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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina that can assist you.
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in North Carolina
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. When you sign up and deposit at least $10 within 5 days, SoFi will deposit an additional $25 in your account immediately!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.
Gena M., SoFi Money Customer
The EZ 4U ATM Only Checking account with American Partners Federal Credit Union is perfect for those that do not qualify for a traditional checking account. This is a fantastic direct deposit alternative to expensive pay cards.To open your account, visit your local branch to take advantage of the EZ 4U ATM Only Checking account. With your account, you’ll have a “limited” ATM card for selected transactions and direct deposit capabilities. See their website for more details.
American Partners Federal Credit Union has branches in Reidsville and Greensboro to help you get your financials back on the right path.
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!
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.
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.
Individuals who live, work, worship, or attend school in Lincoln, Gaston, Iredell, Rowan, Cabarrus, Mecklenburg, or Union Counties are eligible for a Fresh Start Checking account with Charlotte Metro Federal Credit Union. This account has been crafted for those looking to rebuild their checking account history.To open your own account, visit your nearest branch to get started. Requirements include a $5 minimum opening deposit as well as a recurring $7.95 monthly service fee with a qualifying direct deposit. Fresh Start Checking features no minimum balance requirement, a free Visa debit card, and automatic overdraft protection from your savings account.
Charlotte Metro Federal Credit Union has several branches in and around Charlotte to help open your account today.
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!
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!
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!
With a location in High Point, we find Corporate America Family Credit Union a convenient choice for those seeking a second chance. CAFCU goes beyond simply providing you with checking, they want to see you succeed financially. They offer free money-management and financial education tools to help you manage your checking account.To open a Fresh Start account with CAFCU, you must first become a member of the credit union. Membership is restricted to those who are:
- Employed or retired from a CAFCU sponsor group
- Members of The Hope Group, which anyone can join
- Direct family of existing members
- Living within a 25 mile radius of a CAFCU branch office
Once you are a member, you must keep a $100 balance in your Regular Share Account. The Fresh Start checking account has no minimum balance and requires a $10 monthly service fee.
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.
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!
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
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
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.
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!
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
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!
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
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.
Learn More
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in North Carolina? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.