LetMeBank is committed to helping you improve your financial standing. Whether it's opening a bank account or getting approved for a loan, we believe your credit history and/or past banking experiences shouldn't stand in the way. That reason alone is why we exist. We personally understand the frustration that can arise from being on the bad-side of ChexSystems, or getting disapproved for that life-changing loan just because you missed a payment 2 years ago.
But how are we able to offer viable solutions and advice to you free of charge? If banks or lenders that we trust allow us to, we use a special link that informs them that the visitor on their site originated from us. If you end up signing up or applying for a quote, we will potentially get commission in return.
How does this effect you? Well, we make sure that it doesn't. We will NEVER rank or suggest a bank or lender due to their willingness to pay us. We are not for sale. We will always offer our honest opinions, and vow to give you the best advice that we are capable of providing to you. You are the reason we do this, you are what matters to us.
Having a bank account is essential for managing everyday financial transactions, such as receiving salaries, paying bills, and saving for the future. So, when a bank denies your application, it can be frustrating.
A history of unpaid overdrafts or bounced checks can get you blacklisted at most major banks if you’re listed in ChexSystems. However, even with bad credit, you still have options.
Top 10 Bank Accounts for Bad Credit
Here are ten of the best checking accounts for people with bad credit. With just a few clicks, you can open a bank account online in less than 5 minutes with these banks.
U.S. Bank is currently welcoming new customers in 26 U.S. states with a special online bonus offer:
Earn up to $1,000 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and a Standard Savings account and complete qualifying activities. Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through October 31, 2023. Member FDIC.
Applicant must reside in AZ, AR, CA, CO, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NM, NC, ND, OH, OR, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, WY to be eligible for Checking account.
The account comes with a free Visa 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 an account with them.
The minimum deposit to open this account is just $25, and the monthly service charge is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum account balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.
Sign-up bonus up to $250 with qualifying direct deposits
No monthly fee
Earn up to 4.50% APY on savings
Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs
The SoFi Checking and Savings account offers a range of advantages, such no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or no monthly fees.
Currently, there’s an attractive limited-time offer – a sign-up bonus that could reach as high as $250 provided you make qualifying direct deposits.
In addition, account holders have access to 55,000 ATMs at no cost via the Allpoint® Network. If you set up direct deposit, you’ll be eligible to earn 4.20% APY on savings and 1.20% on checking accounts.
Those who opt for direct deposit can further benefit from advanced access to their paychecks – up to two days earlier. Plus, when you transact using the SoFi debit card at local businesses, you can earn as much as 15% cash back.
With Chime, a negative 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 credit with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card7. It’s a secured credit card with no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges1.
With Chime, you get free access to over 60,0001 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.
Current is a fintech 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. You also get free cash withdrawals at over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs with your Current debit card, and there is no minimum balance or hidden fees.
Additionally, you can 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.
GO2bank is a neobank provided by Green Dot. You can open an online checking account with subaccounts called vaults, all without requiring a minimum balance.
Furthermore, GO2bank offers a competitive 4.50% APY on savings accounts for up to $5,000 in savings. You can easily access your funds at 90,000 retail locations for cash deposits and 19,000 ATMs for free cash withdrawals.
In addition, you can receive their pay up to 2 sooner and government benefits up to 4 days early with direct deposit.
You can opt for overdraft protection of up to $200 with eligible direct deposits, providing them with peace of mind.
GO2bank also provides the GO2bank Secured Visa Credit Card, which can assist you in building your credit over time through responsible use.
The monthly fee of $5 is waived when you receive payroll or government benefits via direct deposit in the previous monthly statement period.
Chase offers a checking account called Chase Secure Banking that you can apply for without a credit check. The account comes with a Chase debit card that gets you access to over 16,000 ATMs for free.
Some features of this account include free online bill pay, free money orders and cashier’s checks, no overdraft fees, and no minimum opening deposit. However, there is also a monthly service fee of $4.95.
When you open a new account and make 10 qualifying purchases within 60 days, you’ll get a $100 cash bonus.
Account approval is immediate, and the debit card typically arrives within days.
The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that acts much like a checking account.
This card has a cash back rewards program, that offers 3% cash back when shopping at Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart fuel stations, and 1% at Walmart stores, up to $75 each year.
Additionally, users can benefit from the overdraft protection feature, which offers peace of mind with three coverage levels, up to $200, for purchase transactions with opt-in and eligible direct deposits.
Another great benefit of the Walmart MoneyCard is the ASAP Direct Deposit feature, which enables users to get their pay up to two days before payday and their benefits up to four days before benefits day with Early Direct Deposit.
You can also earn 2% APY on savings, with chances to win cash prizes each month. The monthly fee of 5.94 can be waived with direct deposit of $500 or more in the previous monthly period.
$150 bonus with direct deposit and use of Albert debit card
55,000 fee-free ATMs
Albert has just about everything you’d want in a checking account. There’s no minimum deposit to open an account. All funds are insured up to $250,000 through federally backed FDIC protection.
You get a free Mastercard debit card that comes with $200 overdraft protection and cashback rewards. You also get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and you can get your paycheck up to 2 days early.
If you qualify for membership to Navy Federal Credit Union, you won’t have to worry about them using ChexSystems. To become a member, you need to be either on active duty or retired from the U.S. military.
There are two free checking accounts from Navy FCU, one of which is Active Duty Checking. There’s no monthly fee, but you’ll need to receive direct deposits from the military.
If you do, you’ll get access to those deposited funds one business day earlier than usual. You also get $20 a month in ATM free rebates.
The other free account from Navy FCU is called EveryDay Checking. It’s a basic account that doesn’t come with any direct deposit requirements.
Even if you’ve had trouble applying for a bank account in the past, you may be eligible to open a Fresh Start Checking account at First American.
This account has no minimum balance requirement. Account holders get free mobile and online banking, and a Mastercard debit card. They also do have some physical locations.
Most branches are in the Chicago area, but they’ve also opened a location in Coral Gables, Florida.
Woodforest National Bank has over 760 branch locations in 17 states. They understand the importance of financial inclusivity and offer a “Second Chance” checking account for those who have experienced previous bank account challenges.
This account is designed to help customers rebuild their financial standing and regain access to essential banking services.
With an opening deposit of just $25, the Second Chance account is an accessible option for anyone looking to improve their financial situation.
The account has a monthly maintenance fee of $9.95 with monthly direct deposits or $11.95 without it, and a one-time account setup fee of $9.00.
To open this account, you must visit a Woodforest National Bank branch.
Bank OZK is a regional bank with a significant presence in the U.S., boasting 240 branches in states like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
One of their key offerings is the second chance checking account called OZK Pathway Checking. It’s specifically designed for customers with a negative bank history.
This account allows you to rebuild your financial standing while still having access to essential banking services.
The monthly service fee is $10, and it requires a minimum opening deposit of $50.
BOK Financial’s Opportunity Banking is a checking account designed to provide customers with safe, affordable banking services, regardless of their financial background.
With no overdraft fees, a low monthly fee of only $5, and a low opening deposit requirement, this account offers all the perks of a traditional checking account while remaining affordable and accessible.
Opportunity Banking offers a free Visa® Debit Card, free online and mobile access with bill pay and mobile deposit, and access to over 32,000 ATMs nationwide.
The account also features QuickSave, a tool designed to help customers save money faster by automatically transferring a chosen amount into savings with every qualifying debit card purchase or online bill pay transaction.
Cadence Bank has branches across Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas.
They provide a range of bank account options to accommodate the unique financial needs of its customers.
Among their offerings are a student checking, high yield checking, and a senior checking account.
By offering tailored personal and business banking solutions, Cadence Bank aims to create lasting relationships and contribute positively to the financial well-being of the communities it serves.
FSNB, formerly known as Fort Sill National Bank, offers a checking account option for those who have been reported to ChexSystems.
With no credit checks for new applicants, customers can open an account with a minimum deposit of just $5.
However, to avoid paying a monthly $5.50 statement fee, a balance of at least $75 must be maintained.
With this account, you can enjoy benefits such as a Visa debit card and free online banking services.
With these features, FSNB is a viable option for those who are looking to rebuild their banking history and maintain their finances with a trusted institution.
HomeStreet Bank, a customer-oriented regional bank with branches in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
HomeStreet Bank caters to different customer needs by offering a variety of personal checking accounts with no credit check.
From the Free Checking account with no monthly service charge to the Interest Checking account designed to help your money grow, HomeStreet Bank provides accessible banking services for everyone.
The Bank On Checking option is ideal for those new to banking or with a negative checking history, as it has no overdraft fees and a low monthly fee.
Liberty Savings Bank is a community bank with branches in Colorado, Florida, and Ohio.
They offer a solution for individuals with past banking issues through their Clean Slate Checking account.
This account caters to individuals who have been reported to ChexSystems three times or fewer for account abuse, providing them with the opportunity to improve their financial standing and start anew.
MidWest America Federal Credit Union (MAFCU) has branches in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, and offers a range of options to suit different customer needs.
With no monthly fees and easy management through digital banking and their mobile app, the Freedom Checking account is a convenient and hassle-free choice.
This account offers overdraft protection, no “per check” charges, and there’s no minimum balance required.
For customers looking for added benefits, the Reward Checking account offers premium interest rates and ATM fee refunds.
UNIFY Financial Federal Credit Union is a solid option for those who want to avoid ChexSystems.
They offer four different checking accounts to fit different needs, including free checking with no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement, interest-earning checking, and a high-yield checking account.
Members can also enjoy access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide through the CO-OP Network.
Additionally, UNIFY offers online and mobile banking, mobile check deposit, and bill pay services to make banking more convenient.
Mountain West Bank offers a range of personal checking accounts designed to meet various financial needs and preferences.
Each new account comes with a suite of complimentary services, such as a standard VISA® Debit Card, mobile and online banking, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and eStatements with online check images.
Additional perks include check images with statements, a free thank-you gift upon account opening, and buyback of unused checks and debit cards from other financial institutions.
Their checking account options cater to different customer requirements: Totally Free Checking, Easy Interest Checking, 50+ Interest Checking, and Premier Interest Checking.
With no minimum initial deposit for all accounts and varying interest-bearing options, Mountain West Bank ensures its checking accounts provide convenience and flexibility to help customers achieve their financial goals.
Synovus Bank is a non-ChexSystems bank that is committed to delivering a personal touch to banking, ensuring a seamless experience for customers throughout the Southeast.
Their personal checking accounts come with various useful features. Customers can enjoy unlimited fee-free transactions at Synovus ATMs and Publix® Presto!® ATMs.
Additionally, a contactless Synovus Visa® debit card is provided with no annual or monthly fees.
Deposits are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000, providing customers with a secure and reliable banking experience.
If you’re looking for a bank account in West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, or Washington DC and have been denied because of your banking history, United Bank might be a great option for you.
United Bank does not use ChexSystems or Early Warning Services to approve applicants. They offer three different checking accounts to choose from.
The United Free Checking option has no monthly fees or account balance requirements.
You’ll need a $50 deposit to open an account, but thereafter, you’ll be able to enjoy all the benefits of having a bank account without worrying about fees or minimum balances.
Along with keeping you from accessing basic financial products like checking accounts, a bad credit score can also wreak havoc on your day-to-day life. Here are some reasons why having a bank account is essential:
Effortlessly pay bills online, avoiding late fees and streamlining the process.
Cash and deposit checks without incurring additional fees.
Conveniently withdraw cash from ATMs using a debit card.
Gain access to essential banking services, such as checking and savings accounts, money market accounts, CDs, debit and credit cards, loans, and more.
Transfer money easily between bank accounts or to other individuals, simplifying transactions and payments.
Bypass the inconvenience and high costs associated with check-cashing stores.
Eliminate the need for prepaid debit cards, which often come with hefty fees.
Not having a bank account can be costly and have a negative effect on your credit score. Not only is it inconvenient, but can also be unsafe. Being able to store your money where it’s insured is much better than hiding it elsewhere.
What is a checking account for bad credit?
Checking accounts for bad credit, also known as second chance checking accounts, are specialized financial products designed by banks and credit unions to cater to individuals with poor credit history, prior banking issues, or negative records in ChexSystems. These financial institutions understand that everyone deserves access to essential banking services and a second chance to rebuild their financial footing.
Bad credit checking accounts often come with certain features, such as low or no minimum balance requirements and account monitoring tools, to help customers manage their finances more effectively. Additionally, some banks and credit unions provide financial education resources and personalized support to guide account holders in making informed decisions and improving their financial health.
By offering bank accounts to people with bad credit, financial institutions help customers achieve financial recovery, stability, and eventually, access to more traditional banking products.
Apply at a financial institution that doesn’t use ChexSystems.
Disputing ChexSystems
It’s possible to get out of ChexSystems if you file a dispute with ChexSystems. If you win the dispute, your record will be clean and you can open a checking or savings account online or at any bank or credit union you choose.
Second Chance Banking
Some banks and credit unions offer their customers a second chance. They’re aware of your bad banking history, but they’re still willing to give you a second chance checking account.
Second chance checking accounts typically come with a monthly maintenance fee and other account fees. However, they usually give you an opportunity to upgrade to a traditional checking account with no monthly fees after 12 months of good account management.
Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
While most financial institutions pull your ChexSystems record, there are some banks that don’t use ChexSystems. These banks aren’t necessarily targeting people looking for a bank account with bad credit, they just don’t look at their customers’ banking history. The banks that offer these checking accounts are typically the best for people having trouble getting a bank account.
No matter which option you choose, the convenience of having a checking and savings account will be worth it as it will make your life much simpler.
Tips for Choosing the Right Bad Credit Checking Account
When considering a bad credit checking account, it’s important to know what services and features you should expect. These bank accounts are designed to help individuals with bad credit or past banking mistakes, so they often come with specific features to support customers in rebuilding their financial standing. Here are some essential services to look for in a bad credit checking account:
Low or no minimum balance required: Many bad credit checking accounts have low or no balance requirements, making it easier to maintain their accounts without the stress of meeting high balance thresholds.
Reasonable monthly fees: While some checking accounts for bad credit may have monthly fees, they should be reasonable and transparent. Many online banks don’t have fees, offer to waive these fees, such as through direct deposit or maintaining a specific account balance.
Online and mobile banking: Access to online and mobile banking is essential for managing your finances conveniently. These services allow you to monitor your account balance, transfer money, pay bills, and deposit checks remotely, enabling you to stay on top of your finances with ease.
Debit card access: Most backs will provide you with a debit card for ATM withdrawals and everyday purchases. Using a debit card can help you avoid expensive check-cashing services or prepaid debit cards with high fees.
Overdraft protection: Overdraft protection can help you avoid costly overdraft fees and declined transactions. Some checking accounts offer optional overdraft protection services, such as linking a savings account or a line of credit to cover any overdrafts.
Non-ChexSystems Banks by State
Looking for more information and additional options available in your area? Select your state from the list below to explore your options.
Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.; Members FDIC. Credit Builder card issued by Stride Bank, N.A.
1. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply with Chime except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.
2. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. Chime generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.
7. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.
