Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Florida

A negative ChexSystems record can create problems when you try to open a bank account in Florida, even if the issue happened years ago. Banks may review past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or closed accounts before deciding whether to approve your application.

Florida has plenty of banking options beyond traditional ChexSystems screening. Some banks and credit unions don’t use ChexSystems, while second chance checking accounts can give you a practical way to manage your money again.

14 Banks in Florida That Don’t Use ChexSystems

Here are Florida banks and credit unions that may approve checking accounts without using ChexSystems as the main screening tool.

You can also browse second chance banks in Florida for accounts that can help you move past earlier banking problems.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $400 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.30% 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 3.30% 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 $400 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.

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 47,000 fee-free 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 47,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit with the Chime Card, a secured Visa credit card with no annual fees, no interest charges, and no credit check required.

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

Addition Financial Credit Union

Addition Financial Credit Union offers several checking options through its Central Florida branch network.

Its checking accounts include debit card access, online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, mobile deposit, direct deposit, and ATM access.

Addition Financial also provides branch and live teller service in several Florida communities.

Addition Financial Credit Union has Florida branches in Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Clermont, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Orlando, Sanford, and more.

Ameris Bank

Ameris Bank does use ChexSystems to screen new applicants, but if you have resolved your previous debt and there is no history of fraud or account abuse, you should be able to open an account without any issues.

Ameris Bank offers multiple account options, with its most affordable choice being the At-Ease Checking account. This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

It also includes free access to online, mobile, and text banking, as well as free bill pay services. A $25 deposit is required to open the account.

Ameris Bank has locations across northern, western, and central Florida, including branches in Blountstown, Bradenton, Crawfordville, Jacksonville, Orlando, Panama City Beach, and Tallahassee.

Bank United

Bank United may allow you to open an account if your ChexSystems history includes only one bank, no fraud is indicated, and the debt has been repaid.

They offer several account options, including Value Checking, which requires a $50 initial deposit.

The monthly service fee for this account is $7, and it comes with benefits such as a free debit card, free online and mobile banking, and bill pay.

Bank United operates multiple branches throughout Southeast and Southwest Florida, including locations in Altamonte Springs, Aventura, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs, Coral Gables, Fort Lauderdale, Miami Lakes, Orlando, and Tampa.

Campus USA Credit Union

Campus USA Credit Union makes banking a little easier by not relying on ChexSystems.

Instead, they look at your Equifax report when considering your application, so even if your banking history isn’t perfect, you’ve still got a shot.

Their free checking account is straightforward—no monthly fees, no minimum balances to worry about. It’s packed with convenient features like mobile and online banking, remote deposits, and even free bill pay.

Plus, you get a free debit card and access to fee-free ATMs at Campus locations and Publix Presto ATMs.

You can find Campus USA branches in several key areas like Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Tallahassee, and throughout Marion County.

Coral Community Federal Credit Union

Coral Community Federal Credit Union reviews both ChexSystems and your Equifax credit report during the application process.

However, you can still get approved if any negative records have been paid off and there’s no history of bank fraud. This makes it a workable option for those rebuilding their financial record.

There are no monthly service fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no need for direct deposit to keep the account open.

Members can manage their accounts entirely online or through Coral Community’s mobile app, which supports mobile check deposit, bill pay, and account alerts.

Membership is limited to select areas within Broward County, Florida, so eligibility is based on where you live or work.

First Choice Credit Union

First Choice Credit Union has branches in West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, but members also get access to the nationwide CO-OP Shared Branch network.

This means you can handle in-person banking at thousands of partner locations across the country, which adds convenience if you travel or move.

All membership applications are reviewed carefully, so approval isn’t guaranteed—but if accepted, you’ll have access to several checking account options.

The Value Checking account is a strong pick, with no monthly service fees and no minimum balance requirements. It includes standard features like online banking, mobile deposit, and a free debit card.

Florida Credit Union

Florida Credit Union does not use ChexSystems. Instead, they review your credit report and TeleCheck report when evaluating new applications.

Florida CU offers two checking accounts: an interest-bearing account and a non-interest-bearing account. The non-interest-bearing account is completely free and doesn’t require a minimum balance.

For either account you choose, you get free overdraft protection, online and mobile access, and ATM rebates at non-FCU ATM locations.

FCU currently has branches in DeLand, Lake City, Ocala, Starke, and Gainesville.

People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union

People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union doesn’t rely on ChexSystems or EWS when screening new applicants, making it a more accessible option for those with past banking issues.

Instead, they use Telecheck, which often allows people previously denied by other banks to successfully open an account.

Though they are based in New York, they have a branch in Miami, providing an option for Florida residents looking for an alternative.

Their accounts include features like online banking, bill pay, and unlimited debit card use, along with fee-free ATM access at participating locations.

Synovus

Synovus Bank doesn’t rely on ChexSystems but instead evaluates applications based on your Equifax credit report and score. To be considered, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 500.

If approved, you have the option to choose between Free Checking, Preferred Account, or Gold Checking. Synovus also offers a Military Interest Checking option for those in the armed forces.

Free Checking is a popular choice, requiring only a $100 deposit to open and with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements. Key features include a Visa® debit card, free online and mobile banking, and automatic bill pay.

Synovus Bank operates in various cities throughout Florida, including Apopka, Boca Raton, Bonita Springs, Boynton Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, Clearwater, Cocoa Beach, Coral Gables, Crestview, and many more.

University Credit Union

If you’ve only had issues with a ChexSystems bank, UCU might be a good fit for you.

As long as your credit report is average and you don’t have any negative entries with Telecheck, University CU may open an account with you.

Membership is available to anyone associated with the University of Miami, Florida International University, St. Thomas University, the Legal Community, and the Miami-Dade Community.

There are no service fees or minimum balance requirements, and each member gets free access to mobile and online banking, and access to thousands of surcharge-free ATMs.

Vystar Credit Union

VyStar doesn’t use ChexSystems but does check Telecheck reports when reviewing applications. This makes it a solid choice if you’ve been denied an account elsewhere due to past banking issues.

Membership is open to individuals who live, work, study, or worship in select Florida counties.

These include Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lake, Levy, Marion, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, St. Johns, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Union, and Volusia.

Opening a standard checking account is free. Members have access to online, mobile, and text banking, along with other tools to help manage their accounts on the go.

Know a bank we missed?

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