Second Chance Checking Accounts in Florida

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 $400, plus earn a competitive 3.30% 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.

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, with 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.

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®. It’s a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

The account has a $5 monthly maintenance fee and gives members access to several useful features, including direct deposit, bill pay, mobile banking, eStatements, and a free Visa debit card. It also includes free financial wellness coaching.

Fresh Start Checking is eligible to convert to Free Checking or a lower-cost product after 12 months of positive account history.

Alive Credit Union is based in Jacksonville.

The account provides many of the same features as the credit union’s Convenience Checking account, with reduced Courtesy Pay. That gives members a way to return to everyday banking while still keeping some limits in place.

Fresh Start Checking can be a useful option if past account problems have made it harder to open a regular checking account elsewhere.

Baptist Health South Florida Federal Credit Union has branches in Homestead and Miami.

The account is designed to help you get back on your feet financially and rebuild your credit. It gives you access to everyday banking without overdraft fees, which can help you avoid new account problems while you work toward better money habits.

After 12 consecutive months of responsible account use, you may be able to explore other BayFirst checking accounts with more features.

BayFirst National Bank has branches in Belleair Bluffs, Bradenton, Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Petersburg, and more.

The account is designed for people who want a fresh start after past financial challenges. It gives members access to everyday checking tools while they work toward stronger financial footing.

Fresh Start Checking is one of the softer second-chance options in Florida, but its rebuild and fresh-start language make it worth considering if you have had trouble qualifying for a regular checking account.

BrightStar Credit Union has branches in Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Margate, Pembroke Pines, and Pompano Beach.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The account is designed for people who have gone through setbacks such as illness, job loss, divorce, or other financial disruptions. It gives members a new checking option while they work toward a stronger account history.

Fresh Start Checking can help you get back to everyday banking with a local credit union instead of relying on prepaid cards, money orders, or check-cashing services.

First Choice Credit Union has branches in Palm Beach Gardens and West Palm Beach.

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, Fleming Island, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Middleburg, Orange Park, Orlando, Sanford, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, and more.

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.

The account includes debit card access and online banking, giving members a way to manage everyday money needs while working toward better financial health. It’s built as a path forward for people who need another chance with checking.

Aspire Checking can be a good fit if you want a local credit union account after past banking or credit challenges.

Guardians Credit Union has branches in Boynton Beach, Fort Pierce, Miami, and West Palm Beach.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and has a $10.95 monthly fee. It includes a free debit card, online banking, mobile banking, e-statements, direct deposit, and other everyday banking tools.

My Opportunity Checking also includes overdraft transfer protection. This can help cover a shortfall by moving money from a linked Gulf Winds account if funds are available.

Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union serves members through branches in Atmore, Crawfordville, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Pace, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.

This account can help if past account problems have made it harder to qualify for a traditional checking account.

Members get access to basic banking tools such as a debit card, online banking, mobile banking, direct deposit, and everyday account services.

JetStream membership is open to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in Miami-Dade County. It’s also available to eligible people in select Puerto Rico communities and relatives of current members.

JetStream Federal Credit Union has branches in Coconut Grove, Doral, Hialeah, and Miami.

This account is available to consumers with a previous charge-off account that was either paid and under $500, or unpaid and under $100.

It’s limited to people who live in Columbia, Hamilton, Gilchrist, Lafayette, Levy, Madison, Suwannee, or Taylor County and have lived at their current address for at least 12 months.

Square One Consumer Checking gives eligible customers a way to start over with a local bank and rebuild a better account record over time.

Lafayette State Bank has branches in Bell, Branford, Live Oak, and Mayo.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and gives you access to regular checking features, including a free debit card, unlimited check writing, mobile banking, and access to more than 55,000 Allpoint ATMs.

Clean Slate Checking is designed to help you get back into everyday banking while building a stronger account history.

After 12 months of responsible account use, you may qualify for a standard Liberty Savings Bank checking account.

Liberty Savings Bank has branches in Sarasota and Venice.

The account does not require an opening deposit. It includes a Visa debit card and access to everyday banking services, giving members a way to manage deposits, payments, and spending while rebuilding their banking history.

Membership is open to people who live, work, worship, or attend school in select Florida counties.

Loyalty Credit Union has branches in Crawfordville, Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.

The account includes unlimited check writing, free direct deposit, bill pay, eStatements, and online banking. These features can help you return to regular banking while managing everyday deposits, payments, and spending.

Membership is open to people who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Lake County.

McCoy Federal Credit Union serves members through branches in the Orlando area.

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.

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.

The account is designed for members with lower credit scores and provides access to digital tools, financial education, and everyday banking features.

It can help you rebuild your standing while keeping access to a real checking account.

Restore Checking may be a good fit if past financial issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard account.

Pinellas Federal Credit Union has branches in Largo, Palm Harbor, and St. Petersburg.

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.

The account gives members a way to get back into everyday banking with a local credit union.

It can help with deposits, debit card spending, payments, and other basic money tasks while you work toward a better account record.

New Access Checking may be worth considering if past banking issues have kept you from opening a standard checking account elsewhere.

PriorityONE Credit Union of Florida has branches in Coral Springs and Sunrise.

The account includes a free contactless debit card, eBanking, bill pay, mobile banking, mobile deposit, early direct deposit, digital wallet access, unlimited check writing, and Nickel Back Rewards.

Radiant says it will work with members to get their accounts on track toward its free checking options. That makes Basic Checking a useful option if you need a stepping stone back to standard checking.

Radiant Credit Union has branches in Alachua, Chiefland, Crescent City, Gainesville, Hawthorne, Lake City, Live Oak, and more.

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.

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.

The account is designed to help members build a history of responsible account management and improve their financial standing. It gives you a way to return to regular banking instead of paying someone else to cash checks.

Fresh Start Checking includes access to your account online and through mobile devices, making it easier to manage deposits, payments, and daily spending.

Tampa Bay Federal Credit Union has branches in Seffner and Tampa.