Second Chance Checking Accounts in Alabama

Getting denied for a checking account can be discouraging—especially if past banking issues are still showing up in your record. Many banks in Alabama use tools like ChexSystems to screen applicants, making it harder to open an account after overdrafts, unpaid fees, or negative marks.

Fortunately, some banks offer second chance checking accounts, giving you another opportunity to manage your money and rebuild your banking history.

11 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Alabama

Below is a list of second chance banks and credit unions in Alabama that can help you open a new account, even if your banking history isn’t perfect.

Current

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit automatically with your debit card activity
  • No monthly fees or minimum deposit required
  • Over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide
  • Early direct deposit—get paid up to 2 days sooner

Current gives you a simple way to open a checking account without ChexSystems or credit checks. You can start building credit by using your debit card for everyday purchases—no loans, hard inquiries, or interest involved.

There’s no minimum balance to maintain, no hidden fees, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs across the U.S.

Current’s Premium account also includes early direct deposit and Savings Pods that earn up to 4.00% APY, helping your money grow without sacrificing flexibility.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances
  • Access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

SoFi’s Checking and Savings account is designed to help you keep more of your money. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimums to worry about.

Set up direct deposit, and you can unlock a sign-up bonus of up to $300, plus earn a competitive 3.80% APY on your savings. Checking accounts earn 0.50% APY as well.

You’ll also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • Optional secured credit card to help build credit

Chime makes it easy to open a checking account, even if your banking history isn’t perfect. There are no monthly fees, no foreign transaction charges, and no minimum balance required.

You can also boost your credit with the Chime Credit Builder Visa®—a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

Azalea City Credit Union

The Opportunity Draft account from Azalea City Credit Union gives you another shot at checking. You’ll receive a free debit card, unlimited check writing, and access to online banking and rewards.

There’s no minimum balance to maintain, but expect a monthly service fee along with a one-time $5 setup charge.

If your share account balance falls below $25, a $5 low-balance fee applies. Azalea City has two branches in Mobile and one in Calvert, AL.

Family Security Credit Union

The ‘Give Me a Break’ account from Family Security Credit Union is designed to help rebuild your banking record.

It comes with financial tools, including budgeting resources and a one-on-one consultation with a financial counselor.

The account has no minimum balance requirement but carries a $10 monthly fee. Be aware that deposited checks may face extended holds unless they’re from payroll or government sources.

Shared branching isn’t included, but after a full year of responsible account management, you may qualify for a standard checking account.

Family Security operates locations throughout Alabama, including cities like Huntsville, Madison, Mobile, Decatur, Athens, Muscle Shoals, and many others.

Guardian Credit Union

Guardian Credit Union’s Fresh Start Checking gives you simple access to banking with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirement.

You’ll get a free debit card, online and mobile banking, e-statements, and access to the Guardian Rewards program. Overdraft protection and courtesy pay become available if you upgrade your account down the line.

Branches are available in Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and Troy.

Gulf Winds Credit Union

Gulf Winds offers the MyOpportunity Checking account for those looking to rebuild their banking history. You can open the account with a $25 deposit, and there’s a $10.95 monthly service fee.

The account includes a free debit card, online banking, and access to bill pay services. It’s designed to give members a second chance while providing the convenience of digital banking.

Gulf Winds has branches in Alabama cities including Mobile and Daphne, making it accessible for many residents along the Gulf Coast.

Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union

Jefferson Financial offers a Second Chance Checking account for individuals who have struggled to get approved for traditional accounts.

The account comes with a free debit card, online and mobile banking, and bill pay access. There’s a $11.95 monthly service fee, but no minimum balance is required.

Jefferson Financial has branch locations throughout Alabama, including Birmingham and surrounding areas, providing accessible banking options for those looking to start fresh.

United Bank

United Bank’s Gateway Checking is made for people working to rebuild their credit or establish financial stability.

This account includes a free Discover debit card with built-in fraud protection, 24/7 online access, mobile check deposit, and nationwide ATM availability.

There’s a $10 monthly fee, and optional bill pay is available for $4.95 per month. If you keep your account in good standing for 12 months with no more than six NSF occurrences, you can request an upgrade.

United Bank serves Alabama communities including Atmore, Brewton, and Monroeville.

West Alabama Bank

Fresh Start Checking from West Alabama Bank offers a second chance for anyone turned down for a standard account.

A $100 opening deposit is required, along with a $10 monthly service fee. The account includes internet banking, bill pay, mobile money access, and e-statements to help manage your funds.

You’ll find West Alabama Bank branches in numerous cities, including Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Fairhope, Northport, Reform, Aliceville, and Woodstock.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank provides Second Chance Checking to help you regain access to traditional banking.

You can open the account with just $25, along with a one-time $9 setup fee. The regular monthly service fee is $11.95, but this drops to $9.95 with direct deposit enrollment.

Paper statements are optional for $3 per month, but switching to e-statements eliminates this fee entirely. Woodforest operates over 700 branches in 17 states, including locations in Alabama cities like Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville.