A bank account is one of those required things in life. You need access to a debit card for purchases or direct deposit from an employer. A bank account is almost the only way to enjoy these basic services. But if you’ve experienced financial challenges or unexpected events — and the ensuing bad credit — it may be difficult to open a new bank account.
The good news is that you can still open a free online bank account with no credit check, no monthly fees, or minimum balance requirements. CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open online bank accounts. No credit check bank accounts that give you all the checking account features you need and deserve without the exorbitant fees many banks impose.
Credit Bureaus, ChexSystems, and Bank Accounts for Bad Credit
Most banks look at the credit history of their customers before granting them the ability to open a checking account. Some banks run a credit check through one of the major credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax.
Other banks will dig deeper by turning to a company called ChexSystems. This company identifies your history with overdrafts, bad checks, and account freezes. Additionally, banks will look at check fraud, negative balances, and excessive withdrawals through Early Warning Systems (EWS). If you find yourself blacklisted by one of these companies, getting a bank account can seem impossible.
Getting A Bank When You Have Bad Credit
The researchers at CheckingExpert.com have selected the top three banks where you can get a bad credit bank account. There are no hidden fees, no minimum balance, and no monthly fees. You can apply online and it takes only a matter of minutes to complete the application process. If you’ve got bad credit and need a checking account, these banks are two very strong options.
Winners: Best Banks For Those With Bad Credit
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 almost 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 SoFi Money is 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. I’ve had some issues with ChexSystems in the past and SoFi Money seems to be the perfect account.
Kevin M., SoFi Money Customer
Acorns Spend is another of our favorite second chance bank accounts. As a company built to compete with the largest banks, Acorns offers some extraordinary 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 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 not only do you get a checking and savings account, but you also have access to an investment account once you’re ready to consider that. And, it’s free.
Here’s more:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- FREE bank-to-bank transfers
- FREE physical check sending online or through the mobile app
- FREE mobile check deposits
- FREE or reimbursed ATM withdrawals nationwide
- NO minimum balance of overdraft fees
- NO credit check; ChexSystems OK
- FDIC insured
There is a $3 monthly fee that is easily covered by the ATM fee reimbursement and other goodies included with the account.
If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.
Want A Local Bank or Credit Union? Here’s The List of Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Every State.
Unfortunately, most major banks don’t offer second chance checking. However, many community banks and credit unions have them under various names, such as Opportunity Checking and Fresh Start Checking.
Some banks and credit unions offer so-called second chance checking accounts to help people rebuild their credit and financial histories. These accounts usually carry monthly fees and come with a few other requirements, such as participating in a financial literacy or money management class. An account holder might also not be eligible for overdraft protection, since second chance banking serves as a way to prevent overdrawing an account altogether.
A Few Additional Banks To Consider
Best-in-Class Mobile App
- -NO initial deposit
- -NO overdraft fees
- -NO minimums
- -NO transfer fees
Most Local Branches
- -Mobile check deposit
- -24/7 fraud monitoring
- -Online bill pay
- -Visa debit card