Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Connecticut

Opening a bank account in Connecticut can be tough if you’ve been flagged by ChexSystems. This system tracks your banking mistakes, and many banks use it to reject applicants with any negative marks.

But there’s hope—Connecticut has second chance banks and even a few that don’t use ChexSystems at all. These options make it possible to get back into banking without jumping through hoops.

11 Banks in Connecticut That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Connecticut banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.80% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

Current

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit just by using your debit card
  • No minimum balance or monthly fees
  • 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs in the U.S.
  • Get paid up to 2 days faster

Current doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

Stash

Features & Benefits

  • No hidden fees
  • Earn stock as you spend with Stock-Back® rewards
  • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs through Allpoint®

Stash offers a checking account that doesn’t require a credit check or ChexSystems approval, making it accessible if you’ve faced banking challenges in the past.

Each time you use your Stash debit card, you earn Stock-Back® rewards—fractional shares of stock in the companies where you shop.

You can also receive your paycheck sooner with early direct deposit, and there are no overdraft fees to worry about.

The account includes access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and is managed through the Stash app, which also features investing and money management tools.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

Affinity Federal Credit Union

Affinity Federal Credit Union offers several checking accounts that do not rely on ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS reports, making it easier for individuals to open an account.

The Cash Back Debit Account provides 1% cash back on everyday purchases, while the Cash Back Plus Account enhances your rewards with up to 10% cash back and nationwide ATM fee refunds.

If you’re looking to earn interest, the High-Yield Checking Account offers a 5.50% APY on balances up to $15,000, with ATM fee reimbursements across the U.S.

Each account includes features like Early Pay, which allows you to access your paycheck up to two days early, and overdraft protection for additional security. Access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide ensures flexibility for users on the go.

With branches in New Haven and Norwalk, Affinity FCU makes banking accessible for Connecticut residents seeking convenient and straightforward options.

Ascend Bank

Ascend Bank offers Aspire Checking, an account built for people who need a fresh start with banking.

The account provides a debit card, direct deposit, FDIC insurance up to $250,000, and access to online and mobile banking tools.

Aspire Checking is BankOn certified by the CFE Fund, meeting national standards for safe and affordable accounts.

There’s no option for paper checks, but you can manage payments digitally. Membership is open to the community through Ascend Bank’s local branches.

CorePlus Federal Credit Union

CorePlus allows anyone to open a savings account regardless of their checking history. However, if you do have a negative mark on your ChexSystems report, you may still be able to open an account.

To be considered, you must not have a history of fraud, and you must have paid back anything you owed to your previous banks.

CorePlus has locations in East Lyme, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Groton, Norwich, Pawcatuck, Plainfield, and Waterford.

To join you must either live, work, attend school, or worship in New London County or Windham County, or live in the Town of Hebron or work for the Town of Bolton. Membership is also available to immediate family members of current members.

They offer four types of checking accounts: Simple Checking, Free, Premier, and Check 24. Free checking does not require a minimum balance, but you must have at least $250 a month directly deposited. It comes with free bill pay, online banking, and e-statements.

Ellafi Federal Credit Union

Ellafi Credit Union does use ChexSystems, but it is generally more flexible than many other financial institutions.

If you don’t have a record of fraud and have repaid any previous debts owed to the credit union, your application may still be approved.

For savings accounts, your ChexSystems history will not be considered.

Ellafi has branches in Middletown and Meriden. Membership is available to those who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Middlesex, Madison, Meriden, Branford, North Branford, Cheshire, North Haven, East Haven, Wallingford, or Guilford.

Enfield Community Credit Union

Enfield Community Federal Credit Union allows anyone to open a savings account.

However, if you wish to open a checking account, your ChexSystems report must show no fraudulent activity, and any outstanding debts to banks must be settled.

Located in Enfield, Connecticut, ECFCU offers multiple paths to membership, and it’s recommended that you speak with a customer service representative to determine eligibility.

They provide five different checking account options, each with various features to meet members’ needs, including options that waive fees with direct deposit or a minimum balance requirement.

Jewett City Savings Bank

Jewett City Savings Bank uses ChexSystems for new account applications but may approve those with a record, provided there is no history of fraud and any past debts have been paid.

Depending on your banking history, you may be required to maintain a positive account balance for the first three months before receiving a debit card.

The bank offers four types of checking accounts: Free Checking, Classic Checking, Direct Checking, and High-Interest Checking. Free Checking has no monthly fees or balance requirements and includes free online and mobile banking, along with free e-statements.

Jewett City Savings Bank operates branches in several cities across Connecticut, including Brooklyn, Dayville, Jewett City, Pawcatuck, Plainfield, Preston, and Putnam.

Sikorsky Credit Union

Sikorsky Credit Union does use ChexSystems. However, anyone can open a savings account regardless of their banking record.

If you’re looking to open a checking account, eligibility depends on your report. Fraud-related issues are not accepted, but if any past debts have been settled, you may still be able to qualify.

It’s a good idea to talk to a customer service representative before applying to save time.

To become a member, you need to live, work, worship, or volunteer in Fairfield, New Haven, or Hartford County, Connecticut. Alternatively, you can qualify if an immediate family member is already a member.

Sikorsky Credit Union has branches in Stratford, Bridgeport, Brookfield, Danbury, Milford, Seymour, Shelton, and Trumbull.