Second Chance Checking Accounts in California

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.

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.

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.

It provides essential features including check writing, a Visa debit card, and online/mobile banking—even without overdraft protection or Zelle®.

This product carries a $20 monthly fee with no option to waive it, but after 12 months in good standing, you can apply to upgrade to their Pro, Prime, or Prestige checking accounts.

You’ll also have access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide and receive ID-theft aid and purchase protection benefits

There’s a $20 setup fee and a $7 monthly service charge, which drops to $4 if you keep your balance at $750 or higher. The account includes online banking, bill pay, unlimited check writing, a Visa debit card, and optional overdraft protection.

Branches are located in Coachella, San Jacinto, and Cabazon.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $20 monthly fee. For the first six months, daily ATM and purchase limits are $200, with unlimited bill pay access. After six months, limits increase, and you may qualify for up to $300 in overdraft coverage.

The account includes a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and access to nearly 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs.

Membership is available to healthcare professionals in Solano, Napa, Sonoma, Marin, Contra Costa, Alameda, Yolo, and Sacramento counties.

You can open the account with $25, as long as any past-due balances are paid and there’s no fraud on your ChexSystems report.

The monthly fee is $10, and daily ATM withdrawal limits are lower than standard accounts. Branches are located throughout Southern California, including San Diego, Oceanside, El Cajon, Chula Vista, and Temecula.

You’ll need a Primary Savings Account and a $25 deposit to open the account. The monthly fee is $15, but after 12 months without overdrafts, you can apply for a Regular Free Checking account.

This account comes with free online banking, e-statements, bill pay, no overdraft fees, and access to 30,000+ Co-op Network ATMs. Branches are located in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, and Modesto.

You’ll get a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, remote check deposit, and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free CO-OP ATMs.

Excite serves members across California—including in San Jose, Fremont, and Oakland—and North Carolina. To open an account, just visit a branch; no appointment needed.

The monthly fee is $6 with a $50 minimum balance or $10 if your balance falls below that. After one year in good standing, you can request an upgrade to their Simply Free Checking.

The account is closely monitored, and any negative activity may lead to closure, providing extra incentive to manage your finances responsibly.

Foothill CU has branches in Arcadia, Covina, and Glendora.

The account comes with online banking, a debit card, and a $10 monthly fee with direct deposit, or $15 without. After 12 months of responsible account management, you can request an upgrade to a Regular account.

Branches are available across the Los Angeles area, including Van Nuys, Culver City, El Monte, Montebello, Gardena, Cerritos, and Glendale.

You’ll receive a Visa debit card, full access to online and mobile banking, mobile check deposit, and use of CO‑OP’s national network of nearly 30,000 fee-free ATMs.

Branches are conveniently located in northern San Diego County cities such as Escondido, Oceanside, and San Marcos.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and carries a $13 monthly fee, which drops to $10 with at least $200 in direct deposits per month.

You’ll get access to mobile banking, bill pay, mobile check deposit, and free use of ATMs nationwide. Out-of-network ATM fees are also waived by Premier America. Funds can be sent via Popmoney or other person-to-person services.

Branches are located in Burbank, Camarillo, Chatsworth, Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and other cities across California.

You’ll need a $25 opening deposit, a credit score of at least 520, and $500 in direct deposits per month to qualify.

The account has a $15 monthly fee, no minimum balance, online banking access, and a Visa check card. ATM withdrawals and purchases are capped at $300 per day.

Branches are available in South Pasadena, Los Angeles, and Van Nuys.

There’s no opening deposit or minimum balance, but a $15 monthly fee applies. Direct deposit is required unless your employer doesn’t offer it.

After one year in good standing, you can take a Consumer Credit Counseling class (paid for by Southland) and apply to upgrade your account.

Branches are located in Los Angeles, Downey, Carson, Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Los Alamitos.

There’s no minimum balance and no monthly fees, making it an easy option for those starting over. You’ll have access to digital banking, mobile check deposit, and thousands of fee-free ATMs.

California locations include Brentwood, Hawthorne, Montebello, Lakewood, Glendale, and several others.

The monthly fee is $12, but drops to $5 with direct deposit. The account includes essential banking tools and no minimum balance. In-person applications are recommended for faster approval.

Membership is available to those who live, work, or go to school in Ventura or Santa Barbara counties. Branches are located in Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Moorpark, and surrounding areas.