Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Washington, DC

Living in D.C. and struggling to open a bank account? A ChexSystems record could be what’s holding you back. Many banks in the area use it to screen applicants.

The good news is that some banks serving Washington, DC don’t use ChexSystems. Others offer second chance checking accounts that give you a way to start fresh.

10 Banks in Washington, DC That Don’t Use ChexSystems

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

Current

Our Top Pick

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.

SoFi

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.

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.

CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union

CommonWealth One Federal offers Second Chance Checking to help you get a fresh start with your finances.

To get more details and apply for an account, you’ll have to visit a branch in person.

There are branches throughout the Washington, DC metro area in Alexandria and Springfield. If you’re a GAO employee, you can access their on-site private branch.

The easiest way to join is if you live, work, worship, or go to school in Alexandria, Washington DC, Harrisonburg, Warren County, or Clarke County, Virginia.

Library of Congress Federal Credit Union

The Library of Congress Federal Credit Union offers a Free Checking Account, ideal for those with a troubled banking history, since it doesn’t require a credit check or a ChexSystems report.

The account comes with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, and provides the convenience of unlimited check writing and a Visa debit card.

You can also benefit from access to a large network of ATMs, with 10 fee-free transactions per month at non-LCFCU ATMs.

Additionally, the account includes Balance Financial Fitness, a complimentary financial wellness program designed to help with budgeting and money management.

Membership eligibility extends to employees of nearly 40 participating organizations in the DC area or family members of current LCFCU members, making it relatively easy to join.

Market USA Federal Credit Union

Market USA Federal Credit Union doesn’t have a physical presence in Washington, DC, but they offer convenient access through the CO-OP Shared Branch Network, which includes over 5,000 locations nationwide.

If you’d like to visit in person, their branches are just a short drive away in Laurel and Landover, MD.

Their Fresh Start Checking account is designed for those aiming to rebuild their banking history, with no minimum balance requirements.

After six months of responsible account management, you may be eligible to upgrade to a standard checking account.

With access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs, managing your finances is simple, even without a local branch.

PenFed Credit Union

PenFed Credit Union does not rely on ChexSystems, making it a convenient choice for those looking to open a checking account without the hassle.

They offer two main checking options. The Free Checking account is designed for everyday banking with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, providing flexibility and ease of use.

Both accounts include features such as overdraft protection, access to over 85,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint and Co-op networks, and early direct deposit, allowing members to receive funds up to two days sooner.

PenFed Credit Union has several branch locations in the District of Columbia.

TD Bank

TD Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, making it a helpful option for those who’ve experienced banking challenges in the past.

They provide a range of checking accounts to fit various needs.

  • The TD Complete Checking account carries a $15 monthly fee, which can be waived through three methods, like setting up direct deposits.
  • For enhanced benefits, TD Beyond Checking offers interest and no ATM fees, with a $25 monthly fee that can be waived by maintaining a certain balance or using other methods.
  • For those seeking simplicity, TD Essential Banking is a checkless account with a low $4.95 monthly fee and no minimum balance.

TD Bank serves the Washington, DC area, with branch locations in key areas throughout the city and nearby regions, making it a convenient choice for locals.

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union

Transit Employees Federal Credit Union offers the Fresh Start account, designed for those who don’t qualify for traditional checking accounts.

While it may lack some features of their other accounts, it still provides key benefits, including online banking and bill pay, a free Visa debit card, and access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

Additionally, the account comes with eStatements to help you manage your finances.

For those in Washington, DC, the credit union operates one convenient branch location.

United Bank

United Bank makes it easier for individuals with past financial challenges to open an account by not using ChexSystems or credit reports for approval.

They offer three checking options tailored to different needs. The United Free Checking account is a straightforward choice for those seeking a no-fee option.

It requires no minimum balance and has no monthly maintenance charges. With a $50 minimum deposit to open, it’s accessible to most people looking for a simple banking solution.

United Bank operates seven convenient locations throughout Washington, DC.