Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Alabama

Struggling to open a checking account in Alabama due to a negative ChexSystems listing?

While most banks use ChexSystems to review your banking history, there are some that don’t. Additionally, some banks offer second checking accounts.

Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in Alabama

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Alabama banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80.00% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

The SoFi Checking and Savings account provides a multitude of benefits, including no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges.

For a limited time, there’s an enticing sign-up bonus of up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits.

In addition, account holders can utilize 55,000 ATMs free of charge via the Allpoint® Network. Those establishing direct deposit can earn up to 3.80.00% APY on their savings and 0.50% APY on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

Current

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit just by using your debit card
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
  • Get paid up to 2 days faster

Current lets you open a mobile bank account without ChexSystems checks or credit pulls. It’s built for speed, flexibility, and getting your finances back on track.

You can build credit just by using your Current debit card—no loans, credit checks, or interest charges involved. There are no monthly or annual fees for this feature.

Current also offers fee-free overdraft protection up to $200, access to over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs, and no minimum balance requirements.

With a Premium account, you can get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Current also offers up to 4.00% APY through its Savings Pods, which lets you earn interest while keeping your money accessible.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 22 million downloads
  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

With Chime, bad banking history is not an issue. They offer an award-winning financial app, a checking account with a debit card, and a savings account, all with no credit check.

When you open a Chime Checking Account, you won’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, or minimum balance fees.

You can also start building your credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. It’s a secured credit card with no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges1.

Chime has over 60,0001 fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit2. You can also deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens.

Upgrade

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.02% APY on savings
  • Up to 2% cash back
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No monthly fees or overdraft fees

Upgrade doesn’t pull your ChexSystems report, but they do look at your credit report.

The Upgrade Rewards Checking account has no monthly fees and no overdraft fees. You’ll also get a free Visa debit card, and up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases.

The Upgrade Premier Savings account delivers an impressive 4.02% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

You’ll get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network, including Walgreens and CVS locations. Plus, checking account customers can qualify for up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

Alabama Credit Union

Alabama Credit Union offers the On-Track Checking account, which is available if you have trouble getting approved for their Free Checking account.

The monthly fee is $8. There’s no required opening deposit if you don’t sign up for direct deposit, but you’ll be required to deposit $75 into a savings account.

You get all the same perks as ACU’s Free Checking account, including a free debit MasterCard, and you can even earn rewards points each time you use your debit card.

You’re also able to manage your account online and through the ACUmBranch app. Alabama Credit Union has branch locations in cities like Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery, giving you plenty of options for in-person banking.

Avadian City Credit Union

Avadian’s eChecking account is designed to help rebuild your banking and credit history.

As the name implies, you don’t get access to paper checks with the e-Checking account, but instead, get a free Visa debit card.

You get unlimited debit transactions and don’t have to worry about maintaining a minimum balance. It takes just a $25 deposit to open the account. While the $7 monthly fee can be waived, it takes a hefty $2,500 account minimum to be eligible.

Avadian Credit Union is located throughout Birmingham and the surrounding areas. You can also find branches in Mobile, Dothan, Geneva, Madison, and Huntsville.

Azalea City Credit Union

You can apply for the Opportunity Draft account as Azalea City’s version of second chance checking.

In addition to a free debit card, you also get unlimited check writing, online account access, and rewards program access.

There’s no minimum balance, but you do have to pay a monthly fee in addition to a $5 new account fee.

If you have a share account balance of less than $25, you’ll have to pay an additional $5 fee. Azalea City has two locations in Mobile and one location in Calvert, Alabama.

Central State Bank

Central State Bank reportedly does not use ChexSystems as part of the approval process for checking accounts, so it may be worth trying out.

Their most basic account is called Central Checking. It requires a steep $100 minimum opening deposit, but there’s no monthly fee. Plus, you get a debit card, check writing, and unlimited bill pay.

If you travel, you can even get reimbursed for foreign ATM fees if you submit them within 30 days. There’s also more day-to-day services available, such as mobile check deposit and Apple Pay.

The main branch of Central State Bank is located in Calera, with additional locations in Limestone, Pelham, and Alabaster.

Family Security Credit Union

You can re-establish your checking history with Family Security’s ‘Give Me a Break’ account.

When you open your account, you’ll receive a packet with resources on budgeting and financial management. You also get a free consultation with a financial counselor.

The monthly fee for this account is $10, but there’s no minimum balance required. When you deposit checks, you’ll be subject to an extended hold, unless it’s issued by the government or from your employer’s payroll.

You also can’t use shared branching with this account. On the plus side, you can apply for a traditional account after 12 months of having no non-sufficient funds or negative balances.

Family Security Credit Union has branches across several Alabama cities, including Athens, Boaz, Cullman, Daphne, Decatur, Gardendale, Guntersville, Hartselle, Hazel Green, Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Moulton, Muscle Shoals, Priceville, Saraland, Stevenson, and Thomasville.

First National Bank

First National doesn’t use ChexSystems, EWS, or Telecheck.

They also offer the On Us Account, which is designed for those looking to rebuild their credit, especially if their e-funds score is below 586.

This account comes with a free debit card, free online banking with bill pay, and semi-annual credit counseling to support customers in improving their financial situation.

First National Bank has branch locations in Athens, Cullman, Huntsville, and Madison, making it convenient for many residents in Alabama.

Guardian Credit Union

Guardian Credit Union offers a Fresh Start Checking account with no monthly service fee and no minimum balance requirement.

The account includes a free debit card, online and mobile banking, e-statements, and access to an awards program. It’s a simple option for anyone looking to rebuild their banking history or avoid fees.

Overdraft protection and courtesy pay aren’t available until you upgrade to a different account.

Guardian Credit Union has branches in Montgomery, Prattville, Troy, and Wetumpka, making it accessible to many parts of central Alabama.

MAX Credit Union

MAX Credit Union is a non-ChexSystems bank in Alabama and uses EWS instead. There’s also no credit report pull as part of the application process.

The most straightforward account to apply for is the Standard Basic Checking. You need a valid ID, social security number, and email address to apply.

If you’re approved, the account comes with no minimum balance or per-check charges. The opening deposit requirement is at least $50, and there’s a $5 monthly fee.

However, the fee can be waived if you are a student under the age of 26 or if you use your debit card 15 times a month and receive one or more direct deposits or mobile deposits each month.

MAX has several locations throughout the greater Montgomery area, including branches in Prattville, Millbrook, and Wetumpka.

Renasant Bank

Renasant Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has built a reputation for being more lenient with negative records than other banks.

As long as there isn’t a history of fraud and the applicant does not owe any money to Renasant, you may still be able to open an account.

Renasant offers four checking options: Renasant Checking, Student Checking, Rewards Checking, and Rewards Extra.

All accounts come with online and mobile banking, including remote deposit, bill pay, a free Visa debit card, and Renasant’s Mobile Wallet, which supports Zelle, Apple Pay, Apple Pay Cash, and Google Pay.

Renasant Bank has branches in cities across Alabama, including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville, and Montgomery, providing convenient access for residents.

Synovus Bank

Instead of using ChexSystems, Synovus Bank relies on your Equifax credit report and credit score when considering your application. All applicants must have a credit score of at least 500 to be considered.

If accepted, you can choose from Free Checking, Preferred Account, or Gold Checking (for military members, there’s also the Military Interest Checking option).

Free Checking requires only a $100 deposit to open an account, with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Some account features include a Visa debit card, free online and mobile banking, and automatic bill pay.

Synovus Bank has branches across Alabama, including in Birmingham, Montgomery, and Auburn, providing easy access for customers.

United Bank

United Bank offers the Gateway Checking account, which is a second-chance account designed for individuals with poor credit scores or those who are just beginning to build their credit history.

The account includes a free Discover debit card with fraud protection, 24/7 online banking, and access to a nationwide network of ATMs.

While Bill Pay is available for $4.95 per month, there is a user-friendly smartphone app with mobile check deposit. The monthly maintenance fee for this account is $10.

After 12 months, you may request an upgrade to another account if no more than six NSF fees have occurred. United Bank has locations in cities such as Atmore, Brewton, and Monroeville.

West Alabama Bank

West Alabama Bank offers Fresh Start Checking for those who have had applications denied for traditional checking accounts.

You’ll need $100 to open the account, then you’ll pay a $10 monthly service fee.

Internet banking and bill pay are included with Fresh Start Checking, as are e-statements and mobile money.

West Alabama Bank has branches in several cities across Alabama, including Aliceville, Birmingham, Butler, Carrollton, Ethelsville, Fairhope, Fayette, Gordo, Livingston, Marion, Millport, Northport, Reform, Tuscaloosa, and Woodstock.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account designed to help individuals rebuild their banking history.

With over 700 branches in 17 states, including locations throughout Alabama in cities such as Huntsville, Birmingham, and Montgomery, Woodforest provides convenient access for customers seeking a fresh start with a new account.

Opening the account requires a minimum deposit of just $25, making it accessible for most individuals. There is also a one-time setup fee of $9 when the account is opened.

Afterward, the account comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $11.95, but this can be reduced to $9.95 by enrolling in direct deposit.

For those who prefer paper statements, there is a $3 monthly fee, but this can be waived entirely by opting for e-statements, allowing users to reduce costs and manage their account digitally.