Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Alaska

Struggling to open a checking account in Alaska 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 Alaska

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

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.14% 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 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 4.14% 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.

SoFi

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.00% 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 4.00% 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
  • No credit check or ChexSystems

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.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 14.5 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.

First Tech Federal Credit Union

Features & Benefits

  • Up to $300 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
  • Earn up to 3.50% APY
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs

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 3.50% 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.

MAC Federal Credit Union

You can qualify for an account with MAC Federal even with a ChexSystems record. However, everything must be paid, and you can’t have any fraud on your report.

For an easy-to-access account, try eChecking, which comes with no minimum balance. You also get online banking, mobile app access, and bill pay. Plus, you can earn 2.00% APY on balances up to $10,000.

To become a member of MAC Federal, you’ll need to live, work, worship, or attend school in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Denali Borough, or Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

MAC FCU has locations in Fairbanks, Ft. Wainwright, Palmer, and Wasilla.

Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union

If your ChexSystems record is clear of fraud and fully paid, you may qualify for a share draft checking account with Matanuska Valley Federal. This account has no monthly fees and requires only a $25 minimum balance to maintain.

To open an account, simply visit a branch with a valid ID. Eligibility is open to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Alaska.

MVFCU branch locations are available in Big Lake, Eagle River, Palmer, Sunshine, Wasilla, and Willow.

Northrim Bank

Northrim Bank is a non-ChexSystems bank that will likely qualify you for a checking account. There are several account options, including Simple, Direct, Power, and President’s Club.

The Simple Checking account has no monthly fee but requires a $100 opening deposit. There is a $5.95 monthly fee for bill pay, but you can get up to $10 in ATM fee reimbursements each month.

Northrim Bank has several branches across Alaska, including locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, Fairbanks, Juneau, Ketchikan, Sitka, Soldotna, and Wasilla.

Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union

As long as your ChexSystems record is clear of unpaid balances and fraud, you can qualify for a savings account with Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union.

For a checking account, approval from a branch supervisor may be required, so it’s a good idea to apply in person at a branch.

The Simple Checking account has no minimum balance requirement, and the $5 monthly fee can be waived by maintaining a $250 balance. Most account holders qualify for a debit card, overdraft protection, and unlimited checks.

Membership is open to those who live, work, or worship in the Fairbanks North Star Borough. There are three branch locations in Fairbanks.

True North Federal Credit Union

True North Federal Credit Union offers a second chance checking account called True Options Checking, specifically designed for individuals who need to rebuild their checking history.

This account provides a valuable opportunity to get back on track while still accessing essential banking services.

The account comes with a $10 monthly fee, and account holders may be approved for a MasterCard debit card. In addition to standard banking services, True North Federal Credit Union provides online and mobile banking.

TNFCU has branches in Anchorage and Juneau.

Wells Fargo

If you’re unable to open a standard checking account with Wells Fargo, you may still be eligible for their Clear Access Banking account.

This second chance account is designed for those who might not qualify for traditional banking options due to past financial difficulties.

The account comes with a monthly fee of $5, which can only be waived if the primary account holder is between the ages of 13 and 24.

To open the account, a minimum deposit of $25 is required. Once established, you’ll have access to a range of convenient features, including online bill pay and mobile banking.

Additionally, customers can take advantage of Wells Fargo’s vast network of over 13,000 ATMs, available free of charge. For those in Alaska, Wells Fargo has branch locations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau.