Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Arkansas

Getting a checking account in Arkansas shouldn’t feel impossible—but if you’ve been reported to ChexSystems, it can be. Many banks automatically deny applicants with negative marks on their record.

The upside? Several banks in Arkansas either bypass ChexSystems completely or offer second chance accounts that are designed to help you get back on track.

10 Banks in Arkansas That Don’t Use ChexSystems

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

SoFi

Our Top Pick

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.

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

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.

Stash

Features & Benefits

  • No hidden fees
  • Earn stock as you spend with Stock-Back® rewards
  • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs through Allpoint®

Stash offers a checking account that doesn’t require a credit check or ChexSystems approval, making it accessible if you’ve faced banking challenges in the past.

Each time you use your Stash debit card, you earn Stock-Back® rewards—fractional shares of stock in the companies where you shop.

You can also receive your paycheck sooner with early direct deposit, and there are no overdraft fees to worry about.

The account includes access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and is managed through the Stash app, which also features investing and money management tools.

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.

Cadence Bank

Cadence Bank offers several checking accounts that don’t use ChexSystems.

The minimum opening deposits for these accounts range from $25 to $1,000, depending on the account type.

For some checking accounts, the monthly fee can be waived by meeting certain requirements.

These accounts come with basic features, including a free debit card, online banking, and bill pay services.

Cadence Bank has branches in several cities across Arkansas, including Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Conway, and Jonesboro.

Diamond Bank

Diamond Bank’s second chance checking account is called Diamond Encore. The minimum opening deposit is at $100, but there is some flexibility with the monthly fee.

It starts at $10, but can be reduced to $8 per month when you enroll in direct deposit. Once you reach 12 months with no insufficient funds, you can switch to another checking account at Diamond Bank.

In addition to an instant-issue debit card, you get unlimited check writing and online and mobile banking services, including mobile deposit.

You can find Diamond Bank locations in Glenwood, Mount Ida, Hot Springs, Murfreesboro, Dierks, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Mena, Hope, DeQueen, Ashdown, Russellville, and Texarkana.

First Service Bank

First Service Bank is a non-ChexSystems bank, and they also don’t use a credit report to approve new accounts.

There are multiple checking accounts available, including Earn Checking, Earn 50+ Checking, Reward Checking, and General Checking.

The most accessible account for most people is General Checking. You’ll need a $100 opening deposit, but you can easily get the $5 monthly fee waived by enrolling in e-statements.

You can find multiple First Service Bank branches across Arkansas, including Conway, Clinton, Dermott, Flippin, Greenbrier, Little Rock, Marshall, Mountain View, Shirley, and Yellville.

FSNB

FSNB offers banking without ChexSystems or credit checks, allowing for easy account opening with a minimum deposit of $5.

Checking account options include Advanced Checking with a $10.95 monthly fee, Career Checking and 50+ Checking, both free with a monthly direct deposit, and Basic Checking, which incurs a $6.50 fee if the balance drops below $100.

All accounts come with a Visa check card, free online and text banking with bill pay, and an interest-bearing option if you maintain a minimum balance.

Additional benefits include fee-free ATM transactions at FSNB locations, mobile banking, free e-statements, no charge for cashier’s checks and money orders, and one free box of standard checks every quarter.

FSNB has branch locations in Arkansas at the North Conway Walmart, Pine Bluff Walmart, and Russellville Walmart.

Hope Credit Union

Hope Credit Union uses ChexSystems, but they are not as strict with negative entries as other financial institutions.

As long as your credit score is at least 600, and you don’t owe any money to Hope Community, HCCU is likely to open an account.

Hope Credit Union offers five checking account options. Some of these accounts require a $25 minimum balance and have a $9.95 monthly fee, which is waived if the account balance reaches at least $200.

Checking accounts come with unlimited paperless transactions, free online and mobile banking, free eStatements, and overdraft protection options.

Hope Credit Union has branch locations in Arkansas at College Station, Little Rock, and West Memphis.

Southern Bancorp

Southern Bancorp is a non-ChexSystems bank that offers several checking account options, including the simple and accessible Freedom Checking account.

It’s designed for individuals who want to reestablish their banking history with minimal barriers.

The account requires a $100 opening deposit, and the $2.95 monthly fee is waived when you enroll in e-statements.

While it’s a basic account, it covers the essentials and provides a reliable way to manage your money without unnecessary extras.

Southern Bancorp operates more than 20 branches across Arkansas, with locations in cities such as Arkadelphia, Helena, Hot Springs, and Little Rock, making it a convenient choice for many residents in the state.