance requirement on the Right Turn Checking account, but there is a $5 minimum balance on a savings account to keep your account active. Once you have the account open, you will be able to enjoy a free MasterCard debit card, free eStatements, and access to over 5,000 shared branches nationwide.
After 12 months of good standing, you will be able to upgrade to a traditional checking account at Credit Union of New Jersey. Visit their website or one of their branches in Willingboro, Ewing, Trenton, and Princeton to get started!
If your main issue is with ChexSystems, First Atlantic Federal Credit Union may be a good option for you. They will not look at your ChexSystems record when you apply for a new checking account.We like their One Checking account because it provides you with an easy, hassle-free way to manage your money. With this account you won’t have to worry about monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. You also get access to online banking, a free debit card, and unlimited check writing.
First Atlantic FCU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Monmouth or Ocean Counties. You can also join if you have a relative who is already a member. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Eatontown, Neptune, Oceanport, and Toms River to get started!
To get an account at Garden State Federal Credit Union, you are only required to provide two forms of government ID. It’s important to note that one form of ID must be government-issued. As long as there are no red flags that pop up on their end, you should have no problem getting an account.We recommend their Primary Checking account because it provides you with an easy way to manage your money. The account is also extremely affordable. There are no minimum balance requirements, no monthly service charges, and no per-check charges. You also get access to an ATM/Visa Check card and access to co-op shared branches across the state.
Garden State FCU offers membership to anyone who has a connection to one of nine eligible communities in New Jersey. You can also join if you are an employee of one of their select employee groups or have a family member who has already joined. Visit their website or their main office in Moorestown to see if you’re eligible!
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
IRCO Community Federal Credit Union is another great example of an option that does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS when you apply for a checking account. Instead, they only require two forms of ID, one of which must be government-issued.They offer one general Share Draft Checking account that comes with all of the necessities. With this account you can enjoy a free Visa debit card, free overdraft protection, and access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide! If your balance falls below $250, you will only need to pay a moderate $10 monthly service fee.
To become a member at IRCO Community FCU, they require that you live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in one of seven eligible areas in and around New Jersey. Visit their website or their branch in Phillipsburg to see if you qualify!
Jersey Shore Federal Credit Union understands that everyone deserves a second chance. They offer their Fresh Start Checking account to those that don’t qualify for a traditional checking account. We like this account because it comes with unlimited check writing, access to online banking, and overdraft protection services.To open a Fresh Start Checking account, an initial deposit of at least $25 is required. There is also a moderate $15 monthly service fee that is deducted from your account at the end of each month. Depending on the severity of your ChexSystems record, you may be required to enroll in direct deposit or payroll deduction. You’re also required to complete a checking account management program within 30 days of the account being opened.
This account can be applied for online or at any branch location. You can find Jersey Shore FCU branches located in Northfield, Mays Landing, Atlantic City, Galloway, Hammonton, and Rio Grande. Stop by a branch nearest you to get started!
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
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Newfield National Bank uses EWS (Early Warning Signs) to determine your eligibility for an account. If you’ve only been reported to ChexSystems, this may be a viable option for you.Their New Jersey Consumer Checking account is the simplest option and also the most affordable. To avoid a $3 monthly service charge, you will just need to keep a balance of $1 or more in your account. You can also get a debit card, free eStatements, and unlimited check writing capabilities! All it takes to get started is a $50 opening deposit.
Newfield National Bank is New Jersey-based and has several branches located in Newfield, Malaga, Franklinville, Sewell, Williamstown, Pitman, Vineland, and Bridgeton. Stop by a branch nearest you to start improving your banking history.
OceanFirst Bank does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit report when screening new applicants. Instead, all they require are two forms of ID. One of those forms of ID is required to be government-issued. This option is excellent for anyone with a negative checking history.They offer one general checking account option called FreeStyle Checking. To get started, they require an opening deposit of at least $50. From there, you won’t have to worry about any monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. You’ll also get a free Visa debit card and access to online banking.
OceanFirst Bank has dozens of locations predominantly along the coast of New Jersey. You can find branches in cities including Bayville, Holmdel, Flemington, Linwood, Sewell, and many others.
Pennsville National Bank will not refer to ChexSystems when you apply for a checking account. Instead, they require that you provide two forms of valid ID. They offer over ten different checking account options so there’s a good chance you will find one that works for your lifestyle!If you prefer an account that is easy to maintain, look no further than the Freedom Account. The account comes with all of the necessities like access to online banking and a debit card for day-to-day spending. If you keep a balance of $300 or more, they will waive the monthly service fee. If you use direct deposit and want to avoid monthly charges, we recommend checking out their e-Checking account.
To get started, visit their website or one of their branches located in Pennsville, Carneys Point, Woodstown, Pedricktown, and Elmer!
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
South Jersey Federal Credit Union does not use ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit report when verifying new accounts. Instead, they only require two forms of ID. It’s important to note that at least one form of ID must be government-issued.We like their Free Checking account because it is easy to manage and doesn’t have any monthly service fees! The account includes all of the necessities like a Visa debit card, access to digital banking, and competitive dividends on your account balance. There is also no minimum deposit required when you open the account.
South Jersey FCU extends membership to anyone who lives in one of nine eligible cities in New Jersey. You’re also eligible if you work for one of their select employee groups or have a family member who has already joined. Their locations can be found in Deptford, Camden, Vineland, Pleasantville, Voorhees, Glassboro, and Moorestown.
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 New Jersey in Roseland. 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.
United Teletech Financial FCU offers a second chance to those who have a negative ChexSystems record. The account is called Fresh Start Checking and can help you rebuild a positive banking history while providing most of the features included in a traditional checking account.To get started, there is a required opening deposit of at least $25 and a recurring $10 monthly service fee. Fresh Start Checking comes with access to online banking, free eStatements, unlimited check writing, and online bill pay options for an additional fee. We like this account because it allows you to upgrade to a traditional account after 12 months of good standing!
Membership at United Teletech Financial FCU is offered to anyone who has a connection to Monmouth, Ocean, or Middlesex Counties. You can also join if you have a close relative who is already a member. Their branches can be found in Morganville, Neptune, North Brunswick, and Tinton.
Rather than going through ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS to determine your eligibility for an account, US Alliance Financial only requires a government-issued ID and social security card. This is definitely worth a try for anyone who has a negative history with one or more of the previous agencies.We like their MyLife Checking account because it comes with a bunch of great features while avoiding pesky service fees. In addition to a Visa debit card and a free first order of checks, you’ll also receive a free monthly credit score to track your finances. Our favorite feature of this account is that you’re able to get paid up to two days early if you enroll in direct deposit!
To get started, visit their website or their New Jersey branch located in Wayne if you prefer to apply in person.
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 New Jersey? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.