Second Chance Checking Accounts in Arkansas

If you’ve had overdrafts, unpaid fees, or other negative marks in your banking history, getting approved for a new checking account in Arkansas can be tough. Many banks use ChexSystems or similar reporting tools to screen applicants, which can block your access to basic banking services.

Second chance checking accounts give you a way to open an account and start rebuilding your financial record.

10 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Arkansas

Below is a list of banks and credit unions in Arkansas that offer second chance checking options for those working to improve their banking history.

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.

BOK Financial

BOK Financial offers the Opportunity Banking account for those needing a second chance after being flagged by ChexSystems.

It includes online banking, mobile access, bill pay, and a debit card. You’ll pay $9.95 per month with direct deposit or $14.95 without. Paper statements cost $1.50 unless you opt for e-statements.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit, and customers can request one overdraft fee refund per year. After one year of responsible account management, you may qualify for an upgrade.

BOK Financial has locations in Fayetteville and Bentonville.

Diamond Bank

The Diamond Encore account is Diamond Bank’s second chance option, designed to help you rebuild after past banking issues.

You’ll need $100 to open the account, and the $10 monthly fee drops to $8 with direct deposit. Benefits include unlimited check writing, mobile deposit, and an instant-issue debit card.

Diamond Bank has branches throughout Arkansas, including Hot Springs, Glenwood, Nashville, Hope, Mena, and Texarkana.

First Community Bank

First Community Bank’s Fresh Start Checking is for those with negative banking history who want to regain access to traditional financial services.

The account requires $50 to open, and monthly fees are $8.50 with direct deposit or $11.50 without. You get unlimited check writing (checks available for purchase) and a free debit card, subject to approval.

Maintain the account in good standing for a year, and it automatically converts to Regular Checking. First Community Bank operates in cities like Little Rock, Batesville, Cabot, Conway, Jonesboro, and more.

Focus Bank

Fresh Start Checking from Focus Bank is designed to help customers rebuild their banking record.

The account comes with no minimum balance requirement, free digital banking with mobile check deposit, and a debit card. There’s a $7.95 monthly fee, but it drops to $5.95 with e-statements.

You can open the account with a $50 deposit. Focus Bank serves Arkansas communities including Paragould, Marmaduke, and Jonesboro.

Red River Credit Union

Red River Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking, providing essential banking access for those working to improve their financial standing.

You’ll get a free debit card, online banking, and surcharge-free ATM access within Red River’s network. The account has a $10 monthly maintenance fee, but no minimum balance is required.

Branches are located in Ashdown, Hope, Nashville, and Texarkana.

River Valley Community Federal Credit Union

Fresh Start Checking from River Valley Community FCU helps individuals with a ChexSystems record of less than $300 get back on track—provided any charge-offs have been paid.

The account has a $5 monthly fee and requires a $100 opening deposit, which is held for the first 30 days. After 12 months of no NSF activity, you may qualify for a standard checking account.

Membership is available to those who live, work, or worship in Ouachita, Calhoun, Columbia, Union, or Dallas counties.

UNIFY Financial Credit Union

UNIFY Financial CU offers Right Start Checking, designed for those rebuilding their banking history.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum balance, and you’ll get access to digital banking, mobile check deposit, and thousands of fee-free ATMs through the CO-OP network.

The account also includes financial resources to help you progress to other checking options over time.

Arkansas branch locations include Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale, Lowell, and Siloam Springs.