Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Colorado

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• 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.

Upgrade doesn’t pull your ChexSystems report, but they do look at your credit report.

The Upgrade Rewards Checking account has no monthly fees and no ATM fees. You’ll also get a free Visa debit card, and up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases.

The Upgrade Premier Savings account delivers an impressive 4.14% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

Upgrade is partnered with Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and your funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. With an Upgrade checking account, you can also get up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

The SoFi Checking and Savings account provides a multitude of benefits, including no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges.

For a limited time, there’s an enticing sign-up bonus of up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits.

In addition, account holders can utilize 55,000 ATMs free of charge via the Allpoint® Network. Those establishing direct deposit can earn up to 4.00% APY on their savings and 0.50% APY on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

Current is a financial technology 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. Account holders also get access to over 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs with your Current debit card, and there is no minimum balance or hidden fees.

You can also 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, bad 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 credit⁷ with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa^® Credit Card. It’s a secured credit card with no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges¹.

Chime has over 60,000¹ fee-free 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 accounts, 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.

Approval is more likely if the record is under $200 and the incident occurred over six months ago. Additionally, there must be no history of fraud on your ChexSystems report. Signing up for direct deposit can also increase your chances of approval.

There are three checking account options available: E-checking, Military Checking, and 5Star Checking. The E-checking account requires a $50 opening deposit and has no monthly or annual maintenance fees. The account also includes a debit card, and overdraft protection is available if you have an approved credit score.

5Star Bank operates three branch locations in Colorado Springs, as well as Greenwood Village and Trinidad.

The Opportunity Banking account has a monthly fee of $9.95 with direct deposit or $14.95 without. It includes a debit card, online and mobile banking, and bill pay services.

Customers also have access to a large ATM network across the country and can request one overdraft fee refund each year. The minimum opening deposit is $50, and you can switch to e-statements for free to avoid the $1.50 paper statement fee.

If the account is managed well for a year, BOK Financial may approve an upgrade to a regular checking account.

BOK Financial has branch locations in Aurora, Boulder, Breckenridge, Colorado Springs, Denver, Edwards, Englewood, Frisco, Golden, Greenwood Village, Highlands Ranch, Lakewood, Littleton, Parker, Westminster, and Windsor.

The Value Checking option requires a $100 minimum opening deposit, but there’s no monthly fee. It includes some free services, including both an ATM card and a MasterCard debit card.

You also get free bill pay and e-statements. There are a few restrictions, including a $0.06 charge for each check you use after the first 50 checks.

Equitable Savings and Loan has multiple branch locations in Colorado. These include Akron, Brush, Burlington, Fort Collins, Fort Morgan, Julesburg, Limon, Sterling, Wray, and Yuma.

This is a bit more cumbersome than a simple online application. However, it may be worth it if you’re having difficulty finding a Colorado bank to approve you for a checking account.

To qualify for membership, you have to live or work in Centennial, Colorado or be employed by one of the partner organizations.

Alternatively, you can qualify if a family member is already a member. When opening your account, you’ll need to deposit $25 into your share account, which is standard for credit unions.

There are two branch locations, one in Centennial and one in Denver. You can also use Metrum Community’s co-op of shared branches.

You also won’t be subject to per item charges, plus you receive unlimited check writing. Additional perks include free direct deposit, bill pay, and e-statements.

NFCU has locations in Montrose and Gunnison, Colorado. To become a member, you simply need to live, work, worship, or go to school in one of the following counties: Montrose, Gunnison, Ouray, or San Miguel.

If you’re eligible, you can become a member by opening a share account with a $25 deposit, which you must maintain. You can apply online or in one of their branches.

This second-chance account provides a pathway to rebuilding a positive banking history while offering practical features.

Account holders receive a debit card with no annual fee, and the monthly maintenance fee is $10, but it drops to $5 with direct deposit. You’ll get four free withdrawals per month at Shared Branch locations and CO-OP ATMs, with a small fee applied to additional withdrawals.

After maintaining a good standing for 12 months—without any overdrafts—you can upgrade to the Essential Checking account.

Branches of PCCU are conveniently located throughout the Denver Metro Area, including Arvada, Aurora, and Littleton.

With a $25 deposit required to open and a $5 monthly maintenance fee, this account includes benefits like a free VISA® Debit Card, personal online banking, and mobile app access.

After maintaining good standing for 12 months, the account can convert to a traditional checking account.

Sunflower Bank has branches in Boulder, Canon City, Denver, Greenwood Village, Longmont, Monte Vista, and Pueblo, with other locations across the state.

With features like no minimum balance, debit rewards (1 point for every $3 spent), and the ability to receive your paycheck up to two days early with direct deposit, this account is designed for convenience.

Additional perks include overdraft protection, mobile deposit, and digital wallet compatibility with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

Westerra has branch locations in Arvada, Aurora, Castle Rock, Denver, Lakewood, Littleton, and Parker.

With no minimum balance requirement and access to mobile banking, this account provides essential features like a Visa® debit card, direct deposit, and access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide.

After maintaining a good standing, you can upgrade to the Preferred Checking account.

Zing has branches in Denver and Littleton, Colorado.