The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Ohio

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 0.50% 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 or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. See additional disclaimers below.

For many people, having access to a local bank branch is paramount when setting up a checking account. With over 16,000 ATMs and 4,800 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

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.

How The Account Works

Opening the Chase Secure Banking account is easy. They verify your name, address, and social security through Experian, but don’t pull a credit report or credit score. Chase doesn’t use ChexSystems for this account, either. Account approval is immediate, there’s no opening deposit requirement, and you’ll receive your Chase Secure card within a matter of days.

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.

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!

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 1,000,000 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!

Acorns is making a name as a place to invest money for the long term, but what we really like is that they offer both checking and savings accounts. Best of all, Acorns doesn’t use ChexSystems or a credit report to approve accounts! That makes Acorns Spend another of our favorite second chance checking accounts. As a company built to compete with the largest banks, Acorns offers some extraordinary benefits.

We love the heavy metal tungsten Visa debit card and the world-class smartphone app that allows you to manage every aspect of your 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 not only do you get a checking and savings account, but you also have access to an investment account once you’re ready to consider that. And, it’s free.

Here’s more:

• FREE Visa® debit card
• FREE bank-to-bank transfers
• FREE physical check sending online or through the mobile app
• FREE mobile check deposits
• FREE or reimbursed ATM withdrawals nationwide
• NO minimum balance of overdraft fees
• NO credit check; ChexSystems OK
• FDIC insured

There is a $3 monthly fee that is easily covered by the ATM fee reimbursement and other goodies included with the account. To get the $75 bonus, all you have to do is set up Acorns Spend as your direct deposit method with your employer and receive 2 direct deposits of at least $250 each ($500 total).

If you’ve struggled with poor credit or ChexSystems, Acorns might be the perfect account.

Get An Acorns Account!

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% interest on your balance up to $6,000
• 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.

The SoFi Money Checking 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. 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. With over 2.5 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!

The $325 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 $300 and bump the interest rate you earn to 1.25% APY. The bonus and interest rate are some of the highest we’ve seen.

• No account fees
• No minimum balance
• No fees at over 55,000 ATMs
• 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

Get a SoFi Account Now!

Aspiration is a socially and environmentally conscious company that can help you make more sustainable choices — while making the most of your money. Their Spend & Save account combines both checking and savings and opening an account takes just a couple of minutes. Aspiration does not use ChexSystems or your credit report to open an account.

Free or Monthly Fee – You Choose

With an Aspiration account, you decide how much your monthly fee will be — starting at $0. Through its “Pay What Is Fair” model, the company trusts customers to choose a monthly fee that’s fair for your wallet and fairly reflects the service you get from Aspiration. You can change your fee at any time.

For $7.99 per month, you can also choose to become an Aspiration Plus member and earn extra perks: 5% APY interest on savings, 10% cashback on certain purchases, and a debit card made of recycled ocean plastic.

Whichever account you choose, there are no minimum balance requirements. There are no fees at over 55,000 ATMs and no fees for paper checks you receive when you open the account. You can’t overdraft on your Spend & Save Account, so you don’t have to worry about overdraft fees, either.

If you set up direct deposit, your money will get to your account up to 2 days early. There is a $10 opening deposit required.

Do Well. Do Good.

Aspiration has created a banking experience they hope will match your environmental values. This includes a pledge that deposits won’t fund fossil fuel exploration or production and providing a personal impact score to help you shop to match your values. Another cool feature we like is that with every “round up” purchase you make, Aspiration will plant a tree.

If you upgrade to the Aspiration Plus account, there are a host of “Planet Protection” features. For example, Aspiration will provide carbon offsets to match the calculated carbon output for every gas purchase you make. You’ll get 10% cash back on purchases from the “Conscience Coalition” which includes retailers such as Blue Apron, Warby Parker, Imperfect Foods, and Toms.

This is the only banking product we’ve reviewed that offers the opportunity for members to spend and save with an environmentally friendly purpose.

Banking Your Way

There’s a lot to like about Aspiration: With NO ChexSystems and NO credit check, getting an account is easy and the smartphone and online apps are beautifully organized. Plus, you get rewarded for spending smarter and making an impact on your own carbon footprint.

Open an Aspiration Account Today!

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.

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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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

GTE Financial is based in Florida, but anyone in the 50 states can open an account online for free.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

Integrated Tools

The Lili smartphone app gives you access to tools to manage your expenses and taxes. You assign a category for each expense by swiping left for “life” or personal expenses and right for “work” or business. You can also add receipts to transactions, download quarterly and annual expense reports, and track spending in real-time. Lili will automatically assign an expense category based on the merchant, but allows you to edit the category as needed.

Buckets

Lili has an optional feature called “buckets” that allows you to set aside money in a savings account. The first of these is called a “Tax Bucket”, where you specify a percentage of your direct deposits you want to be saved for future tax payments. You can easily make adjustments and changes along the way and move the money back and forth from your checking account and tax bucket savings account. That way, you know the money will be there when you need to make tax payments.

The second of these buckets is called the Emergency Savings Bucket. You can automatically transfer at least $1 a day to this savings account to use for any larger purchase or unforeseen expense.

Robust for Most

Lili is best for small business owners who want a no-frills, no cost, no minimum balance bank account. You can run all your business and personal expenses through the account and can easily identify and separate them out for accounting and tax purposes. After your account is set up, you can add a business name or DBA name to the account. And you manage everything from the touch of your smartphone.

But there are some limits, too. Lili doesn’t offer checks and you can’t set up your account with an employer identification number. Depositing cash at Green Dot locations can cost up to $4.95 and mobile check deposits are limited to $6,000 per month.

Lili Pro

Lili recently announced a new set of features called Lili Pro. The cost is $4.99 per month and includes a no-fee overdraft up to $200 on debit card purchases and a robust and unlimited invoicing capability built into the smartphone app. On top of that, users receive 1.00% APY on savings account balances and a more robust expense tracking capability. The Pro version also offers cashback when you make purchases at over 14,000 merchants. If you’re not sure you want to sign up for Lili Pro, get Lili Standard (no cost) and you can upgrade later.

Application Process

You can set up an account online. If you’re a freelancer, you should receive approval and account access almost instantly. If you’re a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, approval can take a couple of days. You can fund your account using a mobile check deposit, direct deposit, ACH transfer, or by linking your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account.

Lili is open for business. Anyone who is their own boss: a sole proprietor, gigsters (ie. Uber and Lyft drivers), contractors, freelancers, or part-time entrepreneurs – you all qualify! Whether you opt for the fee-free Lili Standard account or the upgraded Lili Pro account, we think you’re going to like the way Lili helps you manage your growing business!

Open a Lili account now!

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.

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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.

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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

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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

Business Banking Made Easy

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements, no incoming wire fees, and no transaction fees with Novo. Novo even refunds all ATM fees. You’ll never be charged for incoming or outgoing ACH transfers, debit card replacements, paper statements, or stop payments.

If you’d like, Novo will send free paper checks for your use. You can also use the app to have checks mailed out. The gotcha with paper checks is that if you don’t have enough money to cover the check, Novo will charge a fee of $27 for insufficient funds. And if you deposit a check from a customer that doesn’t clear, you’ll get whacked for $27.

Novo doesn’t allow you to deposit cash. Instead, you’ll have to use vendors such as USPS, Walmart, and grocery stores to exchange your cash for a money order. Then you can use the mobile check deposit feature to deposit the money order. Novo may not be the right business account for you if your business deals with a lot of cash.

Business Tools

You can manage your account from your computer or the Novo smartphone app. This allows you to avoid the hassle of visiting a physical bank. And the Novo Reserves budgeting tool allows you to set aside funds in your checking account for expenses such as payroll or taxes.

We especially like their fully integrated invoicing feature which allows freelancers and contractors to send and manage unlimited invoices. You can make payments by ACH transfer and if you are using the Novo Stripe integration you can accept payments through your Stripe account.

Novo seamlessly integrates with popular business tools such as Stripe, Shopify, Zapier, Quickbooks, and Xero. You can also connect Square, Wave, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Discounts

Novo has a program called Novo Perks that gives you perks on wide range of business software and services such as Stripe, Quickbooks, Gusto, Google, Hubspot, Booking.com, and many more. For example, you can get $20,000 in fee-free credit card processing with Stripe.

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.

Open an account today!

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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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 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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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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

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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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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.

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