Second Chance Checking Accounts in California

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 $400, plus earn a competitive 3.30% 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.

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, with 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®. It’s a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

The account is designed for good people who have gone through difficult financial times and need another chance with checking. It requires $100 to open and has a $10 monthly fee.

Reliance Checking gives members access to everyday banking while working toward better account habits.

Altura Credit Union is based in Riverside.

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 $5 to open and has no monthly fee. It is Bank On certified and gives customers a simple way to manage everyday money needs.

Essential Checking can be useful if you want a low-cost account for deposits, debit card spending, and basic payments while building a stronger banking record.

Bank of the Sierra is based in Porterville.

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.

The account is designed as a second chance at managing a checking account. It has a $5 monthly fee and gives members a path back to standard checking after 12 months.

New Solutions Checking can help members return to regular banking while rebuilding trust and stronger money-management habits.

Chevron Federal Credit Union is based in Concord.

The account requires $25 to open and has a $3 monthly fee. It gives members a basic way to handle deposits, debit card spending, and everyday money management while rebuilding.

Simple Checking may be useful if past account problems have made it harder to qualify for another checking option.

Coast Central Credit Union is based in Eureka.

The account gives members a way to return to everyday banking while working toward a stronger financial record. It can help with deposits, payments, debit card use, and basic money management.

After 12 months, members may be able to move into a traditional checking account.

Community First Credit Union is based in Santa Rosa.

The account requires $50 to open and has a $10 monthly fee. It gives members a way to restart with a credit union while rebuilding a stronger account history.

Opportunity Checking can help with basic banking needs such as deposits, payments, debit card use, and everyday money management.

Corazo Credit Union is based in El Centro.

The account is designed around the idea that financial mistakes should not permanently block someone from banking. It has a $7 monthly fee and gives members a way to rebuild with a credit union checking account.

Aspire Checking can help members return to everyday banking while working toward a stronger financial record.

Credit Union of Southern California is based in Whittier and Anaheim.

The account is designed for people who may have had a checking account closed at another institution.

Delta Schools says many banks will not allow a new checking account for at least two years after that happens, but its New Partner Checking gives members another option.

New Partner Checking has a $5 monthly fee and can help members rebuild with a local credit union.

Delta Schools Federal Credit Union is based in Antioch.

The account is designed for people with ChexSystems issues who still want a path back into checking. It gives members a structured way to rebuild while using a credit union account for everyday banking.

After 12 months of positive account history, members may be able to move into Downey Federal Credit Union’s Shield Checking account.

Downey Federal Credit Union is based in Downey.

The account requires $50 to open, plus a $200 pledged savings amount, and has a $10 monthly fee. This structure gives members a controlled way to rebuild while maintaining access to checking.

E-Builder Checking may be a good fit if a ChexSystems record has made it harder to open a standard account elsewhere.

E-Central Credit Union is based in Pasadena.

The account requires $20 to open and has no monthly fee. It gives members a simple way to return to everyday banking without taking on extra monthly costs.

Fresh Start Checking can be a helpful option if past account issues have made it harder to open a standard checking account elsewhere.

East County Schools Federal Credit Union is based in El Cajon.

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 account is designed for people who have banking restrictions and need a fresh start. It has a low monthly fee and gives members access to everyday checking services.

New Start Checking may be useful if past account issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account elsewhere.

F3 Credit Union is based in San Jose.

The account has no opening deposit requirement and a $5 monthly fee. It gives members a simple way to restart with a credit union and rebuild a stronger checking history.

Essentials Checking can help with everyday banking needs while keeping the account straightforward and affordable.

First U.S. Community Credit Union is based in Sacramento.

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 requires $50 to open and has a $10 monthly fee. It is designed for members who need another opportunity to manage a checking account responsibly.

Second Chance Checking can be useful if past banking issues have made it harder to qualify for a regular checking account.

Golden Valley Federal Credit Union is based in Manteca.

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.

The account requires $25 to open and has no monthly maintenance fee. It also does not charge overdraft fees, which can help keep costs predictable while you rebuild.

Essential Checking gives customers a way to return to everyday banking with a debit card, deposits, payments, and basic money management tools.

Mechanics Bank is based in Walnut Creek.

The account is designed to help members move forward instead of being held back by prior account issues. It has a low monthly fee and gives members access to everyday checking features.

Opportunity Checking may be a good fit if ChexSystems has made it harder to open a standard account elsewhere.

Media City Community Credit Union is based in Burbank.

The account requires $50 to open and has a $15 monthly fee. It gives members another way to access checking services while working toward a stronger account record.

Fresh Start Checking can help with everyday banking needs such as deposits, debit card use, payments, and basic money management.

Mokelumne Federal Credit Union is based in Lodi.

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 is designed for people whose credit report or past banking history has made it harder to qualify for traditional checking. It requires $25 to open and has a $5 monthly fee.

Access Checking gives members a practical way to return to everyday banking while working toward better account habits.

Orange County’s Credit Union is based in Santa Ana.

The account has a $10 monthly fee and gives members a way to rebuild with a credit union checking account. It can help with everyday deposits, payments, debit card use, and basic money management.

Fresh Start Checking can be useful if past account issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account.

The Police Credit Union is based in San Bruno.

The account requires $50 to open and has a $5 monthly fee. It gives members a way to restart with a credit union while rebuilding a better checking history.

2nd Chance Checking can help with deposits, debit card spending, payments, and basic money management.

POPA Federal Credit Union is based in Cerritos.

The account has no monthly fee when you have direct deposit. Without direct deposit, the monthly fee is $5.

Right Start Checking gives members a way to restart with a credit union account while building a better banking history over time.

PostCity Financial Credit Union is based in Long Beach.

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.

The account has no opening deposit requirement. The monthly fee is $15, but it drops to $5 with eStatements.

Fresh Start Checking gives members a way to rebuild their financial history while keeping access to everyday banking tools.

Rize Credit Union is based in Irwindale.

The account is designed to give members a fresh start while rebuilding their banking history. It has no monthly fee, making it a lower-cost option for people who need another chance with checking.

Second Chance Checking can be useful if past account problems have made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account elsewhere.

San Francisco Federal Credit Union is based in San Francisco.

The account is designed to help members restart with a local credit union instead of being locked out of everyday banking. It has a $5 monthly fee for the first six months.

Second Chance Checking also gives members a path forward. After nine months of positive account history, you may be able to move into a standard checking account.

Santa Cruz Community Credit Union is based in Santa Cruz.

The account is built around the idea that mistakes happen and members should still have a way to move forward. It requires $100 to open and has no monthly fee.

Direct Checking gives members access to basic checking tools while they work toward a stronger financial record.

Schools Federal Credit Union is based in Rancho Dominguez.

The account has a $5 monthly fee and is designed to help members rebuild after past banking issues. It gives members access to everyday checking tools while working toward a stronger account history.

New Solutions Checking can be a good fit if you need a restart with a credit union account and want a path back to more traditional checking.

Spectrum Credit Union is based in Concord.

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.

The account is designed for people who may have had previous problems maintaining a checking account. It requires $25 to open and has a $5 monthly fee.

Money Smart Checking can be a helpful option if past account issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard checking account elsewhere.

Tri Counties Bank is based in Chico.

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 account includes a $25 one-time fee and requires $100 to be held. It does not have a monthly fee, giving members a lower-cost way to rebuild once the account is open.

Renew Checking can be a good fit if past account issues have made it harder to qualify for standard checking.

Upward Credit Union is based in Burlingame.

The account is designed to help members get back on their feet and establish a better financial record. It gives members a way to return to everyday banking while rebuilding stronger account habits.

Second Chance Checking may be helpful if past financial or banking issues have made it difficult to open a regular account elsewhere.

VA Desert Pacific Federal Credit Union is based in Signal Hill.

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.