Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in North Carolina

Chime® is a fast-growing internet-only financial company and our top choice for a second chance bank account.

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 the credit bureaus.

Features include mobile deposits, direct deposit, online bill payment, NO monthly or annual fees, NO overdrafts fees¹, NO credit check, and NO CheckSystems. Opening an account is super easy. It takes about 2 minutes and you don’t have to make an initial deposit. Here’s what we like:

No Monthly Fees

For the past couple of years, Chime’s huge growth has come at the expense of the big banks and their outrageous fees. And it’s one of the best features of a Chime account. There are no monthly or annual service charges, no minimum balance requirement, no foreign transaction fees, no fees at over 60,000 ATMs², and no fees for mobile and online bill pay.

Deposit Cash for FREE at Over 8,500 Walgreens

Having access to a physical location for cash deposits is important to Chime members. And now it’s easy. All you have to do is go into a Walgreens store, hand the cashier the cash you want to deposit along with your Chime card, and the deposit will show up in your account immediately. This offers Chime members more walk-in locations than any other bank in the U.S. With over 78% of the country within 5 miles of a Walgreens, this is a significant benefit for millions.³

Smart Technology

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.

You can transfer funds to friends and family, Chime members or not… and they can claim their money instantly⁴ without any additional apps. The Chime app also has a series of notifications that you can turn on or turn off so you stay in complete control. Misplaced or lost your card? You can instantaneously turn off your card using the app. No wonder over 300,000 customers have given the app a 5-star review.

Customers First

Chime was one of the first to offer a “round up” option. If you use your Chime card on a purchase of $10.65, Chime gives you the option of automatically rounding up to $11.00 and putting the remaining $.35 in your free Chime savings account. And that adds up over time! Plus, Chime pays 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield (APY)⁵ in interest on that savings account.

If you use direct deposit with your Chime account, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days early⁶. And Chime is just saying no to big bank NSF charges with a fee-free overdraft program up to $200. Finally, Chime just recently launched their Credit Builder credit card with no interest and no annual fee. We don’t think there is another company innovating for their customers like Chime.

Get a Chime Account Today!

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. See additional disclaimers below.

NorthOne is a fast-growing company built specifically around business banking solutions for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. In addition to dramatically 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.

Integrations

With NorthOne business banking, you can connect your account to an almost unlimited number of third-party apps. NorthOne integrates with business tools including Paypal, Stripe, Square, Etsy, Shopify, Airbnb, Amazon, Venmo, Toast, Uber, Lyft, Quickbooks, FreshBooks, Wave, Expensify, and many more. Through these integrations, you can sync transaction details, collect payments, see and pay invoices, send payroll, pay contractors, and more.

If creating and sending invoices, quotes, and estimates is critical to your business, NorthOne offers a free stand-alone invoice creator that integrates seamlessly with the banking app. We’ve tried it and think it’s an elegant solution.

Envelopes

NorthOne has created a feature that helps you plan for and manage important expense categories. They call these sub-accounts “Envelopes” and you can set up as many as you want. This allows you to set aside funds you know you’ll need in the future such as taxes or payroll. You can set custom rules for your envelopes and easily move money back and forth as needed.

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.

NorthOne is one of the most competitive business bank accounts for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Their combination of services and offerings, the fast application process, and customer support create an outsized competitive advantage for both the bank and its customers. Every small business owner understands how critical that is for success.

Open an account today!

For many people, having access to a local bank branch is paramount when setting up a checking account. With over 16,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be the perfect fit.

Here are some of our favorite features with this account:

• NO credit check
• NO ChexSystems
• NO minimum deposit to open
• NO overdraft fees
• FREE access to over 16,000 Chase ATMs
• FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
• FREE money orders and cashier’s checks

What to Know About the Approval Process

Opening the Chase Secure Banking account has some important qualifiers. First, Chase verifies your name, address, and social security through Experian, but doesn’t pull a credit report or credit score. Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems for this account, but the bank does use Early Warning Services (EWS). Additionally, if you’ve had an account closed by Chase in the past, your application will not be approved. Past account closures can include missteps such as non-payment of fees, excessive overdrafts, or suspected fraud.

Finally, Chase gives you the opportunity to open your new account online or by taking a printable coupon to a branch location. We strongly recommend you apply online as branch locations have been known to use ChexSystems during the approval process.

Highly Rated Mobile App

Available for iOS and Android, the Chase Mobile app offers 24/7 access to your account. The app is highly rated, earning 4.8 stars out of 5 on the App Store and 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google Play.

You can transfer funds, deposit checks, send money with Zelle, set up account alerts and notifications, and lock your card if it’s been lost or stolen.

The app also has incredibly helpful budgeting tools, personalized insights, and the ability to check your credit score for free.

Fees

Chase doesn’t offer overdraft services with this account as you can only spend the money you have available and the account does not include paper checks. You should also know that using non-Chase ATMs can cost from $3.00 to $5.00 per transaction.

Chase Secure Banking carries a $4.95 monthly service fee that cannot be waived. But combined with all the free services and the $100 cash bonus when you use the card for 10 purchases within 60 days, the monthly fee doesn’t pose a problem for most customers. And, you’ll have peace of mind with Chase’s Zero Liability Protection if you detect and report unauthorized transactions.

Banking With A Leader

Chase claims to be involved with 40% of Americans in some way or another. There can be comfort in size, reach, and stability. Chase has all of that and the assurance they will be there for a long, long time.

If you’ve wanted to bank with Chase and wondered if you’d qualify, we think you’re going to be really happy with the Chase Secure Banking account.

Get a Chase Secure Banking account today!

The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking AND savings 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. 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 3.75% APY on savings account balances and 2.50% APY on checking account balances. If you decide not to utilize direct deposit, you’ll receive 1.20% APY.

The $275 bonus comes in two parts. When you deposit at least $10, SoFi will credit your account $25. When you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to $250 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit) and bump the interest rate you earn to 3.75% APY. The bonus and interest rate are some of the highest we’ve seen.

The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds. With over 4 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.

Kevin M., SoFi Customer

Get a SoFi account today!

Current is another web-only national bank that has some really great features… and has become one of the fastest-growing checking accounts for consumers who want it all without all the costs and hassles.

Why are we featuring Current on our website? It’s simple: they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report to open a new account. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates. But what’s really cool are the incredible features offered with this account:

• NO minimum balance
• NO deposit required to open an account
• NO overdraft fees when you overdraw by up to $100 with Overdrive™
• 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

Current offers a really unique service it calls Gas Hold Removals. What’s a gas hold? Some gas stations may apply a hold from $50 to $100 when you use a debit card to pump gas. If you only pumped $10 of gas, but the gas station places a $100 hold on your funds, you won’t have access to the $90 difference for up to 3 business days! The Current debit card will immediately refund the hold so you have access to all your funds. We haven’t found that benefit anywhere in the marketplace.

Here’s what’s really important, though. Deposits are FDIC-insured up to the highest possible amount allowed: $250,000. We love the features, we love the smartphone app, and we love Current. That makes us think you’ll love them too.

Get a Current Account Now!

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group and Metropolitan Commercial Bank, Members FDIC.

If you want a no-frills checking account, we really like the Free Checking account from First Citizens Bank. With over 500 branches in North Carolina, First Citizens gives you convenient access to branch locations and free ATMs.

The account comes with a Visa debit card, digital banking, and 24/7 mobile deposits. There’s no minimum balance and no monthly fees if you’re enrolled in paperless statements.

The Free Checking account allows you to send and receive money with Zelle® between friends, family, and people you trust no matter where they bank in the U.S. You can also link your debit card to digital wallets like Apple Pay® and Samsung Pay®.

Setting up an account is easy and you will need to make a $50 minimum initial deposit to get started.

Open an account today!

Acorns doesn’t use ChexSystems or a credit report to approve accounts and 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 or reimbursed ATM withdrawals nationwide
• NO minimum balance or 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.

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Ameris Bank uses ChexSystems, but as long as the report has since been settled, only one bank is reported, and there are no previous reports indicating fraud or account abuse, applicants should not have any issues opening a new account.

We recommend Free Checking, which doesn’t charge a monthly fee nor has a minimum balance requirement. It offers free online, mobile, and text banking, as well as free bill pay. The only downside to this account is that it requires a steep $100 opening deposit.

You can find one Ameris Bank branch located in Charlotte. Apply for an account online or in-person to start improving your financial standing!

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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 branches in over 20 cities throughout North Carolina. You can find them in cities including Charlotte, Concord, Harrisburg, Lexington, and many others.

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If you’ve had issues in the past with banks that use ChexSystems, Benchmark Community Bank may be a viable option for you. They do not use ChexSystems when screening new applicants. Out of their several different account options, we recommend their BCB Free Checking account.

We like this account because it doesn’t have any minimum balance requirements or pesky monthly service fees. To get started, you will need at least $100 as an opening deposit. Once opened, you can enjoy a free Visa debit card with unlimited transactions as well as overdraft protection options.

To get started, visit their website or one of their North Carolina branches located in Henderson, Wake Forest, Youngsville, and Zebulon.

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Rather than referring to your ChexSystems record, Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union pulls a credit report to determine your eligibility. As long as there aren’t too many negative entries, you should be able to get an account.

They offer one general Share Draft Checking account that comes with all of the necessities. In addition to a Visa debit card and overdraft protection options, you can earn rewards if you meet a few easy requirements! If you enroll in direct deposit, sign up for eStatements, and use your debit card at least 12 times throughout the statement cycle, you’ll be eligible to earn interest on your account and receive ATM refunds.

To become a member at Carolinas Telco FCU, you or a family member must work in the telecommunications industry in North or South Carolina. Even if you work as an independent contractor or if you’re self-employed in the industry, you’re still eligible to join. Visit their website or one of their branches in Raleigh, Cornelius, Gastonia, or Charlotte to get started!

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Carter Bank & Trust is another example of an option that uses a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems when you apply for a checking account. As long as your credit has remained somewhat intact, there’s a good chance you’ll be approved for an account.

We like their Lifetime Free Checking account because it provides you with all of the necessities while avoiding unnecessary fees. With this account you can enjoy a free debit card, access to online and mobile banking, and free eStatements. There’s a $50 required opening deposit, but after that point there are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.

To get started, visit their website or one of their many branches throughout the state in cities including Burlington, Eden, Fayetteville, Mooresville, and plenty of others!

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If your main issue has been with ChexSystems, Champion Credit Union may be an option worth looking into. To screen new applicants, they utilize Telecheck to determine your eligibility. As long as there aren’t any red flags during the application process, you should be good to go.

If you prefer a simple, affordable option for managing your money, we recommend their Free Checking account. The account includes a free Visa debit card, online banking access, and digital bill pay options. We like that there are no pesky monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.

Champion Credit Union offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in one of nine eligible counties. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Canton, Waynesville, Asheville, Mills River, Arden, and Hendersonville to see if you’re eligible!

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If you’re looking for the chance to hit the reset button on your relationship with banking and financial management, your search is over. Excite Credit Union offers the Fresh Start Checking account for those who’ve struggled with money management to turn over a new leaf.

Fresh Start Checking offers many of the same perks and benefits as Excite Credit Union’s other checking accounts. You’ll enjoy full access to mobile and online banking, which allows you to transfer money, pay bills, view your statements and balance, and even apply for loans! You’ll also receive a free Visa debit card and access to over 30,000 ATMs. You get all this for a minimum $50 initial deposit and a $15 monthly service fee.

You can find Excite Credit Union at any of their three North Carolina Branches in Mobile, Glen Meade Branch, or Racine Branch. Schedule an appointment and get your Fresh Start Checking account today!

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Rather than referring to your ChexSystems history, F&M Bank utilizes Telecheck to screen new applications. If your main issue is with ChexSystems, this may be a good alternative for you.

We like their Simply Yours Checking account because it comes with all of the basics while keeping monthly costs low. To get started, you’ll need at least $50 as the opening deposit. The account comes with a debit card, overdraft protection services, and mobile check deposit. There is a monthly fee of $6 that can be reduced to $4 if you enroll in eStatements.

You can apply for this account online or visit one of their branches located in Salisbury, Granite Quarry, Faith, Rockwell, China Grove, Kannapolis, and Concord.

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Fifth Third Bank offers easy checking accounts to anyone without a history of fraud or a debt owed to Fifth Third. You have a choice of multiple checking options with Fifth Third. Their Momentum Checking account is one of their best accounts for those looking to rebuild their banking relationship. With no minimum deposit and no minimum balance required, banking is simple with Fifth Third.

The contactless debit MasterCard offered by Fifth Third makes transactions fast and safe. You can also safely track your purchase online or through the mobile app. You also receive:

• Mobile alerts for transactions
• Easy Deposits program
• Access to more than 50,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
• Online and mobile statements

Fifth Third has more than 50 branch locations in North Carolina. You can find them in Charlotte, Concord, Mooresville, Waxhaw, and dozens of other cities throughout the state. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!

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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 direct deposit and you won’t pay high 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.

Fort Sill National Bank has branches in multiple locations throughout the state including Wilmington, Fayetteville, and Raleigh. All you need is $5 to open an account at one of the convenient branch locations. 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

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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 2.5% on all money in the savings vault up to $5,000.

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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

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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! Here’s more of what we like:

• 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
• 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.

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Market USA Federal Credit Union offers a second chance to those that have experienced checking difficulties in the past. Their Fresh Start Checking is an excellent option for anyone who wants to rebuild a positive checking history while enjoying some of the benefits of a traditional checking account.

It’s important to note that direct deposit is required with this account. There are no minimum balance requirements, no monthly service fees, and a free Visa check card that is included. We like this account because it allows you to upgrade to a traditional checking account after only six months of good standing!

All North Carolina residents are eligible to become a member at Market USA FCU. Once you’re approved, all that is required is a $5 deposit into a savings account to establish membership. To join, you can apply for the account online. Unfortunately, there are no physical branch locations in the state, but they do offer access to co-op branches.

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In lieu of ChexSystems, Members Credit Union utilizes a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. They offer one general checking account that includes all of the necessities plus more convenient features.

With this account you’ll receive a free Visa debit card, access to online banking with bill pay, and unlimited check writing. If you keep a balance of at least $25 in your account, the $3 monthly service fee will be waived and you will be able to earn interest on your balance!

Members Credit Union extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or studies in one of five eligible counties. You can also join if you have a close relative who is already a member or if you are employed by one of their sponsor companies. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Kernersville, High Point, Thomasville, Winston-Salem, and Elkin to see if you’re eligible!

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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

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If you’ve faced difficulties managing a checking account in the past, North Carolina Federal Credit Union is ready to give you the opportunity that you deserve. The FreshStart Checking account is just the thing to help you get back on good terms with banking.

With this account you’ll receive a free Visa debit card along with access to mobile and online banking, eStatements, bill pay, and so much more. There’s no minimum balance required to maintain the account, so you don’t have to worry about making sure there’s always a certain amount of money in there. It’s important to note that there is a monthly service fee of $10 and a one-time $10 opening fee.

Visit North Carolina Federal Credit Union in Goldsboro or at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base for more information! If you’re ready to open a FreshStart Checking account of your own, make sure you bring along a valid driver’s license and know your Social Security Number.

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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’re looking for a checking account that will help you grow and get back on your financial feet, Skyla Credit Union has you covered. Their Fresh Start Checking account is designed to help you rebuild or re-establish your credit.

There’s no minimum balance required and a low $6.95 monthly fee for the account. You’ll receive unlimited check-writing privileges and a free Visa debit card to make your purchases easier and quicker. There’s also overdraft protection set up and linked to your savings account. Skyla Credit Union goes one step further and offers ideas for account holders to rebuild their credit, too.

If you’re interested in learning more about Fresh Start Checking or think the account is a good fit for you, you can find numerous Skyla Credit Union branches in and around Charlotte, Greensboro, Asheville, and several other cities and towns across the state.

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As the name would suggest, SouthState Bank is located primarily in the southern United States. They offer a Direct Checking account that is designed to help you manage your daily finances while getting the most out of your checking account.

Direct Checking comes with access to online banking with bill pay, mobile banking, a debit card, and free eStatements. There is a low monthly service charge of $5. This account doesn’t come with Courtesy Overdraft Privilege, which just means your card will be declined if there isn’t enough money in your account.

You can apply for the account online or visit one of their many branches located across the state of North Carolina. Check out their convenient location finder to find the nearest SouthState Bank near you!

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United Bank does not use ChexSystems or a credit report when you apply for an account with them. We recommend their Free Checking if you want a low-cost account that comes with all the basics.

Free Checking has no hidden fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly service charge. It’s truly a free checking account! All that you’ll need to get it started is a $50 opening deposit. You’ll also gain access to their mobile smartphone app where you can deposit checks and monitor your account.

United Bank has branches located in Morehead City, Wallace, Mount Olive, Buxton, Durham, Raleigh, and several other cities. Visit their website to learn more and get started on improving your financial standing!

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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.

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If you’re a Walmart shopper, 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.

Our favorite features include:

• 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.

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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

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Woodforest National Bank’s Second Chance Checking account 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 Second Chance monthly maintenance fee from $11.95 to $9.95 by setting up monthly direct deposit. Woodforest offers:

• Online banking
• A mobile banking app
• Woodforest Debit Card
• Overdraft solutions
• Free platinum debit card

All services are easily managed online or in person at branches in Walmart Supercenters across the US. Woodforest National Bank has branches all over North Carolina including in the Cities of Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Charlotte.
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