Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Alabama

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 ATM 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 4.69% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

Upgrade is partnered with Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and your funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. With an Upgrade checking account, you can also get up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

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 are entitled to an annual percentage yield (APY) of 4.50% on their savings and 0.50% on checking accounts.

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

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. The company does not use ChexSystems or pull your credit report, and they have a lot to offer.

With Current, your everyday purchases can now shape your financial future. Simply by swiping your debit card, you can build credit. No loans or credit checks needed. There are also no monthly or annual fees for this service.

A Current mobile bank account includes fee-free overdraft protection of up to $200. Account holders also get access to over 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs with your Current debit card, and there is no minimum balance or hidden fees.

You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit with a Current Premium account. Plus, Current offers up to 4.00% APY with Current Savings Pods.

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.

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers an attractive banking solution that goes beyond traditional constraints, providing members with a combination of high-yield interest and multiple financial incentives across its platforms.

With the First Tech Rewards Checking & Savings accounts, there are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees.

These accounts offer competitive interest rates, with the potential to earn up to 4.00% APY on both checking and savings accounts, depending on the balance—significantly higher than many conventional banks.

Additionally, First Tech offers extensive accessibility with over 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs nationwide for fee-free withdrawals.

The credit union also ensures enhanced financial security and flexibility with features like real-time fraud monitoring and free overdraft transfers.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.