Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Georgia

Struggling to open a checking account in Georgia due to a negative ChexSystems listing?

While most banks use ChexSystems to review your banking history, there are some that don’t. Additionally, some banks offer second checking accounts.

Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in Georgia

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

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.69% APY on savings
  • Up to 2% cash back
  • No minimum balance requirement
  • No monthly fees or overdraft fees

Upgrade doesn’t pull your ChexSystems report, but they do look at your credit report.

The Upgrade Rewards Checking account has no monthly fees and no ATM fees. You’ll also get a free Visa debit card, and up to 2% cash back on everyday debit card purchases.

The Upgrade Premier Savings account delivers an impressive 4.69% APY, giving you a remarkable opportunity to grow your savings faster.

Upgrade is partnered with Cross River Bank, Member FDIC, and your funds are FDIC-insured up to $250,000. With an Upgrade checking account, you can also get up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

SoFi

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.30% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

The SoFi Checking and Savings account provides a multitude of benefits, including no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges.

For a limited time, there’s an enticing sign-up bonus of up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits.

In addition, account holders can utilize 55,000 ATMs free of charge via the Allpoint® Network. Those establishing direct deposit can earn up to 4.30% on their savings and 0.50% on checking accounts.

Direct deposit users also get the added benefit of early access to their paychecks – up to 2 days ahead.

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
  • No credit check or ChexSystems

Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. The company does not use ChexSystems or pull your credit report, and they have a lot to offer.

With Current, your everyday purchases can now shape your financial future. Simply by swiping your debit card, you can build credit. No loans or credit checks needed. There are also no monthly or annual fees for this service.

A Current mobile bank account includes fee-free overdraft protection of up to $200. Account holders also get access to over 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs with your Current debit card, and there is no minimum balance or hidden fees.

You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit with a Current Premium account. Plus, Current offers up to 4.00% APY with Current Savings Pods.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 14.5 million downloads
  • No credit check or ChexSystems
  • No minimum opening deposit
  • Over 60,000 fee-free1 ATMs

With Chime, bad banking history is not an issue. They offer an award-winning financial app, a checking account with a debit card, and a savings account, all with no credit check.

When you open a Chime Checking Account, you won’t have to worry about monthly maintenance fees, foreign transaction fees, or minimum balance fees.

You can also start building your credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card. It’s a secured credit card with no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges1.

Chime has over 60,0001 fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit2. You can also deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens.

First Tech Federal Credit Union

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to 4.00% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • No minimum balance requirements
  • Over 30,000 fee-free ATMs

First Tech Federal Credit Union offers an attractive banking solution that goes beyond traditional constraints, providing members with a combination of high-yield interest and multiple financial incentives across its platforms.

With the First Tech Rewards Checking & Savings accounts, there are no minimum balance requirements and no monthly maintenance fees.

These accounts offer competitive interest rates, with the potential to earn up to 4.00% APY on both checking and savings accounts, depending on the balance—significantly higher than many conventional banks.

Additionally, First Tech offers extensive accessibility with over 30,000 CO-OP network ATMs nationwide for fee-free withdrawals.

The credit union also ensures enhanced financial security and flexibility with features like real-time fraud monitoring and free overdraft transfers.

Associated Credit Union

Associated Credit Union uses Equifax credit reports to evaluate new applications rather than ChexSystems. They offer two main checking accounts: Associated Checking and Simple Checking, both requiring a $25 deposit to open.

For $4.95 per month, Associated Checking comes with added benefits like credit monitoring, ID protection, and cell phone protection. Both options include ATM access, online banking, and monthly interest on balances over $2,500.

They have branches across Georgia in cities like Atlanta, Augusta, Carrollton, Chamblee, Dawsonville, Decatur, Ellenwood, Evans, Lawrenceville, Marietta, Oakwood, Norcross, and Peachtree Corners.

Georgia’s Own Credit Union

Georgia’s Own offers a second chance account called Resolution Checking for those with previous banking issues. To open an account, applicants need to speak with a representative to determine eligibility.

The credit union supports online and mobile banking and provides surcharge-free ATM access throughout the state.

Branches are located in several key cities, including Atlanta, Augusta, Albany, Alpharetta, Buford, Douglasville, and Savannah, along with various other locations throughout Georgia.

Heritage Bank

Heritage Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, Telecheck, or EWS to evaluate new applicants. To open an account, you’ll need to apply in person with a government-issued ID.

Among its four checking account options, Connect Checking stands out with no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. It only requires a one-time deposit of $50 to open and offers unlimited free transactions.

Heritage Bank operates 15 locations in Georgia, and one in Jacksonville, Florida. Key cities where you can find branches include Atlanta, Fayetteville, Forest Park, Hinesville, and Fort Stewart.

North Georgia Credit Union

North Georgia Credit Union (NGCU) reviews Equifax credit reports for new checking account applicants. However, if you’re only looking to open a savings account, no credit check or screening is required. A $25 deposit into your savings is needed to maintain membership, along with a one-time $5 fee.

Their checking accounts are entirely free, with no minimum balance requirement. You’ll also enjoy complimentary features like automatic bill pay, as well as online and mobile banking.

NGCU has branches in Clayton, Hartwell, Lavonia, and Toccoa, making it easy to manage your banking locally or through their online services.

Peach State Federal Credit Union

Peach State Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking to help members improve their financial standing. After maintaining the account in good standing for one year, account holders can upgrade to a standard checking account.

Fresh Start Checking has a $9 monthly fee, but it’s waived once the account is transitioned to a regular plan.

Peach State has numerous branches across Georgia, including locations in Lawrenceville, Athens, Loganville, Decatur, Monroe, Jefferson, Winder, and Cornelia.

Renasant Bank

Renasant Bank uses ChexSystems but is more lenient with negative records, as long as there’s no fraud and no outstanding debt owed to the bank.

They offer multiple checking accounts, including Renasant Checking, Student Checking, Rewards Checking, and Rewards Extra.

These accounts come with standard features like online and mobile banking, bill pay, and a Visa debit card. The bank also supports mobile wallets, such as Zelle, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Apple Pay Cash.

Renasant Bank has a widespread presence across Georgia, with over 40 locations in cities such as Atlanta, Albany, Alpharetta, Buford, Macon, Valdosta, Woodstock, and Suwanee, offering convenient access to its banking services throughout the state.

Robins Federal Credit Union

Robins Federal Credit Union offers a second chance checking account designed for those aiming to rebuild their checking history.

This account requires an initial deposit to open and comes with a $10 monthly service fee. After successfully maintaining a positive account balance for 12 months and avoiding overdrafts, members can qualify for a free checking account upgrade.

The second chance account includes unlimited check writing, a free debit card, and access to free online and mobile banking services, ensuring convenient account management while repairing your financial profile.

Robins Federal has multiple branches across Georgia, including locations in Macon, Warner Robins, Gray, Forsyth, and Milledgeville.

Rochelle Bank

Rochelle State Bank only requires a government-issued ID from anyone interested in opening an account. To open up a standard checking account, Rochelle State requires an initial deposit of $100.

There aren’t any monthly service fees if you can keep at least $500 in your account every day of the month. If it falls below $500, however, there is a $5.00 fee.

Moreover, there is also a $0.10 fee for any debit card transactions when the account balance is below $500. Currently, Rochelle State Bank only has one branch location in Rochelle, Georgia.

Synovus

Synovus Bank relies on Equifax credit reports instead of ChexSystems to assess new applications, requiring a minimum credit score of 500 for consideration.

If approved, applicants can choose between Free Checking, Preferred Account, or Gold Checking. Military personnel have the additional option of the Military Interest Checking account.

The Free Checking account only requires a $100 deposit to open, with no monthly fees or balance requirements. Features include a Visa® debit card, online and mobile banking, and automatic bill pay, ensuring convenient account management.

Synovus has a robust presence in Georgia, with locations throughout Columbus, Fort Moore, and Cataula.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account to help people restore their banking history. To open an account, you need a minimum deposit of $25 and there’s a one-time setup fee of $9.

The monthly maintenance fee is $11.95 but can be lowered to $9.95 if you enroll in direct deposit. For those who prefer paper statements, there’s a $3 monthly fee, which can be avoided by switching to e-statements.

The bank has several branches across Georgia, with locations in Atlanta, College Park, Duluth, Loganville, Morrow, Newnan, Riverdale, and Roswell.