If you’ve recently applied for a checking account and were turned down due to a bad banking history, chances are good that you’ve been reported to ChexSystems. Approximately 85% of all banks in the country use ChexSystems when you apply for a new checking account. If you’ve experienced things like unpaid debts or involuntary account closures at another banking institution, odds are you’ve been reported to ChexSystems.
ChexSystems is supposed to act like a safety net for banks and in an effort to weed out people who have committed fraud or identity theft. However, many everyday people get caught in the crossfire and are flagged for lesser offenses, resulting in them being blacklisted by the majority of banks out there. It may be difficult to walk into any given institution and open a checking account. Our job here at CheckingExpert.com is to give you an up-to-date list of all the banks and credit unions in Tennessee that want your business.
Fortunately, a lot of banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts, which are designed for anyone who has experienced a few banking mishaps in the past. In addition, there are a lot of banks out there that don’t use ChexSystems at all during the application process. In fact, they may not even check your credit score when you apply for a new account!
No matter what your situation may be, you still deserve a second chance and a checking account that will benefit your life.
Second Chance Banking in Tennessee for October 2023
Open an account today!
U.S. Bank is the fifth largest bank in the country with the majority of its 2,000+ branches located in 26 states mostly located in the west and midwest. When you open a U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account, you can earn a cash bonus of up to $1,000. This is one of the most generous checking and savings offers we’ve seen.
U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking at a Glance
- A U.S. Bank Visa debit card
- Online banking and bill pay
- Mobile banking with mobile check deposit
- Send money with Zelle®
- Access to U.S. Bank Smart Rewards™ to reap additional benefits
- No NSF charges for overdraft balances under $50
- No fees at U.S. Bank ATMs
- No surcharge fees at 40,000 MoneyPass ATMs
- Member FDIC
States Where U.S. Bank is Available
If you live in one of the following 26 states where this account is available, you can apply online: AR, AZ, CA, CO, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NC, ND, NE, NM, NV, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY.
Account Details and Costs
To get an account, you’ll need to make an opening deposit of $25. The monthly service fee is $6.95 but can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000. You can also avoid the monthly fee if you are 24 and under, 65 and over, or a member of the military or qualify for one of the four Smart Rewards tiers (Primary, Plus, Premium, or Pinnacle).
Earn Serious Bank from U.S. Bank
You can earn up to $1,000 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. The offer is subject to certain terms and limitations and is valid through October 31, 2023. Member FDIC.Banking Made Easy
The U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account comes with one of the best mobile apps on the market. Over one million customers have given the app an overall rating of five stars. You can manage your entire account from a computer or your smartphone.
U.S. Bank repeatedly makes the list of one of the best banks in the country.
Chime® is one of our favorites for a second chance banking account. 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.
Chime at a Glance
- NO credit check or ChexSystems
- NO initial deposit required
- NO minimum balance required
- NO monthly or annual fees
- NO NSF/overdraft fees1
- NO foreign transaction fees
- NO fees at over 60,000 ATMs2
- NO fees for mobile and online bill pay
- FREE cash deposits at 8,500+ Walgreens
- Get your paycheck up to 2 days early with direct deposit3
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Current offers an innovative account to consumers who want it all without the costs and hassles.
The Current Build account works just like a checking account but also helps you build credit every time you use the card. Sign-up takes about 2 minutes and Current has extremely high acceptance rates.
Current at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO minimum balance
- NO deposit required to open an account
- 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% APY on your balance up to $6,000 with direct deposit; earn 0.25% APY without
- Earn points for unlimited cashback at participating retailers
- Send money instantly for free
- An elegant but simple smartphone app
- 24/7 member support
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
Most people know Chase and with over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches across the country, the Chase Secure Banking account might be a good fit for a second chance bank account.
Chase Secure Banking at a Glance
- NO credit check
- NO ChexSystems
- NO minimum deposit to open
- NO overdraft fees
- FREE access to over 15,000 Chase ATMs
- FREE Chase Online Bill Pay
- FREE money orders and cashier’s checks
The SoFi Checking & Savings account is offered by SoFi Bank. It’s a checking AND savings account and we love that. Plus, they don’t use ChexSystems or your credit report 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. You don’t need to make an opening deposit to get an account and SoFi never charges monthly maintenance fees. You’ll have access to a large and fee-free ATM network along with a generous cashback program.
Using the SoFi direct deposit option unlocks additional benefits. First, if you overspend a bit, SoFi will cover up to $50 with no overdraft fees. Second, you’ll receive a much higher interest amount of 4.50% APY on savings account balances and .50% APY on checking account balances.
If you decide not to utilize direct deposit, you’ll receive 1.20% APY on savings balances. And finally, when you set up direct deposit from an employer, SoFi will credit your account up to $275 (depending on the amount of your direct deposit).
The sign-up process can take less than 60 seconds. With over 5.5 million members, SoFi is a bank you can count on!
SoFi 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 seems to be the perfect bank.
Claire M., SoFi Customer
Get a SoFi Account Now!
Want to earn cash back on Walmart purchases – up to $75 each year? Then you might love the Walmart MoneyCard. It’s a debit card that has some strong features such as cashback on Walmart purchases, overdraft protection, interest on your savings, and a mobile app that lets you track your purchases and deposit funds into your account.
Walmart Moneycard at a Glance
- Easy approval: no ChexSystems or credit check
- No initial deposit is required and there are no monthly minimums
- Deposit cash for free at any Walmart store and it shows up 10 minutes later
- Deposit checks using the Walmart MoneyCard smartphone app
- Easily request multiple cards for family use1
- Manage your account from your computer or the smartphone app
- 3% cashback on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cashback for Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash back for use in-store2
- Earn 2.00% APY on money you set aside in a free savings account3
- With qualifying direct deposits4, you can opt-in and enjoy overdraft protection of up to $200 on eligible purchases5
- No monthly fee when you direct deposit $500+ in the previous monthly period. Otherwise, there’s a $5.94 monthly fee.6
The Walmart MoneyCard is available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Open an account today!
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!
Lili at a Glance
- 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
- NO fees for incoming wire transfers
- Receive direct deposit funds 2 days earlier than many banks
- Mobile check deposit
- Unlimited fee-free transactions
- Takes 3 minutes to apply
Application Process
You can set up an account online. If you’re a freelancer, you should receive approval and account access almost instantly. All others (Sole Proprietor, Single-Member LLC, Multi-Member LLC, General Partnership, Limited Liability Partnership, or S Corp) can take a couple of days to get approved. You can fund your account using a mobile check deposit, direct deposit, ACH transfer, or by linking your Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App account.
Open a Lili account now!
It’s a tall order to “Make People Happy” when it comes to banking, but that’s the stated mission behind mph.bank.
Powered by Liberty Savings Bank (established in 1889!), the mph.bank Fresh account does use ChexSystems, but as long as you don’t have more than 3 charge-offs totaling $1,000 or reports of fraud approval rates are very high. Fees for the account include a $9 monthly service fee and a $10 overdraft fee.
mph.bank Fresh Account at a Glance
- $0 initial deposit to open account
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Access your account with your phone or computer
- When coupled with a free savings account, earn up to 5.00% APY
- Optional ability to round up charges and stash the cash into savings
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
Acorns offers some strong 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 you get both a checking and savings account. 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 access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs
- NO minimum balance or overdraft fees
- NO credit check
- $3 monthly fee
- FDIC insured
Acorns was built to give everyone the tools to manage their finances which makes it one of our top picks.
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Ally Bank has been one of the most highly rated online banks for the past several years. It’s not because they have the most features, but because they consistently make their customers delighted with the features the bank offers.
For starters, there’s no minimum opening deposit required. Ally doesn’t charge any monthly maintenance fee and there is no overdraft fee (more on that below). You’ll have access to 43,000+ ATMs and Ally will reimburse you up to $10 per statement cycle if you get charged for using another institution’s machine.
You’ll become eligible for Ally’s overdraft program called CoverDraft 30 days after depositing a total of $100. Ally will activate CoverDraft automatically and send you an email when they do. You can turn CoverDraft off at any time, as long as your account balance isn’t negative. Otherwise, Ally will decline the transaction without payment. In either case, you won’t be charged an overdraft fee.
We like that you can use Zelle to send and receive money, get paid up to 2 days sooner with early direct deposit, and deposit checks remotely with Ally eCheck Deposit. We also like that Ally has high approval rates as long as you don’t have a ChexSystems or EWS fraud alert in your past.
To get the bonus, use code GET200 by Nov. 30, 2023. Make sure to fund your account within 30 days of opening it and set up one or more direct deposits totaling $1,500 within 90 days. Ally will send your bonus within 30 days of your account receiving $1,500 in qualified direct deposits.
Fresh Start Checking, offered by Appalachian Community Federal Credit Union (ACFCU), is a solid choice for anyone with a ChexSystems history. Opening an account is as easy as providing a $20 initial deposit and paying a $10 monthly service fee. It’s worth noting that to become a member, you must live, work, or attend school in one of the following counties: Carter, Hawkins, Sullivan, Unicoi, or Washington.
Alternatively, you may join ACFCU if you are a member of H/Ead or if you have a family member who already has an account with ACFCU. The benefits of opening an account include no minimum balance or pay per check charge, a nationwide network of over 85,000 ATMs, and 24/7 access to your account(s).
Opening a Fresh Start Checking account can be done by visiting one of ACFCU’s branch locations in Kingsport, Rogersville, Johnson City, Gray, or Jonesborough.
BancorpSouth has one of the best options if you want to get back on your feet fast. They offer a Budget Smart Checking account that rewards good financial behavior. With a Budget Smart Checking account, you can enjoy the ease of access to your funds with a debit card and free access to online budgeting tools to help you out.
With this account, you’ll also be eligible to level up to a regular checking account in as little as 12 months as long as no more blemishes pop up. This account costs only $5 monthly and requires a $25 deposit to open the account.
With plenty of locations, it will be easy to find a branch when needed. BancorpSouth has over 25 branches in Tennessee. You can find them in cities including Memphis, Millington, Trenton, Alamo, and many others.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Cadence Bank will look at your credit report to determine if you’re eligible for a checking account. It’s important to note that they require a credit score of at least 675 at the time of account opening.
My Way Checking is their most basic account that comes with a bunch of additional services for a low cost. There is a $50 minimum opening deposit as well as a low $8 monthly service fee that can be waived if you keep an average balance of $250 or more. We like this account because it comes with unique benefits like cell phone protection, buyers protection, and ID theft aid.
Cadence Bank has four branches located in Tennessee. Visit one of their convenient branches in Memphis and Germantown to get started!
The Capital One 360 Checking Account uses a proprietary approval process that does not include ChexSystems and might be a solid option for those who have had past financial challenges.
Available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Capital One acts more like an online bank than one with over 400 branches in a few states. Its highly-rated smartphone app gives customers full control of their account and you can access everything from a computer, too.
Capital One 360 Checking at a Glance
- No opening deposit is required
- No monthly or annual fees
- No minimum balance and no overdraft fees
- Add cash to your account at CVS® locations.
- No-fee access to over 70,000 ATMs nationwide
- No foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad
- Deposit checks and pay bills with the smartphone app
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- Early direct deposit feature
- Monitor your credit score with Capital One’s CreditWise feature
- FDIC insured account up to $250,000
The Citi® Access Checking account is a solid option if you’ve been blacklisted by ChexSystems or Early Warning Systems. As long as you haven’t been flagged for fraudulent behavior and don’t owe Citibank an outstanding amount, approval rates for this account are good.
There are no monthly service fees for the first 3 months after opening the account. The $5 monthly service fee can easily be waived after that time by depositing at least $250 per month.
We also like that there are no overdraft or returned item fees because if you don’t have enough money in your account, the item will be returned.
Citibank Access Checking at a Glance
- 65,000+ fee-free ATMs
- Send money to almost anyone with a U.S.-based bank account through Zelle®
- No overdraft or NSF fees
- $5 monthly fee can be waived with $250 in qualified direct deposits
- $0 liability for unauthorized charges
- Available in all 50 states and Washington DC
- No minimum opening deposit
In lieu of using ChexSystems, Commercial Bank and Trust runs a credit report. They require that you have a credit score of 600 or more to be approved for a checking account. They also look at the number of negative entries on your credit report during that process.
We recommend their Simply Checking account if you want access to various benefits while avoiding unnecessary fees. With this account you’re able to enjoy a free MasterCard check card, access to online banking with bill pay, and mobile check deposit tools. There are no monthly service charges or minimum balance requirements.
To get started, you will need a minimum opening deposit of at least $50. Commercial Bank and Trust has branches located in Union City, Memphis, Paris, and Jackson for your convenience.
Rather than using ChexSystems, Community Trust Bank refers to EWS to determine if you’re eligible for an account. If you have only had issues with ChexSystems banks in the past and haven’t been reported to EWS, you should be able to get an account.
We like their Flexible Checking account because it has the least amount of fees and still offers notable benefits. In addition to a debit card and monthly statements, you will get your first 20 checks for free. The opening deposit is a steep $100, but after the account is open there are no monthly service fees or balance requirements.
Community Trust Bank is primarily West Virginia-based, but they have several locations in Tennessee. You can find their branches in LaFollette and Clinton.
Like David slaying Goliath, Dave is taking on big banks and their predatory ways. The Dave checking account is a mobile-centric bank account that doesn’t use ChexSystems or your credit score for account approval.
The only fee Dave charges for the account is a $1 monthly maintenance fee. There are no monthly minimum balance requirements, no overdraft fees, and no fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass® ATMs in 7-Eleven and other spots near you. There’s no opening deposit requirement to get your Dave account either.
If you opt for direct deposit and get paid on a regular basis, Dave will spot you up to $250 if your balance isn’t enough to cover an incoming charge. That feature won’t cost you any fees or interest charges.
Just like a savings account, you can set aside money in “Dave Goals” for any special purpose such as a vacation or car purchase. While you work toward your savings goal, Dave will pay 4.00% APY on your money.
Finally, Dave has partnered with a number of businesses around the country to help accountholders find side gigs. This is a unique feature we’ve not seen with any other checking account. You can find work when you need it, right from the Dave app. Between instant-pay surveys and easy-apply side hustles, there are thousands of ways to get paid.
We like the robust Dave smartphone app. Customers like the app, too. Dave is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars in the Apple store and 4.4 out of 5 stars in the Google Play store.
No. Fees. Period. That’s how Discover Bank promotes its Cashback Debit Checking Account. And, after conducting our research, we can say that’s mostly true. In fact, the only fees you’ll ever incur are for outgoing wire transfers and service charge fees if you use a non-Discover ATM if it is not part of the 60,000+ ATMs in their no-fee network.
As long as there are no past incidences of fraud on your ChexSystems report, Discover might be a great account for you. The only negative? There is no way to deposit cash directly into the account.
Discover Bank® Cashback Debit Checking Account at a Glance
- 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month
- Access to 60,000+ fee-free ATMs; $510 cash withdrawal limit per day
- Fee-free opt-in overdraft protection transfer service
- Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
- Send and receive money with Zelle®
- No monthly fee (no balance or activity requirements)
- No fee for insufficient funds
- Mobile check deposits
- No deposit to open
If you have past checking account problems, Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union’s Opportunity Checking offers you a second chance. This simple checking account has a low monthly fee of $7.50. After 12 months of good banking habits, you are eligible to move into a free Debit Rewards Checking account.
With Opportunity Checking, you have the choice of either an ATM or a debit card. You receive:
- Free online banking and bill pay
- Direct deposit
- No minimum balance requirements
- Standard checking fees for non-sufficient funds
- Access to overdraft protection upon application
- Up to 10 free ATM withdrawals each month
Evansville Teachers Federal Credit Union has locations in Franklin and Murfreesboro. Applying for this account can be done in person or online, and you don’t have to be a teacher to join. ETFCU has thousands of ways to be eligible.
Fifth Third Bank offers easy checking accounts to anyone without a history of fraud or a debt owed to the bank.
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.
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.
Fifth Third at a Glance
- 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 35 branch locations in Tennessee. You can find them in Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nashville and many other cities throughout the state. Visit a branch nearest you to get started!
People who are working to rebuild credit can open an On Us Account from First National Bank to help achieve their financial goals. If you have direct deposit and your e-funds score is below 586, this account is designed with you in mind.
The On Us Account can be opened with no minimum opening deposit. You will receive a free debit card and access to online banking with bill pay. The account also comes with semi-annual credit counseling to maximize your success.
To get started, contact First National Bank to open an account or visit one of their branches in Pulaski, Ardmore, Fayetteville, Lewisburg, and Several other cities and towns.
Instead of using ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS, First South Financial Credit Union pulls a credit report to determine if you’re eligible for an account. As long as your credit has remained somewhat decent, you should be able to get an account.
We recommend their Free Checking account for anyone who wants to avoid service fees and balance requirements. With this account you get a free debit card, access to online banking, and a few overdraft protection options. To get started, you will need to become a member, pay a one-time $10 membership fee, and deposit $25 into a savings account.
First South Financial CU offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, attends school, or volunteers in one of four designated locations in Tennessee. If you do not qualify, they advise you to give them a call to work something out. Visit their website or one of their branches in Dyersburg and Jackson to see if you’re eligible!
We like Foundation Bank because they do not use ChexSystems or a credit report check when you apply for a new checking account. Out of their several account options, their Foundation Basic checking account provides you with a simple and affordable way to manage your money.
Foundation Basic includes all of the necessities like access to online and mobile banking, a debit card for everyday use, and free eStatements. You can also use mobile check deposit and bill pay services for a small fee. There is a $7 monthly service fee that can be waived if you complete two out of the three qualifiers:
- Enroll in eStatements
- Use your debit card for 12 or more transactions per cycle
- Keep a minimum daily balance of $100 or more
To get started, you can fill out an application online and bring it to a branch nearest you. Foundation Bank has six locations in west Tennessee in cities including McKenzie, Paris, Buchanan, Alamo, Jackson, and Obion.
Fort Sill National Bank is an excellent choice for those looking for second-chance checking. Their Basic Checking Account does not require a credit check. We like that you aren’t required to direct deposit and you won’t pay high fees. If your account balance is over $75, your monthly service fee of $6 is waived. If your account balance is over $500, you begin to earn interest.
All you need is $5 to open an account at one of the convenient Tennesse branch locations located in virtually all WalMart stores in the state. The Basic Checking Account comes with:
- A free Visa CheckCard
- Unlimited check writing
- Surcharge free ATM withdrawals at FSNB locations
- Access to the Savings Round Up program
- Online, mobile and text checking options
GO2bank is an offering of pre-paid card giant GoBank and we think it’s a step in the right direction. Like some of the newer “challenger banks” GO2bank will deposit your direct deposit check up to 2 days early and has cashback rewards on several categories of purchases. This account also makes you eligible for the GO2bank secured credit card, which has no annual fee and no 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 4.50% on all money in the savings vault up to $5,000.
The Fresh Start Checking offered by Greater Eastern Credit Union is the perfect solution for anyone who has been denied a bank account due to a less-than-perfect ChexSystems report. This account has a monthly service fee of $10 but requires no minimum balance. It is worth mentioning, however, that they place a limit of 20 checks written per month. Features of this account include a VISA check card, no fees for debit card usage, free bill pay and mobile banking, and direct deposit and payroll deduction.
To open a Fresh Start Checking account, visit one of Greater Eastern Credit Union’s branches in either Johnson City or Jonesborough.
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
Sometimes people struggle and need a chance to start again from square one. That’s why Hearthside Bank created its Square One Checking. With this account, you will need a $50 to opening deposit, plus a one-time $10 activation fee.
Hearthside Bank also offers Overdraft Privilege, which means they’ll notify you if your transaction will overdraft your account so that you can manage your finances with confidence. Square One checking also rewards you for directly depositing your paychecks by discounting the steep monthly service fee from $19.99 to $12.99.
Once you’ve shown positive progress and kept your Square One Checking account in good standing for long enough, you can move up into a traditional checking account once again. For more details on the Square One Checking account, you can visit their website or one of their branches located in New Tazewell, Jacksboro, and Harrogate.
Heritage South Community Credit Union offers their Rally Checking as an option for anyone who may not be eligible for a standard checking account. Even if you have been reported to a credit agency for negative checking account activity in the past, you may still be eligible to apply for this account. This account provides holders with a debit card.
This account is, however, closely monitored and may be closed without notice if Heritage South Community Credit Union flags any unusual activity with your account. On the flip side, six months of positive activity will make one eligible for overdraft privileges of up to $250.00, and twelve months will make you eligible to switch over to their regular checking account.
There are additional fees associated with this account that can only be discovered by visiting a branch location and talking to an employee in one of their five locations across Bedford, Marshall, and Rutherford counties.
Rather than referring to ChexSystems, Telecheck, EWS, or a credit report, Highland Federal only requires that you present two forms of ID when you apply for an account. It’s important to note that one form of ID must be government-issued. As long as you don’t owe Highland Federal any money, you should have no problem getting an account.
We like their Free Choice Checking because it includes all of the basics while avoiding unnecessary service fees. With this account you get a free MasterCard debit card, unlimited check writing, and even overdraft privilege upon approval. Plus, you won’t have to worry about any pesky monthly service fees.
To get started, you will need to make an opening deposit of at least $100. Visit their website or one of their two locations in Crossville to learn more!
Second Chance Checking is an option offered by Holston Methodist Federal Credit Union that is perfect for anyone trying to repair their checking history. To open an account, you must deposit at least $50 at the time of account opening and pay a $10 monthly service fee. Unlike other options, however, only six months of positive activity will make you eligible to switch over to a standard checking account.
The account features free online banking and 24/7 phone banking, free bill pay, and a free VISA debit card.
Two instances of negative activity on this account in six months will make it eligible for closure, but the $10 service fee will be refunded for each of those six months if you show positive activity. To open an account, visit their location in Knoxville.
Hope Credit Union is looking out for those who need a second chance. If your credit is low or you’ve had issues with ChexSystems in the past, their Easy Checking may be a great option for you.
You’ll need to keep a $25 minimum balance, but the $9.95 monthly fee can be waived with a $200 minimum balance. Plus, there is an opening deposit of $25 that will be required. On the upside, you’ll get a free debit card and free eStatements along with online banking, bill pay, mobile/smartphone app, free telephone customer service, and free direct deposit.
Hope Credit Union has 4 locations in Tennessee all located in Memphis.
Rather than referring to your history with ChexSystems, Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union runs a credit report to determine your eligibility. To be eligible to join the credit union, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in one of nine eligible counties in Tennessee.
They offer one general Checking Account that has no minimum balance and has no monthly fee if you enroll in eStatements. The account also comes with a free Visa debit card, bill pay services, and overdraft protection from a savings account.
To get started, you can visit their website to see if you’re eligible for membership! You can also visit one of their branches in cities including Alcoa, Kingsport, Maryville, Powell, and many others.
Liberty Federal Credit Union’s Opportunity Checking account offers you a second chance to prove you can manage a checking account. We like this account because you’re able to upgrade to a fee-free checking account after 12 consecutive months of good standing.
With Opportunity Checking you will receive an ATM or debit card depending on what you qualify for. You can make up to 10 free ATM withdrawals a month, plus, Liberty Federal will never charge you additional fees for using another bank’s ATM. You can also link your account with direct deposit, online banking, overdraft protection, and bill pay.
There’s a $7.50 service fee for this account and no minimum balance requirement. To learn more about this account, visit their website or visit one of their Tennessee locations in Franklin, Thompson’s Station, Spring Hill, and Murfreesboro.
Market USA Federal Credit Union offers a second chance to those that have experienced checking difficulties in the past. Their Fresh Start Checking account is an excellent option for anyone who wants to rebuild a positive checking history while enjoying some of the benefits of a traditional checking account.
It’s important to note that direct deposit is required with this account. There are no minimum balance requirements, no monthly service fees, and a free Visa check card that is included. We like this account because it allows you to upgrade to a traditional checking account after only six months of good standing!
All Tennessee residents are eligible to become a member at Market USA FCU. Once you’re approved, all that is required is a $5 deposit into a savings account to establish membership. To join, you can apply for an account online. Unfortunately, they do not have any physical branches located in the state, but they do have several co-op shared branches that you can bank at.
No matter your banking past, Navy Federal Credit Union offers traditional checking for all members in Alabama and across the US. With no review requirements of your banking history, NFCU is an excellent choice for active duty or retired US military, family members and government contractors. There are two banking choices to choose from: Active Duty Checking and Free eChecking.
Both account options come with a free NFCU debit card. There is no monthly service fee with direct deposit. Your account is protected from overdrafts with free savings transfers, a checking line of credit or an optional overdraft protection service. You also receive:
- Free mobile deposits
- Free bill pay
- Free traditional name-only checks
- Dividends credited monthly
NorthOne is a fast-growing company built specifically around business banking solutions for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. In addition to 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 40,000 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.
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.
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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
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.
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Even if you have a negative ChexSystem history, Renasant Bank offers you conventional checking options. As long as you don’t have an account in bad standing with Renasant, you can choose from several checking accounts. We recommend Simple Checking if you’re looking for a straightforward account with no strings attached.
One of the convenient features of Simple Checking is the ability to use Renasant’s Mobile Wallet with Zelle, Apple Pay, and Google Pay options. If you opt to receive eStatements instead of traditional paper statements, your monthly fee of $10 is waived. Renasant Bank checking accounts come with:
- Online banking with online bill pay
- Mobile banking app access
- Renasant Debit Mastercard
- Unlimited check writing
Renasant Bank has over 20 branches in the state of Tennessee in cities including Franklin, Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and many others.
Select Seven Credit Union offers their Second Chance Checking account to anyone struggling to open a traditional checking account due to past financial difficulties. This account includes many features from a traditional option and can help you get back on your feet.
Second Chance Checking includes a free Visa check card, checks for purchase, and optional courtesy pay for those that are approved. To open the account, you will need to deposit at least $50 and pay a $10 service fee each month. After 12 months of good standing, they will waive the service fee altogether!
Select Seven CU extends membership to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Sullivan, or Hawkins Counties in Tennessee. You can also join if you have a family member who already has an account. They have branches located in Johnson City, and Kingsport for your convenience.
If you are looking for a membership in a credit union focused on getting you back on your feet, we recommend Staley Credit Union. Their Renew Checking is a simple checking option designed to help you monitor your money.
We like that SCU offers Renew Checking customers easy overdraft protection services. If you happen to be short on checking funds, SCU simply transfers funds from your savings account or your Staley Visa Credit Card to cover the overdraft. They also offer a CardValet service that helps you to stay in touch with your money through account alerts and monitoring.
You can open an account easily on their website or at their branch in London, Tennessee with a $50 opening deposit. SCU checking accounts feature:
- A debit card with EMV chip technology
- Free access to Staley Online and Mobile Banking
- Low $7 monthly service fee
- Access to over 5,000 fee-free ATMs
Synovus Bank will approve your checking account application by looking at your credit report instead of ChexSystems. Their friendly account specialists can help guide your checking account choice, but we recommend their Free Checking account as a good starting point to rebuilding your checking history.
With Synovus, you receive full access to your accounts through newly designed online experiences and an easy-to-use mobile app. All Synovus personal checking accounts come with:
- Free unlimited ATM transactions at Synovus and Publix Presto! ATMs
- Free Visa debit card with no annual fee
- Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay compatibility
- Overdraft protection options
You can apply online or in person. Synovus Bank has 11 branch locations across Tennessee with more popular locations in Brentwood, Chattanooga, Franklin, Goodlettsville, Hixon, and Nashville.
The Tennessee Credit Union offers an account designed for those who have had past credit or overdraft problems. The account is called Restart Checking and its goal is to help you rebuild your credit history and work toward a successful financial future.
With Restart Checking, it’s important to note that they still use ChexSystems during the application process. If you have a record with ChexSystems but it’s not too severe, you may still be able to qualify for this account. Once you’re approved, the account comes with a free debit card and has an $8 monthly service fee. You will also need to deposit $25 into a savings account during the setup process.
There are several different ways to become a member at The Tennessee CU. To learn more, visit their website or one of their many branches in Nashville, Goodlettsville, Brentwood, Gallatin, Cookeville, Knoxville, Morristown, and Johnson City!
Right Start Checking from UNIFY Financial Credit Union is perfect for those starting out with a new checking account. You can easily open a UNIFY account online or in-person with a $25 deposit. You aren’t required to have a minimum balance or direct deposit for this opportunity to build a positive checking account history.
All UNIFY checking accounts offer:
- No monthly service fees or per-check fees
- Free online eBanking
- Free Visa debit card
- Free UNIFY ATM access
- Free online eStatements
UNIFY Financial CU has one branch in Tennessee located in Collegedale. They’re also in-network with several shared co-op branches across the state for your convenience.
In lieu of ChexSystems, United Southeast Federal Credit Union utilizes Telecheck when screening new applicants. If your main issue has been with ChexSystems banks in the past, this may be a good alternative for you.
They offer their Premier Checking account that is loaded with nice features. In addition to identity theft protection services, you get one free box of checks per year and a Visa debit card to use for everyday purchases. This account also comes with online banking with mobile check deposit and has a low monthly service fee of $5.95.
To become a member at United Southeast FCU, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in Sullivan or Washington Counties. You can also join if you have an immediate family member who has an account with them. They have locations in Bristol and Johnson City.
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.
Opening an account is easy and Varo doesn’t check your credit or use ChexSystems. Varo doesn’t even require an initial deposit to open an account, either. There are never any monthly maintenance fees, account balance minimums, overdraft fees, foreign transaction fees, transfer fees, or debit card replacement fees.
Varo’s recent bank charter has them innovating more than ever. They have a very strong cashback program, a payroll advance option, and have started to offer their customers a secured credit card called Varo Believe.
Finally, if Varo receives a payroll notification before your payday, it can deposit your money more quickly than many banks.
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
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
1Eligibility requirements apply. Overdraft only applies to debit card purchases and cash withdrawals. Limits start at $20 and may be increased up to $200 by Chime. See chime.com/spotme.
2Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM. Cash deposit or other third-party fees may apply.
3Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
4Customers are limited to three $1,000 cash deposits at Walgreens each day and $10,000 each month.
5Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. The recipient must use a valid debit card to claim funds. Once you are approved for a Chime Checking Account, see your issuing bank’s Deposit Account Agreement for full Pay Anyone Transfers details. Please see the back of your Chime debit card for your issuing bank. See Terms and Conditions.
6The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of May 22, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.
7Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
1Family Accounts: Activated, personalized card required. Other fees apply to the additional account. Family members age 13 years and over are eligible. Limit 4 cards per account. See Deposit Account Agreement for details.
2Cash back, up to $75 per year, is credited to card balance at end of reward year and is subject to successful activation and other eligibility requirements. Redeem rewards using our website or app. You will earn cash back of three percent (3%) on qualifying purchases made at Walmart.com and in the Walmart app using your card or your card number, two percent (2%) at Walmart fuel stations, and one percent (1%) on qualifying purchases at Walmart stores in the United States (less returns and credits) posted to your Card during each reward year. Grocery delivery and pickup purchases made on Walmart.com or the Walmart app earn 1%. For the purposes of cash back rewards, a “reward year” is twelve (12) monthly periods in which you have paid your monthly fee or had it waived. See account agreement for details.
3Interest is paid annually on each enrollment anniversary based on the average daily balance of the prior 365 days, up to a maximum average daily balance of $1,000, if the account is in good standing and has a positive balance. 2.00% Annual Percentage Yield may change at any time before or after account is opened. Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of 3/1/2022.
4Direct Deposit: Early availability of direct deposit depends on timing of payroll’s payment instructions and fraud prevention restrictions may apply. As such, the availability or timing of early direct deposit may vary from pay period to pay period. Make sure the name and social security number on file with your employer or benefits provider matches what’s on your Walmart MoneyCard account exactly. We will not be able to deposit your payment if we are unable to match recipients.
5Opt-in required. $15 fee may apply to each eligible purchase transaction that brings your account negative. Balance must be brought to at least $0 within 24 hours of authorization of the first transaction that overdraws your account to avoid the fee. We require immediate payment of each overdraft and overdraft fee. Overdrafts paid at our discretion, and we do not guarantee that we will authorize and pay any transaction. Learn more about overdraft protection.
6No monthly fee with qualifying direct deposit, otherwise $5.94 a month. Waived when $500+ is loaded in the previous monthly period. First monthly fee occurs upon first use, the day after card activation or 90 days after card purchase, whichever is earlier.
