Second Chance Checking Accounts in Connecticut

Getting denied for a checking account in Connecticut is more common than you might think, especially if you’ve had past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or negative banking history. Many banks use ChexSystems or similar reports to screen applicants, making it harder to open a new account.

Second chance checking accounts give you a way to rebuild your banking history and access essential financial services.

9 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Connecticut

Here’s a list of banks and credit unions in Connecticut that offer second chance checking accounts for individuals with previous banking challenges.

Current

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit automatically with your debit card activity
  • No monthly fees or minimum deposit required
  • Over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide
  • Early direct deposit—get paid up to 2 days sooner

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.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances
  • Access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

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.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • Optional secured credit card to help build credit

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.

Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank

Eastern Connecticut Savings Bank offers Restart Checking, a second chance account for individuals with past banking issues, as long as there’s no history of fraud or unpaid balances with another bank.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $6.95 monthly fee. There’s no ongoing balance requirement beyond covering the fee.

You’ll get free online banking, mobile banking, unlimited check writing, bill pay, e-statements, and a debit card.

Branches are located in Norwich, Norwichtown, Jewett City, and Plainfield.

FineX Credit Union

FineX CU provides Re-Start Checking for members looking to rebuild their banking history.

There’s a $15 monthly fee, but no minimum balance requirement. The account comes with unlimited check writing and a free debit card.

It doesn’t include all the features of a standard account, but it gives you the essentials to manage your money.

Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, or worships in Hartford or Tolland County, or to immediate family members of current members. FineX has locations in East Hartford, Manchester, and Vernon.

Hartford Federal Credit Union

Hartford FCU offers a second chance option for those who apply for a standard account but don’t meet the qualifications.

If approved for the second chance account, you’ll pay a $5 monthly fee and get features like online banking, mobile access, bill pay, check imaging, overdraft protection, and unlimited check writing.

After 12 months of responsible account management, you may qualify for a standard account.

Membership is open to residents or workers in Hartford, Tolland, or Middlesex counties. Hartford FCU has one branch but offers access to 5,000+ shared branches nationwide.

Healthcare Financial Credit Union

Healthcare Financial offers Fresh Start Checking, a second chance account designed to help those with past banking issues regain control of their finances.

With a $20 opening deposit and no monthly maintenance fee, the account includes a Visa debit card, free online/mobile banking, bill pay, e‑statements, and surcharge‑free access to Allpoint ATMs.

After 12 months in good standing, you may qualify to switch to a regular checking account.

Branches are located in Manchester and New Haven, with shared‑branch access across Connecticut.

New Haven Bank

New Haven Bank’s Second Chance Checking provides basic banking access to those working to recover from past financial setbacks.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit, a $10 opening fee, and a $10 monthly service charge. Features include online banking, mobile banking, telephone banking, and access to 55,000+ surcharge-free ATMs through the Allpoint network.

After six months in good standing, you may be eligible to upgrade to a standard NHB Checking account. Branches are located in New Haven and West Haven.

Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union

Nutmeg State FCU offers Rebound Checking, designed to help members rebuild their banking history after past mistakes.

The account includes a debit card, mobile banking, bill pay, fraud protection, and access to shared branches. The monthly fee is reduced when you set up direct deposit.

Nutmeg State has branches in Bristol, Glastonbury, Manchester, New Britain, and Rocky Hill.