The Best Second Chance Banks and Credit Unions in Ohio

BBVA Online Checking is our hands-down winner for the best second chance bank account for residents of Ohio. They have the strongest offering of any of our recommendations. No hidden fees, no monthly minimums, and no monthly service charge. Plus, their smartphone app and online tools are the best we’ve reviewed.

Why do we recommend BBVA Online Checking so highly? If you’ve got poor credit or find yourself on ChexSystems, BBVA will approve you for an account.

• NO monthly service charge
• NO monthly account balance minimums
• NO fees at over 64,000 Allpoint® and BBVA ATMs worldwide
• FREE online banking, bill pay, and mobile deposits
• FREE unlimited check writing
• FREE Visa® debit card
• Open with as little as $25
• BBVA USA, member FDIC

It’s simple to apply. The BBVA website is simple and easy to interact with. There is a $25 minimum deposit required to open an account. Your online approval is immediate. BBVA is one of the most friendly banks for those who need a second chance at a checking account. The entire process from start to finish takes about 3 minutes. BBVA does not use ChexSystems, but instead utilizes EWS to screen new applicants.

Your BBVA Visa Debit Card allows you access to all BBVA ATMs and Allpoint ATMs. Allpoint ATMs can be found at these retailers and many more:

Open a BBVA account today!

Chime Bank is one of the fastest growing online banks with banking services for Ohio residents. Chime offers both online checking and savings accounts without performing a ChexSystems background check or pulling your credit score. We like how Chime processes direct deposits faster than other banking systems, giving you access to your money two days faster.

One of the best features of a Chime account is that you always know exactly how much money you have in your account through the easy-to-use mobile app and real-time alerts. Chime Bank also offers Automatic Savings. Every purchase is automatically rounded up to the nearest dollar and the difference is deposited into your savings account.

Setting up an account with Chime is incredibly easy, and there is no minimum deposit amount. You can complete the entire process online. Your account comes with:

• FREE Visa® debit card
• Free online banking, bill pay and online checks
• Free money transfers and foreign transactions
• Fee-free overdraft up to $100
• No monthly fees or service charges
• No monthly minimums

Open a Chime Bank account today!

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 internet banking
• Free bill pay
• Free mobile banking app
• IDProtect Identity Theft Monitoring and Resolution

You can check out Buckeye State Credit Union online or in person at one of their convenient branches in Akron, Canton, Alliance, and Shaker Heights.
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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 Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Mahoning, Portage, Summit, or Trumbull counties.
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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 3 locations in Ohio.
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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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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 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 Free Checking account is one of their best accounts. With no minimum deposit and no minimum balance required, banking is easy with Fifth Third.

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

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

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First Financial Bank’s CLEANslate Checking offers a fresh start regardless of your checking history. There’s a $50 account opening fee, but no minimum balance moving forward. The monthly fee is $10 and you get quite a few perks along with it.

You’ll receive a debit card along with free ATM access and you even get a free gift when you open at a banking center. There are also plenty of digital features, including mobile deposits and online and mobile banking.
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GoBank is an online option for simple banking. All you need to do to open an account is to purchase a GoBank starter kit from a partner retailer and pass an identity verification. In return, you receive the ability to use a debit card for purchases and ATM withdrawals. You can also write checks to avoid expensive money order fees.

Deposits to your account can be made through mobile check deposit, direct deposit or by adding cash through participating retailers for a small fee. If you direct deposit over $500, your monthly maintenance fee of $8.95 is waived.

Account holders appreciate the ability to budget their money with the help of a mobile app, budgeting tools and a savings vault. There are many participating retailers, including Walgreens, CVS and Kroger.
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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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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:

• No minimum balance requirement
• Unlimited check writing
• Free KEMBA debit card
• Free online and mobile banking
• Free bill pay
• Free eStatements
• Free ATM transactions at 50,000 ATMs nationwide
• Network of 5,500 shared branches nationwide

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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.

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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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 $40.

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

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Members Trust Federal Credit Union gives you options to improve your banking relationship. Even if you have credit problems or a negative ChexSystem report, you will find a second chance at Members Trust FCU. They offer TRUST and Alternative checking accounts.

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 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 a Second Chance Checking if your ChexSystems unpaid balances are less than $300 and you are willing to set up direct deposit. After 30 days of good standing, you will be eligible for overdraft protection. After 60 days of good standing, you will be issued a debit card. Miami University and Community Federal offers:

• One free box of checks
• No sign up fee
• Unlimited check writing
• Free online banking and bill pay
• Free mobile app

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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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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.
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The Radius Bank Essential Checking account is a FDIC-insured checking account designed to help you manage your money with powerful technology and limited fees.

• 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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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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If you are looking to save money, SoFi Money is our top choice for a non-traditional banking option. We recommend this online money management account to those who are tech savvy. One of the biggest perks is there aren’t any account fees. ATM fees are reimbursed, transfers are free and you have no minimum balance requirements. You don’t even need an initial deposit to set up your account.

SoFi will even pay you through a high-yield interest rate on your checking balance. You can earn a $50 cash bonus if you sign up for SoFi Money® and make one direct deposit of at least $500.

The sign up process takes only a few minutes because SoFi does not use ChexSystems to approve accounts. After opening your account, you receive a SoFi debit Mastercard for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The easy-to-use mobile app keeps you in control of your money and offers bill pay, money transfers and educational services.
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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 and lack of overdraft privileges 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 Allen, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Clermont, Defiance, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Logan, Lucas, Marion, Mercer, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Shelby, Union, Van Wert, Wood, or Wyandot county.
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Universal 1 Credit Union gives you an opportunity to build a positive banking experience. Although the monthly fee is $15, you receive access to nearly 30,000 ATMs and 5,000 shared branches across the country. 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.
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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

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