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 your salary, 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.
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.
Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
No monthly fee
Earn up to 4.00% 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 $300 provided you make qualifying direct deposits.
In addition, account holders have access to 55,000 ATMs at no cost via the Allpoint® Network. By setting up direct deposit, you’ll be eligible to earn up to 4.00% APY on savings and 0.50% on checking accounts. This option also provides advanced access to paychecks, up to two days earlier.
Current is an online bank that doesn’t 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, 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.
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.
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 account, 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.
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 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. This account includes access to over 16,000 ATMs for free.
Additional features include free online bill pay, money orders, cashier’s checks, no overdraft fees, and no minimum deposit. There is a monthly service fee of $4.95.
New account holders who make 10 qualifying purchases within the first 60 days will receive a $100 cash bonus. Account approval is immediate, and the Chase 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 early direct deposit feature, which enables users to get their pay up to two days before payday and their benefits up to four days early.
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.
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 with no opening deposit requirement or minimum balance requirement.
Woodforest National Bank operates over 760 branches across 17 states and prioritizes financial inclusivity with its “Second Chance” checking account, created for those facing previous banking challenges.
This account is designed to help individuals rebuild their financial footing and gain reliable access to everyday financial tools.
With a low opening deposit of $25, it’s an accessible choice for those working toward better financial health.
The Second Chance account has a monthly maintenance fee of $9.95 with direct deposits, or $11.95 without, plus a one-time setup fee of $9.00.
To open this account, customers must visit a Woodforest National Bank branch.
BOK Financial’s Opportunity Banking is a checking account created to offer customers a safe and affordable way to manage their finances, 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 offers a checking account option for those reported to ChexSystems, allowing new applicants to open an account without a credit check and with a low minimum deposit of just $5.
To avoid the $5.50 monthly statement fee, account holders need to maintain a balance of at least $75.
This account includes a Visa debit card, online account access, and a range of digital tools to make managing finances straightforward.
With FSNB’s online banking, customers can handle transactions, check balances, and pay bills anytime from their computer or mobile device. Additional features include online bill pay, and optional overdraft protection.
For those rebuilding their financial history, FSNB provides an accessible, full-featured checking account that supports convenient, everyday money management.
HomeStreet Bank is a customer-oriented regional bank with branches in California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington.
It offers a range of bank accounts with no credit check to meet different customer needs. These accounts include options with no monthly service charges, low fees, and tools that support financial growth.
HomeStreet Bank provides accounts for individuals new to banking or with a negative checking history, featuring no overdraft fees and low-cost maintenance. This approach makes banking accessible and affordable for a wide range of customers.
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) serves communities across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, providing members with a range of checking and savings accounts to suit different customer needs.
These accounts are structured to help members effectively manage their finances, with benefits like no monthly fees, access to digital banking, and a mobile app for convenient account oversight.
MAFCU also offers accounts that include overdraft protection and competitive interest rates, along with flexible terms designed to make banking more accessible and affordable.
Members can find options that address everyday needs, support savings growth, and offer the convenience of seamless mobile and online management.
Mountain West Bank offers a range of bank 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.
A bank account can be a game-changer for managing everyday finances, especially if you’re looking to improve your financial situation. Without one, basic tasks like paying bills, cashing checks, and saving money safely can become complicated and costly. Here are some key reasons why having a bank account is essential:
Pay bills and avoid late fees: A bank account lets you pay bills online quickly, keeping you on track and helping avoid late fees.
Deposit and access funds easily: With a bank account, you can deposit your paycheck without paying high fees at check-cashing services. You’ll also have easy access to your funds through ATMs and debit cards.
Secure and insured savings: A bank account offers a safe place to store money, with insurance that protects your deposits. This security can be especially important if you’re working toward saving goals or building an emergency fund.
Eliminate high fees from alternative services: Not having a bank account often means relying on prepaid debit cards and check-cashing stores, both of which can carry high fees. A traditional account helps you save money in the long run by avoiding these extra charges.
Open the door to more financial services: Having a bank account at a bank or credit union establishes a foundation for accessing other financial products down the line, like loans, credit cards, and even mortgages, once you’re ready. It can also make it easier to transfer money and complete financial transactions more smoothly.
Overall, a bank account is more than just a place to keep your money. It offers tools that can help you manage your finances efficiently and avoid the risks and extra costs associated with being unbanked.
What is a checking account for bad credit?
Checking accounts for bad credit, also known as second chance checking accounts, are designed for people with a history of banking issues or poor credit. These accounts give you an opportunity to manage your money, rebuild your financial record, and access essential banking services, even if you’ve been turned down in the past.
Unlike standard accounts, these options may have lower balance requirements and tools to help you manage spending and avoid overdrafts. Many banks and credit unions also offer education resources and personalized support to help account holders make better financial choices over time.
Bad credit checking accounts can serve as a stepping stone, helping you work toward qualifying for traditional accounts and products with more favorable terms in the future.
Apply at a financial institution that doesn’t use ChexSystems.
Clearing Your ChexSystems Report
If past banking issues are recorded with ChexSystems, disputing these records can improve your chances of approval. You’re entitled to a free ChexSystems report each year, which can help you see what’s affecting your banking eligibility.
If you find inaccurate or outdated information, consider filing a dispute with ChexSystems to correct or remove these records. Removing negative items can open the door to more bank account options.
Some banks and credit unions offer second chance checking accounts, which are specifically for individuals with a troubled banking history. These accounts typically have a small monthly fee or balance requirement, but they’re an excellent option if traditional accounts aren’t available to you.
Additionally, many second-chance accounts provide opportunities to upgrade to a traditional checking account after a period of responsible account management. By keeping your account in good standing, you may qualify for accounts with fewer account fees and more benefits.
Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems
While most financial institutions pull your ChexSystems record when reviewing applications, 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.
Whichever option you choose, finding a bank account that works for you can be a practical step toward improving your financial future.
How Bank Accounts for Bad Credit Can Help You Build Credit
A bank account designed for people with bad credit can play an important role in your efforts to rebuild credit. These accounts often include features that can support improving your credit scores and working toward financial stability.
Maintaining a bank account with consistent, responsible activity—like avoiding overdrafts and keeping funds in the account—can contribute positively to your financial profile. Although bank accounts don’t typically report to the three major credit bureaus, many lenders look at overall financial stability when reviewing your credit scores.
Many bank accounts for bad credit provide ways to avoid overdraft fees. By keeping your account in good standing, you create habits that support your financial goals and may eventually help you qualify for more financial products.
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 your card can help you avoid ATM fees, expensive check-cashing services, and 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 options like 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.
