If you’ve recently applied and been denied a checking account, it can be frustrating and inconvenient. Plus, it can be much more expensive to use cash, prepaid cards, checking cashing services, or payday loans. Even a direct deposit from an employer becomes problematic.
Most people in Ohio are unaware that some banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts. If you’ve experienced issues with ChexSystems, that negative mark will remain on your profile for up to 5 years. And the vast majority of banks and credit unions in Ohio will not open an account for you during that time.
But, if you apply at the right banks, these challenges are no longer an issue. There are banks and credit unions in Ohio which offer second chance checking accounts and a few more don’t even look at ChexSystems when you apply for an account.
CheckingExpert has helped thousands of people just like you open second chance checking accounts. We’ve selected the best accounts in Ohio based on acceptance rates, checking account features and benefits, and the accounts with the lowest fees. Best of all, you can open an account today!
List of the Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Ohio

Why do we recommend BBVA Online Checking so highly? If you’ve got poor credit or find yourself on ChexSystems, BBVA will approve you for an account.
- NO monthly service charge
- NO monthly account balance minimums
- NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
- FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
- FREE unlimited check writing
- FREE Visa® debit card
- Open with as little as $25
- BBVA USA, member FDIC
It’s simple to apply. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. Your online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes. BBVA does not use ChexSystems, but instead utilizes EWS to screen new applicants.
Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:

One of the best features of a Chime account is that you always know exactly how much money you have in your account through the easy-to-use mobile app and real-time alerts. Chime Bank also offers Automatic Savings. Every purchase is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited into your savings account.
Setting up an account with Chime is incredibly easy, and there is no minimum deposit amount. You can complete the entire process online. Your account comes with:
- FREE Visa® debit card
- Free online banking, bill pay and online checks
- Free money transfers and foreign transactions
- Fee-free overdraft up to $100
- No monthly fees or service charges
- No monthly minimums

In order to qualify, you must first pass a checking account management course. The minimal deposit is $40. A box of checks costs between $20 to $25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Second-Chance Checking includes:
- Free internet banking
- Free bill pay
- Free mobile banking app
- IDProtect Identity Theft Monitoring and Resolution
You can check out Buckeye State Credit Union online or in person at one of their convenient branches in Akron, Canton, Alliance, and Shaker Heights.
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Second Chance Checking features most of the traditional banking perks, with the exception of physical checks. Direct deposit is required. There is a low maintenance fee of $8.95 and no minimum balance. CCU Second Chance Checking includes:
- Free online banking
- Free online statements
- Free debit card
- Free ATM transactions at Cardinal ATMs
- 5 Free non-Cardinal ATM transactions every month
- 10 Free bill-pay transactions every month
- Unlimited teller transactions
To become a member of CCU, you must live, work, worship or attend school in Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Mahoning, Portage, Summit, or Trumbull counties.
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Other features include free e-Statements, free mobile banking, online banking and bill pay, and free text banking.
City National has 3 locations in Ohio.
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Managing your money at Columbus Metro Federal Credit Union is an easy task with a free debit MasterCard, online banking and mobile app. There are three overdraft protection options available, including free overdraft transfers from a linked savings account. Shared branching gives you access to 5,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide.
CMCU offers membership to those who live, work, worship or attend school in Franklin County. To open a Metro Merit Checking account, you must apply in person at the Columbus or Reynoldsburg branch location.
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- Free Visa debit card
- Free direct deposit
- Free online account access and mobile banking
- Free bill pay
- Access to shared branches and free ATMs throughout the nation
CAFCU wants you to succeed. They provide an online study course to give you the tools you need to better manage your checking account and finances. CAFCU makes it easy for anyone to become a member by asking you to donate $5 to The Hope Group. Your donation goes toward colleges and/or universities to be placed in their general scholarship funds. It’s a good cause and gives you membership to one of the nation’s best credit unions. You can apply online or in person at the Marion location.
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You can apply in person at the main office in Cortland, or visit one of the other convenient locations in Canfield, Bristolville, Brookfield, Fairlawn, Hubbard, Hudson, Mantua, Niles Park Plaza, North Lima, Vienna, Warren, Williamsfield, and Windham.
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Although you are required to set up direct deposit, you can still deposit payroll and government checks with no hold limitations. There is no overdraft protection, but you can withdraw $200 in cash and make $500 in purchases every day. The Home Banking online access allows you to keep track of your funds. To become a member, you must be a resident of Lake or Cuyahoga counties or an employee of select employers. Branches are located in Euclid and Willoughby Hills.
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The contactless debit MasterCard offered by Fifth Third makes transactions fast and safe. You can 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

You’ll receive a debit card along with free ATM access and you even get a free gift when you open at a banking center. There are also plenty of digital features, including mobile deposits and online and mobile banking.
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Deposits to your account can be made through mobile check deposit, direct deposit or by adding cash through participating retailers for a small fee. If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $8.95 is waived.
Account holders appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools and a savings vault. There are many participating retailers, including Walgreens, CVS and Kroger.
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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
GTE Financial is based in Florida, but anyone in the 50 states can open an account online for free.
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- Online account access
- e-Statements
- Mobile banking
- Direct deposit
- Bill pay
To become a member, you must live, work, or worship in Licking, Delaware, or Franklin Counties. There are three branch locations in Heath, Newark, and Johnstown. HFCU membership can be started online, but the checking application process must be completed in person.
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After completing a money management course and 6 months with less than 6 non-sufficient funds notices, you are eligible to upgrade to a KEMBA Advantage account. If life becomes difficult, you also have the ability to upgrade after 12 months with less than 12 non-sufficient funds notices.
The advantages of a KEMBA Financial Credit Union Fresh Start Checking include:
- No minimum balance requirement
- Unlimited check writing
- Free KEMBA debit card
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free bill pay
- Free eStatements
- Free ATM transactions at 50,000 ATMs nationwide
- Network of 5,500 shared branches nationwide

Although Liberty Savings Bank does not have physical branches in Ohio, their online and mobile services make it easy to manage your money. There are 55,000 surcharge-free ATM machines across the country. Your only limit is the inability to make mobile deposits with the Clean Slate Checking program.
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The lack of overdraft privilege prevents you from having a negative balance and reduces high fees. You will receive a LorMet debit card after your first direct deposit. Check writing is not allowed on this account option. Second Chance Checking features:
- Free online banking
- Free mobile banking app
- Required paperless E-Statements

Membership of the credit union is limited to associates of Luxottica Retail North America, employees of the Cincinnati Service Center, and family members of current members. The main office is located in Mason, but membership gives you access to 5,000 co-op shared branches nationwide.
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You are eligible for a Second Chance Checking if your ChexSystems unpaid balances are less than $300 and you are willing to set up direct deposit. After 30 days of good standing, you will be eligible for overdraft protection. After 60 days of good standing, you will be issued a debit card. Miami University and Community Federal offers:
- One free box of checks
- No sign up fee
- Unlimited check writing
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Free mobile app

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

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.
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- Free MasterCard® debit card
- Free mobile banking with check deposit
- Free online banking with bill pay
- $10 minimum deposit to open account
- Monthly service charge of $9.00
- No minimum balance
- Ability to upgrade account after 12 months of responsible banking

Republic Bank Checking Builder gives you a full-service checking experience. You receive unlimited debit card transactions and unlimited check writing. You are also eligible to open savings accounts. Other features include:
- Free internet banking
- Free bill pay with unlimited automatic payments
- Convenient e-Statements
- Free ATM transactions from Republic/Presto/SUM/MoneyPass/Allpoint ATMs
Republic Bank has several branches in Ohio, including Cincinnati and West Chester locations.
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SoFi will even pay you through a high-yield interest rate on your checking balance. You can earn a $50 cash bonus if you sign up for SoFi Money® and make one direct deposit of at least $500.
The sign up process takes only a few minutes because SoFi does not use ChexSystems to approve accounts. After opening your account, you receive a SoFi debit Mastercard for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The easy-to-use mobile app keeps you in control of your money and offers bill pay, money transfers and educational services.
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SFCU allows Fresh Start members to switch over to a Superior checking account with full privileges after 12 months of good standing. Free online and mobile banking allows you to know exactly where you stand at all times. There are no minimum balance requirements. You are eligible for membership if you live, work, worship or attend school in Allen, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Defiance, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Logan, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Shelby, Union, Van Wert, Wood, or Wyandot county.
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With over 50,000 members, Universal 1 has branch locations in Dayton, Kettering, Centerville, Huber Heights, Beavercreek, Sugarcreek Township, Miamisburg, Vandalia, Sidney, and Chillicothe. You can apply for membership online or in person.
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US Bank wants you to grow financially. While you build a positive banking relationship with your Safe Debit Account, you have free access to the TransUnion CreditView Dashboard. This feature allows you to view your credit score and learn how to build and maintain positive credit. There is a low monthly maintenance fee of $4.95.
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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.
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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

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 offers a full online banking experience for all accounts. This includes:
- Free online banking
- Email notifications of transaction activity and account balances
- Account alerts by SMS
- Automatic security alerts
- Integration with Quicken and Quickbooks for budgeting and financial tracking
- Free eStatements
Did we leave your financial institution off this list? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.