Second Chance Checking Accounts in Florida

Many banks in Florida use ChexSystems or similar tools to screen applicants, which can make it tough to open a checking account after overdrafts, unpaid fees, or other banking challenges. If your past is holding you back, a second chance checking account can help.

These accounts are designed to give you a fresh start while rebuilding your financial track record.

19 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Florida

Below is a list of Florida banks and credit unions offering second chance checking accounts for those with prior banking issues.

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.

Centennial Bank

Centennial Bank offers the Opportunity 100 Checking account for individuals rebuilding their banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no balance requirements, and the account comes with a free debit card, online banking, eStatements, bill pay, and unlimited check writing.

After 12 months in good standing, you may upgrade to a regular account.

Centennial Bank has locations throughout Florida, including Pensacola, Panama City, Crestview, Baker, and Fort Walton Beach.

Community First Credit Union

Community First CU offers Fresh Start Checking for members with ChexSystems history.

The account provides a Visa debit card, online banking, mobile access, and check writing.

There’s a $25 opening deposit requirement and a $10 monthly fee. Membership is available to residents of Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam, or St. Johns counties.

Compass Financial Federal Credit Union

Compass Financial CU offers Restart Checking, a second chance account for individuals rebuilding their banking record.

This account includes a free Visa debit card, online/mobile banking, free Zelle transfers, and bill pay. There are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.

Compass Financial serves Florida communities with branches in Medley and Miami.

First American Bank

First American Bank provides Fresh Start Checking, available to those in the Jacksonville area with prior banking challenges.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit, no ongoing minimum balance, and comes with mobile banking, online access, and surcharge-free ATM use.

After 12 months in good standing, you may qualify for a standard account.

First Florida Credit Union

First Florida CU’s Smart Track Checking helps members regain control of their banking.

With a low $25 opening deposit and a $5 monthly fee, you’ll receive a Visa debit card, online banking, and free bill pay.

Maintain a clean record for 12 months to become eligible for a standard account that carries no monthly fee.

First Florida CU serves Central Florida with branches in Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, Orlando, and Sanford.

Gold Coast Federal Credit Union

Gold Coast FCU offers the Fresh Start account for those needing to reestablish their banking access.

There’s no minimum balance, and members get online banking, a debit card, unlimited check writing, and access to over 5,600 surcharge-free ATMs through the Co-Op network.

You can upgrade to a standard account after 12 months of good standing.

Branches are located in West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie, Belle Glade, Royal Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, and CU Center.

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union

Gulf Winds CU provides My Opportunity Checking, a second chance account with essential features.

The account requires a $25 deposit and has a $10.95 monthly fee. Members get a free debit card, online banking, and overdraft transfer protection.

Gulf Winds serves Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Crawfordville with multiple locations.

JetStream Federal Credit Union

JetStream offers second chance checking for those rebuilding their financial history.

Membership is open to anyone in Miami-Dade County, along with select Puerto Rico regions and relatives of current members. Account holders get access to debit cards, mobile banking, and essential banking services.

Branches include Coconut Grove, Doral, Hialeah, and Miami.

Liberty Savings Bank

Liberty Savings Bank offers Clean Slate Checking, helping individuals rebuild after banking setbacks.

The account includes a free debit card, unlimited check writing, mobile banking, and access to 55,000+ AllPoint ATMs. No minimum balance is required, and after 12 months, you may qualify for a standard account.

Liberty operates locations in Sarasota and Venice.

Loyalty Credit Union

Fresh Start Checking from Loyalty CU is available with no opening deposit required.

You’ll get a Visa debit card and full access to banking services. Membership is open to residents, workers, or students in 15 Florida counties.

Branches are located in Pensacola, Tallahassee, Panama City, and Crawfordville.

McCoy Federal Credit Union

McCoy FCU offers Fresh Start Checking, providing unlimited check writing, free direct deposit, bill pay, eStatements, and online banking.

Membership is available to individuals who live, work, study, or worship in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Lake counties.

McCoy operates multiple branches throughout Orlando.

Members First Credit Union of Florida

Members First CU offers a Second Chance Checking account tailored for those with a ChexSystems record due to NSF activity.

There’s no minimum deposit to open and a $12 monthly fee. You’ll receive a free debit card, online/mobile banking, and ATM privileges (with daily withdrawal limits).

After 12 consecutive months without overdrafts or NSFs, you can request to upgrade to a Regular Checking account.

Branches are located throughout Pace and Pensacola Florida.

Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union

Okaloosa County Teachers FCU offers A New Leaf Checking, designed for individuals who’ve faced banking challenges like denials at other institutions.

You can open the account with a $25 deposit and it carries a $5 monthly fee.

The account includes a free Visa debit card, unlimited check writing, mobile and online banking, e-statements with check images, and full bill pay services. Overdraft protection is also available.

Branches are located in northern Gulf Coast Florida, including Crestview, Fort Walton Beach, and nearby areas.

Priority Credit Union

Priority CU offers Restart Checking, a second chance account designed for individuals with past banking issues.

With a $25 opening deposit and a $7 monthly fee, this account includes a Visa debit card, mobile and online banking, e-statements with check imaging, and full bill pay. Overdraft protection is available.

Priority CU serves communities in and around Broward and Miami-Dade counties, including branches in Hollywood, Miramar, and Pembroke Pines.

San Antonio Citizens Federal Credit Union

SACFCU provides a second chance checking account for individuals rebuilding their banking history.

Membership requires living, working, studying, or worshiping in Eastern Pasco or Eastern Hernando County. After 12 months in good standing, members can upgrade to a standard account.

Branches are located in Dade City, San Antonio, Wesley Chapel, and Zephyrhills.

South Florida Federal Credit Union

South Florida FCU offers Aspire Checking, a second chance account with mobile banking, online access, and a Mastercard debit card.

The $10 monthly fee is waived with payroll direct deposit. Completing two financial education options can make the account eligible for upgrade in just 10 months.

Branches are located in Miami and West Palm Beach.