Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Alaska

Tired of getting declined for a bank account in Alaska? If your name’s in ChexSystems, you’re not alone. Many banks use this database to flag people with unpaid fees or past account closures.

Luckily, some banks in Alaska don’t use ChexSystems at all. Others offer second chance checking accounts that give you a fresh start—even if your banking history isn’t perfect.

9 Banks in Alaska That Don’t Use ChexSystems

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.

Current

Our Top Pick

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 doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

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.