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!
The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Ohio
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
Axos Bank, formerly called Bank of Internet USA, has been around for over 20 years and has created some of the best banking offerings we’ve reviewed. And our favorite is the Axos Bank Rewards Checking account. So what are the rewards? Check it out:- NO monthly minimum balance
- NO monthly maintenance fees
- NO overdraft or NSF fees
- UNLIMITED domestic ATM fee reimbursements
- Earn up to 1.25% APY
The Rewards Checking interest payment can be earned by jumping through a couple of hoops. If you have a direct deposit of $1,000 per month, you’ll earn one-third of the interest amount. If you use your Axos Visa Debit Card at least 10 times per month, you’ll earn another one-third of the interest amount. And, if you increase that number to 15 transactions per month, you’ll earn the final one-third of the interest amount. We like the fact that that the interest payment isn’t an all-or-nothing feature.
Axos has created a simple, but powerful smartphone app to manage your account. You can chat 24/7 with a financial assistant, get real-time account transactions and notifications, and freeze your account if your card is lost or stolen. Anything you need to do can be completed using their robust and user-friendly app.
Applying is easy. You’ll need your social security number, a valid form of ID such as a driver’s license, a valid U.S address, and you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien. There is an initial deposit of $50 to set up the account.
Finally, as a member of FDIC, Axos offers the full protection offered by that institution.
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.
Instead of referring to your ChexSystems history, Antwerp Exchange Bank only requires a valid photo ID when you apply for a checking account. Most people will qualify for a New Advantage Checking account.This account comes with an ATM/debit MasterCard and a free first order of checks. It’s important to note that there is a required opening deposit of at least $100, but you won’t have to worry about any monthly fees or balance requirements after that point.
To get started, contact a branch nearest you and apply for an account! Antwerp Exchange Bank has locations in Antwerp and Payne.
Buckeye State Credit Union offers a full banking experience to those who have been turned down by other banks. Their Second-Chance Checking gives you the benefits of a traditional account with few limitations. The free debit card does not allow ATM access. However, after six months of good money management, you are eligible to upgrade to an ATM card and access to shared banking with 6,700 credit union branches.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 online 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 Cleveland.
If you’ve been denied a checking account, Cardinal Credit Union offers you a second chance. Cardinal’s Second Chance Checking gives you the opportunity to build a new banking relationship with a strong credit union. After 12 months of successful banking, you may be eligible to enroll in a standard checking account.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 one of nine eligible counties. Visit their website or one of their branches located in Kirtland, Austintown, Mentor, Willoughby, or Ashtabula to see if you’re eligible!
City National helps you manage your money wisely. Their Bounce Back program is a second chance account to help you get back on track. The account is easy to open, has no minimum balance requirement, and features a reasonably low monthly fee of $6.99 with direct deposit or $8.99 without.Other features include free e-Statements, free mobile banking, online banking and bill pay, and free text banking.
City National has 4 locations in Ohio. Contact one of their branches in Worthington, Ironton, Chesapeake, or Proctorville to get started!
Columbus Metro’s Metro Merit Checking helps you build a better banking relationship. Even if you have a record on ChexSystems, you can still open a Metro Merit Account with a $25 initial deposit. In return, you receive many of the features of a traditional checking account.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.
Fresh Start Checking through Corporate America Family Credit Union gives you the chance to rebuild a positive checking history. In order to qualify for Fresh Start Checking, you must meet the credit union membership requirements (see below) and keep a minimum balance of $100 in a savings account (they call it a Regular Share Account). There is no minimum balance requirement for your Fresh Start Checking account, but there is a monthly maintenance fee of $10. You receive:- 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.
Cortland Bank keeps checking simple with their Second Chance Checking. Columbus area residents can rebuild their credit with this easy option. The low $6 monthly fee includes ATM access and paper statements.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.
We like Covington Savings and Loan Association because they only require a proper form of ID to qualify for a checking account. This is a great option for those who have had issues with ChexSystems banks in the past.Although their internet presence is somewhat limited, they offer two different checking accounts. Their Basic Checking account is non-interest bearing and has a minimum balance requirement to avoid the monthly service fees. They also offer the Now Checking account that is interest-bearing and also has a minimum balance requirement.
To get started, you will need to contact one of their branches. Visit them in Covington or Bradford to see if a checking account at Covington Savings and Loan is right for you!
If your unpaid checking balances are less than $500 and older than 3 months, Eaton Family Credit Union offers you a second chance. Their Second Chance Checking allows you to write paper checks and make MasterCard debit transactions. There is no minimum balance requirement, and the monthly fee is only $10.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.
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 280 branch locations in Ohio alone! You can find them in Akron, Columbus, Middletown, Toledo, and dozens of other cities throughout the state. Visit a branch nearest you to get started.
This Dayton-based credit union will pull a TransUnion credit report in lieu of using ChexSystems when you apply for an account. They offer an array of Kasasa Checking accounts that all offer different rewards.These different account options offer cash back on everyday purchases, earn interest on balances, or credit for iTunes, Amazon, and Google Play. All accounts offer basic services like online banking, free bill pay, and remote deposit capture.
To become a member at Firefighters & Company FCU, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Montgomery, Greene, or Miami Counties. Their physical branch locations can be found in Dayton and Miamisburg.
Firelands Federal Credit Union is reportedly a non-ChexSystems bank. If your main issue is with ChexSystems, it’s definitely worth a shot to apply for a checking account here. We like their Simply Free Checking account if you want to save money avoiding monthly fees.With a Simply Free Checking account you get a free debit card, access to online banking with bill pay, and free eStatements. You won’t have to worry about any monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. You can also apply online directly through their website.
Firelands FCU extends membership to anyone who has a connection to one of several eligible geographic areas. Visit their website or one of their branches in Bellevue, Bucyrus, Galion, Monroeville, and Norwalk to see if you’re eligible!
First Central National Bank doesn’t require a ChexSystems check when you apply for an account. Instead, they only require that you provide proper identification at the time of account opening.If you prefer an account with unlimited check writing and a low monthly fee, look no further than their Regular Checking account. This account is designed for everyone and is a simple and easy way to manage your money. If you’re interested in interest-bearing accounts, they offer a few different options.
To get started, contact a First Central National Bank location nearest you. Their branches can be found in St. Paris, Christiansburg, and Rosewood.
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS, First Federal Bank of Ohio only requires a photo ID when you apply for a checking account. This is a great option for anyone looking to avoid one or more of the agencies aforementioned.We recommend their Thrifty Checking account because it offers you quite a few benefits while remaining extremely affordable. The account comes with free eStatements, a smartphone mobile banking app, and a debit card for everyday purchases. The monthly service fee of only $2.50 can be waived if you keep a daily balance of $150 or more in your account.
To get started, you will need to contact a branch nearest you. First Federal Bank of Ohio has locations in Galion, Cardington, Shelby, Mansfield, Sandusky, Mt. Gilead, and Tiffin for your convenience.
If you’re looking to avoid ChexSystems, check out First Federal Savings. They use Telecheck to verify new accounts. If you’ve had previous issues in the past managing a checking account, their Basic Checking account would be a great option to look into.We like Basic Checking because it does not require any initial deposit to open! This simple account also comes with access to online and mobile banking, overdraft protection services, and a feature called Popmoney that allows you to instantly transfer money to friends or family.
It’s important to note that there is a moderate $7 monthly service fee that can be waived if you enroll in direct deposit, keep more than $100 in your account, or if you are below the age of 25. To get started, you can easily apply for the account online or visit one of their branches located in Newark, Granville, Heath, Pataskala, and Gahanna.
First Financial Bank’s NoWorry Checking account offers a fresh start regardless of your checking history. There is a $25 minimum opening deposit, as well as a $10 monthly service charge. If you complete one of their approved financial education courses, the monthly service fee is discounted to only $5.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.
First Financial Bank has dozens of locations in Ohio in cities including Cincinnati, Harrison, Hamilton, Springboro, and many others.
When you apply for an account at Forcht Bank, they won’t use ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit report during the screening process. Instead, they only require two forms of ID. As long as you don’t owe them any money, your chances are good for getting an account.We recommend their Easy Checking account if you want an easy, low-cost account perfect for day-to-day spending. This account includes all the necessities such as online banking access, free eStatements, and a MasterCard debit card. You can also purchase checks and enable overdraft protection services. It’s important to note that there is a $50 minimum opening deposit and a $6 monthly service charge if your balance falls below $100.
To get started, contact one of their branches. Forcht Bank is primarily Kentucky-based, but they do offer services to Ohio residents and have two branches located in Cincinnati.
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.
Greenville National Bank uses a credit report in lieu of ChexSystems to verify new accounts. If your main issue is with ChexSystems but your credit score has remained decent, there’s a good chance you’ll get approved for an account.Out of their several different account options, the Free Checking account is the simplest and most straightforward option. There is a $50 minimum opening deposit, but after that you will not need to worry about monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements. The account also includes the basics like a debit card, free eStatements, and overdraft protection.
To get started, you will need to contact one of the Greenville National Bank branch locations. You can find them in cities including Greenville, Gettysburg, Ansonia, Arcanum, Bradford, and Troy.
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
GTE Financial is based in Florida, but anyone in the 50 states can open an account online for free.
If you’ve lost your checking privileges through negative ChexSystems reports, you’ll find it is easy to start again with Rebound Checking at Hopewell Federal Credit Union. There is a monthly fee of $8. After 12 months of good standing, you can open a regular checking account with overdraft protection. Rebound Checking includes:- 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.
IH Credit Union is another example of an option that will refer to your credit report rather than your history with ChexSystems. As long as your credit report doesn’t have too many negative entries, you should be good to go.We recommend their Step Up Free Checking account because it is simple and easy to keep open. With this account you won’t need to worry about pesky monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements. They also offer direct deposit services and provide free eStatements each month.
To become a member at IH CU, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in one of eight eligible Ohio counties. You can also become a member by joining the American Consumer Council, which is a non-profit organization that is free to join. They have branches located in Springfield, Urbana, and Beavercreek.
KEMBA wants you to do more with your money. With low fees and plenty of free features, this credit union helps you begin a new banking relationship with Fresh Start Checking. If you set up direct deposit of your paycheck, pension, or social security check, your monthly fee is reduced to $8.95 a month, a $2 savings.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:
- Unlimited check writing
- Free KEMBA debit card
- Free online and mobile banking
- Free ATM transactions at 50,000 ATMs nationwide
KEMBA branches can be found in Bellefontaine, Columbus, Gahanna, Grove City, Pickerington, Powell, and Westerville.
LendingClub Banking, formerly Radius Bank, has a second chance checking account called Essential Checking. It’s an FDIC-insured checking account designed to help you manage your money with powerful technology and limited fees. Available to residents in all 50 states.- 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
Clean Slate Checking through Liberty Savings Bank helps you improve your financial standing. Past banking problems are overlooked as long as you’ve been reported to ChexSystems less than 3 times. The free CardValet app helps you keep track of your account with alerts and allows you to turn your cards on and off as needed.Clean Slate Checking requires that you deposit at least $100 at the time of account opening. There is also a recurring $10 service fee each month. The account includes unlimited check writing and no per-check fees.
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.
LorMet’s Second Chance Checking allows you to move forward after a ChexSystems report. If your only negative report is less than $500 and older than 6 months, you are eligible for an opportunity to return to normal banking with LorMet. There is a one-time setup fee of $25 required and a minimum opening balance of $50.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
To become a member at LorMet, you must live, work, worship, or attend school anywhere in Lorain County or the cities of Westlake, Rocky River, or Bay Village. Their branches are located in Amherst, Avon Lake, Elyria, and Wellington.
Members Trust Federal Credit Union gives you options to improve your banking relationship. Even if you have credit problems or a negative ChexSystem report, they offer TRUST and Alternative Checking accounts that can help you get back on your feet.To open an account, you will need to contact their member service department to determine if you’re eligible. 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.
Miami University and Community Federal Credit Union understands past financial mistakes. Their Second Chance Checking account gives you the chance to rebuild your finances and banking reputation. All you need is an explanation of your checking difficulties. In return, you receive an account with many of the same perks as regular checking accounts.You are eligible for 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
You can find their branches located in Oxford and Hamilton for your convenience.
No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members in Ohio and across the US. With no checking 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
If your credit score is 620 or higher, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to secure a checking account at Ohio University Credit Union. They offer a Free Checking account that is truly fee-free and provides you with an easy way to manage your money.Free Checking doesn’t have a monthly service charge, minimum balance requirement, or required opening deposit! It is truly a free checking account. You also get a free debit card with unlimited transactions and multiple overdraft protection options.
Ohio University CU offers membership to anyone with a connection to one of eight eligible Ohio counties. You can also join if you are an employee of one of their partner companies. Visit their website or one of three branches located in Athens to get started!
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.
Rather than resorting to ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS, Perpetual Federal Savings Bank only requires that you provide proper ID to open an account. They offer a NOW Checking account that is their simplest account option and allows you to earn interest on your balance.The account also comes with unlimited check writing. It’s important to note that if your balance falls below $100, a $10 monthly maintenance fee will be imposed.
Although Perpetual Federal Savings Bank’s internet presence is limited, they still provide great services to those interested. You can find their only branch located in Urbana. Stop by today to open an account!
Republic Bank gives those who have paid their old debts a second chance at rebuilding their banking relationship with the Checking Builder Account. This is an affordable second chance checking option with an initial opening deposit of only $50. There is no minimum balance requirement. If you sign up for direct deposit, the $12.95 monthly fee is reduced to $7.95.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.
Sharefax Credit Union reportedly does not use ChexSystems when screening new accounts. Out of their several checking options, the Checking Plus is the simplest account that comes with all of the basics.The Checking Plus account does not have any monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, or monthly debit transaction requirements. You can also enjoy nice benefits like 1 free box of checks per year, overdraft protection from a savings account, and access to online banking.
To become a member at Sharefax CU, you must have some connection to one of twelve eligible counties. You can also join if you work for one of their partnering companies. You can access a membership application online or visit one of their branches in Batavia, Evendale, Mason, Milford, and Lebanon.
Superior Federal Credit Union knows that everyone deserves a second chance. With Fresh Start Checking, you aren’t actually able to write checks, but you have the opportunity to build a banking relationship with a free ATM/Visa debit card. The low monthly fee of $5 keeps your costs low.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 one of over twenty eligible counties in Ohio. Visit their website or one of their many branches in cities including Lima, Delphos, Wapakoneta, Kenton, and dozens more to see if you’re eligible!
In lieu of ChexSystems, The Farmers State Bank uses a TransUnion credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. We like their FSB Direct Checking account because it provides you with all of the basics while avoiding unnecessary service fees.FSB Direct Checking comes with access to online banking with bill pay and even allows you to earn interest on your balance! There are no monthly service fees and all it takes to open the account is a deposit of $50 or more.
The Farmers State Bank has several locations in New Madison, New Paris, Lewisburg, Greenville, and Springboro. Stop by a branch nearest you to get started.
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 several locations in Ohio. You’ll find them in cities including Bellaire, Marion, Columbus, and a few others. Visit their website to find a branch nearest you!
Universal 1 Credit Union gives you an opportunity to build a positive banking experience with their Freedom Express Checking account. Although the monthly fee is $15, you receive access to nearly 30,000 ATMs and 5,000 shared branches across the country.With this account a free Visa debit card is provided and you have the potential to have check writing abilities. Other perks include online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and an online resource center for financial education.
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.
Think of it as a checking account without checks. A Safe Debit Account from US Bank gives you easy access to your money with a free US Bank Visa debit card and online banking. The free mobile app allows you to track your spending, receive low balance alerts and send money securely to your family and friends. If you do happen to overdraw your account, you won’t be charged a fee.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.
There’s a good chance you will find a US Bank location near you. They have branches in cities including Akron, Beavercreek, Cedarville, Cincinnati, and dozens more!
Vacationland Federal Credit Union reportedly only requires that you provide proper ID when you apply for a checking account. We recommend their Regular Checking account if you’re looking for a simple way to manage your money.Regular Checking comes with unlimited check writing capabilities, a free debit card, and access to online banking with bill pay. You can also add overdraft privileges to your account if you qualify. To open the account, you will need to become a member of the credit union and deposit at least $25 into a savings account.
To qualify for membership at Vacationland FCU, you are required to live, work, worship, or attend school in Erie County. Visit their website or stop by a branch in Huron, Sandusky, Vermillion, or Norwalk to see if they’re a good fit for you!
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
Previous bank account challenges don’t stand in your way at Woodforest National Bank. Second Chance Checking gives you the opportunity to maintain a positive banking relationship. There is a required minimum opening deposit of $25 and a $9 one-time account set-up fee. If you sign up for monthly direct deposits, the maintenance fee is $9.95, a savings of $2. Monthly paper statements are available for $3. E-Statements are provided free of charge.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
You can find Woodforest National Bank locations inside of Walmart stores across Ohio in cities including Amelia, Wilmington, tiffin, and dozens more.
Did we leave your financial institution off this list of The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Ohio? Has there been a change in any of the listings? Please let us know.