Second Chance Checking Accounts in Illinois

If past overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures are standing between you and a new checking account in Illinois, you’re not alone. Many banks use ChexSystems or similar reporting systems, making it tough to get approved after negative banking history.

Second chance checking accounts provide a clear path to rebuild trust with financial institutions and regain full access to essential banking services.

13 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Illinois

Below is a list of Illinois banks and credit unions offering second chance checking accounts designed to help you reestablish your financial footing.

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.

Banterra Bank

Banterra offers Restart Checking, ideal for those rebuilding their financial standing.

The account has no minimum balance and includes a Banterra Visa debit card, unlimited ATM/ITM transactions at Banterra machines, unlimited check writing, and free digital banking.

Branches are located across Illinois, including Carmi, Carbondale, Carterville, Du Quoin, Marion, Mount Vernon, Harrisburg, Herrin, and West Frankfort.

Catholic and Community Credit Union

Catholic and Community CU provides Rebound Checking, a second chance account for individuals working to rebuild their banking history.

The account has a $7.50 monthly fee and includes access to debit cards, unlimited check writing, and online banking. After 12 months in good standing, members may qualify for a standard account.

Branches are located in Belleville and Shiloh. Members can also use thousands of Co-Op Shared Branch locations nationwide.

Credit Union 1

Credit Union 1 offers Second Chance Checking, designed to help individuals recover from past banking issues.

The account has no monthly fee or minimum balance requirement and includes a Visa debit card, mobile banking, online bill pay, and early pay with direct deposit.

After 12 months, you may upgrade to Free Checking or High-Yield Checking.

CU1 has branches across Illinois, including Chicago, Evergreen Park, Lombard, Springfield, Vernon Hills, and Rantoul.

First American Bank

First American’s Fresh Start Checking provides a second chance for those with ChexSystems history.

The account requires a $50 deposit and includes unlimited check writing, a free Mastercard debit card, online banking, and access to 64,000+ surcharge-free ATMs through Allpoint. The $9.95 monthly fee applies with no ongoing balance requirement.

First American operates over 40 Illinois branches, including Chicago, Aurora, Joliet, Oak Lawn, Evanston, Naperville, and Skokie.

First Eagle Bank

First Eagle Bank offers Eagle Fresh Start Checking, designed to help individuals rebuild their banking history after past challenges.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and carries a $5 monthly maintenance fee. It includes a debit card, online/mobile banking, bill pay, and access to surcharge-free ATMs via MoneyPass. There are no overdraft fees or minimum balance requirements.

Branches are located throughout Illinois, with multiple convenient locations including the Chicago metropolitan area.

First National Bank and Trust Company

First National’s Renew Checking gives individuals with ChexSystems records a fresh start.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit, a $15 setup fee, and includes a free Visa debit card. After 12 months of good account management, you may qualify to upgrade to standard checking.

Branches are located in Clinton, Forest Park, Rockton, Roscoe, and Winnebago.

Great Lakes Credit Union

GLCU offers Fresh Checking, a second chance option for those rebuilding their checking history.

The account requires a $25 deposit and includes an instant-issue debit card, mobile and online banking, and no monthly fees or balance requirements.

After maintaining a positive account history, members may qualify for GLCU’s interest-bearing Free Checking.

GLCU has branches in Antioch, Bolingbrook, Chicago, Crystal Lake, Gurnee, Naperville, Round Lake Beach, and Waukegan.

Marquette Bank

Marquette Bank provides ReStart Checking for individuals looking to rebuild after ChexSystems issues.

The account requires a $20 deposit, includes a free debit card, and has a $5 monthly fee. Account holders receive free money orders for the first year, and may upgrade to standard checking after 12 months in good standing.

Branches are located throughout the southern Chicago area, including Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, and Orland Park.

Staley Credit Union

Staley CU offers Renew Checking, helping members with negative banking history get back on track.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and has a $7 monthly fee. It includes online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, a debit card, access to over 5,000 fee-free ATMs, and overdraft protection.

After 12 months of good standing, you may upgrade to standard checking.

Staley CU operates three branches in Decatur.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest provides a second chance checking account for those rebuilding their financial history.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and $9 setup fee. Monthly fees are $11.95, reduced to $9.95 with direct deposit. Paper statement fees are waived by enrolling in e-statements.

Woodforest has 49 Illinois branches, including Aurora, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield.