Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Arizona

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC.
• Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $25, and the monthly service fee is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

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.

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 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 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.

It offers a low monthly maintenance fee of either $5 if you choose e-statements or $7 if you prefer paper statements, providing a flexible option depending on your needs.

While you won’t qualify for check writing services or overdraft protection with this account, there are still several key features to take advantage of.

You can purchase money orders, utilize online banking, and access bill pay services. Additionally, eAccount holders enjoy free ATM withdrawals at Gold Key ATMs.

1st Convenience Bank serves Arizona with branch locations in cities like Cottonwood, Kingman, Mesa, Phoenix, and Tucson.

Their Go Checking account comes with no monthly fee and no minimum balance requirement. You’ll also get free e-statements, online banking, and bill pay.

With over 80,000 ATMs available for free across the country, the account offers a daily withdrawal limit of $500. The Go Checking debit card allows for up to $3,000 in purchases and $1,000 for point-of-sale purchases using your PIN.

America First Credit Union serves Arizona residents with branches in cities like Goodyear, Mesa, Page, St. Johns, and Tempe.

The credit union offers two checking account options: Premier Checking, which has a $9 monthly service fee (waived under specific conditions), and Free Checking with no monthly fee.

Both accounts provide key features such as overdraft services, mobile banking, and access to a free Visa debit card.

Arizona Financial Credit Union has branches in multiple cities across the state, including Phoenix, Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Surprise.

This account provides all the same benefits as a regular checking account but with closer monitoring. If any financial trouble is detected, Banner FCU will reach out to assist.

After maintaining good standing for a year, members can apply to upgrade to a regular checking account.

Banner Federal has branches located in several Arizona cities, including Glendale, Mesa, and Phoenix.

It includes a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and bill pay services. You also get access to over 32,000 ATMs nationwide and can request one overdraft fee refund per year.

The minimum opening deposit is $50, and you can avoid the $1.50 monthly paper statement fee by opting for e-statements. After a year of managing the account responsibly, you may qualify for an upgrade to a standard checking account.

BOK Financial has branches in Arizona, including Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tucson.

This account allows for 50 free transactions each month, with a fee of $0.20 for each transaction beyond that limit. You also get access to services like mobile banking.

After successfully managing your Second Chance Checking account for 12 months, you may be eligible to switch to another checking option offered by First American Community Credit Union.

First American Community Credit Union has locations in Sells and Casa Grande.

With a low monthly fee of $10, this account provides access to unlimited check writing, over 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, a debit card, mobile access, remote deposit, and alerts and notifications.

If you’ve been denied by other banks due to past credit issues, Pima Federal’s Fresh Start Checking is tailored to help you regain access to essential banking services.

Pima Federal Credit Union serves Arizona residents with locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, Green Valley, and Springerville.

There are branch locations throughout the state, in and around Flagstaff, Prescott, Phoenix, and Safford. Check out the Arizona Checking Account, providing you with access to both online banking and text alerts.

There’s a $7 monthly fee, but you can get it waived with one of the following:

• one direct deposit each month of at least $100
• at least 10 purchases with your debit card each month
• a $2,000 aggregate average daily balance of loans and deposits through OneAZ.

It’s a bank worth getting your foot in the door to because a checking account with SunWest comes with many perks.

For starters, SunWest doesn’t require a monthly service fee, nor is there a minimum balance. Furthermore, they offer multiple overdraft protection options, free unlimited checking, and free mobile banking.

If you eventually get a Premier checking account and maintain a daily balance of $1,000 or more, you can get paid dividends each month.

• Over 18 years old
• Don’t have a current balance because of TFCU charge-off
• Don’t have a current delinquency with TFCU
• Don’t have a history of fraudulent activity on your ChexSystems account
• Don’t have any balances owed on your ChexSystems account

An account with TFCU comes with many benefits similar to a traditional checking account.

By maintaining a good standing with TFCU, you will be upgraded to a standard checking account after one year. Additionally, you may be eligible to apply for a credit card at this time if desired.

With this account, you get free online banking and bill pay, free access to in-network ATMs for both withdrawals and deposits, as well as a free debit card with direct deposit.

After a year has elapsed, account holders are encouraged to contact Tucson Old Pueblo and inquire about getting access to one of their standard checking accounts.

Once you’ve strengthened your financial history, you’ll likely be able to jump over to either their Nickel-Back or classic checking accounts (neither of which has a monthly fee).

With a low $25 initial deposit and a $4 monthly maintenance fee, this account offers essential banking features such as online and mobile banking, person-to-person payments, and no minimum balance requirements.

There are no overdraft or nonsufficient funds fees, and after building a positive account history, you can upgrade to a traditional checking account.

WaFd Bank has branches in cities like Gilbert, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa, Phoenix, Prescott Valley, Scottsdale, Show Low, Surprise, Tucson, and more throughout Arizona.

Western State Bank offers four types of checking accounts: Free Checking, Future Checking, VIP Checking, and VIP Plus Checking.

All of these accounts come with benefits such as free bill pay, free direct deposit, free identity theft protection, free online and mobile banking, and free Telebank services.

Western State Bank serves Arizona residents with branches in Casa Grande, Chandler, Deer Valley, Mesa, Scottsdale, and Sun City.