Second Chance Checking Accounts in Iowa

A checking account denial in Iowa can happen when old overdrafts, unpaid fees, or closed accounts appear in ChexSystems or a similar banking report. Many banks review this information before approval, which can make it harder to open a new account after past setbacks.

Second chance checking accounts give you a way to rebuild your banking history while regaining access to everyday financial services. These accounts can help you move forward with a new account and better banking habits.

14 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Iowa

Here’s a list of banks and credit unions in Iowa offering second chance checking accounts for customers looking to improve their banking record.

You can also review banks that don’t use ChexSystems in Iowa for another option when trying to open a new checking account.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $400 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.30% 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 $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

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 lets you 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, 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

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 47,000 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®. 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.

Stash

Features & Benefits

  • No hidden fees
  • Earn stock as you spend with Stock-Back® rewards
  • Get paid up to two days early with direct deposit
  • 55,000+ fee-free ATMs through Allpoint®

Stash offers a checking account with no ChexSystems review or credit check. This makes it accessible if you’ve had trouble opening accounts in the past.

Each time you use the Stash debit card, you earn Stock-Back® rewards in the form of small pieces of stock from the brands where you spend.

You can also receive your paycheck early through direct deposit. The account has no overdraft fees.

Everything is managed through the Stash mobile app, which also includes investing and budgeting tools.

Affinity Credit Union

Affinity Credit Union offers New Beginnings Checking, a second chance account built to help you rebuild your financial history.

It gives you the tools you need without unnecessary hurdles in the way.

It takes just $20 to open. The account includes free online and mobile banking, so you can manage your money from anywhere.

To qualify, you first need to become a member. That means living or working in select Iowa counties, including Polk, Boone, Story, Dallas, and Madison, or belonging to an eligible employee group.

Affinity has two branch locations in Des Moines, Iowa.

Bank Iowa

Bank Iowa offers Balance Banking, an account designed to help you get back on steady financial footing.

It includes built-in safeguards that can help you manage your money while avoiding common banking setbacks.

The account requires $10 to open and has a $5 monthly fee. There are no overdraft or NSF fees, and the account is checkless, which helps keep your spending limited to the money you have available.

Bank Iowa also has a broad branch network across the state, with locations in Altoona, Denison, Johnston, Newton, Oskaloosa, Pella, Red Oak, Shenandoah, West Des Moines, and other Iowa communities.

Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust

Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust offers BankOn Checking. It’s a straightforward way to establish a banking relationship, whether you’re opening an account for the first time or rebuilding one.

It also works if you’ve had difficulties in the past and want a second chance.

It takes just $25 to open, and the monthly service charge is $5. Overdraft and NSF fees never apply, and there are no early closure or dormant account fees to worry about.

The account comes with a free initial Visa debit card, free access to more than 55,000 nationwide Privilege Status ATMs, online and mobile banking, and online bill pay. The paper statement fee is waived once you switch to eStatements.

After 12 months in good standing, you become eligible to move up to a different account type. Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust has branches in Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Marion, and Waterloo, Iowa.

Collins Community Credit Union

Collins CCU provides Take2 Checking, a second chance account for those with prior banking challenges.

The account requires a $50 opening deposit and carries a $9.95 monthly fee. It includes free mobile banking and remote deposit.

After 12 months in good standing, you may be eligible to upgrade to a standard checking account.

Membership is open to individuals who live or work in select Iowa counties or through family or employer eligibility.

CCCU has branches in Asbury, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Clive, Des Moines, Dubuque, Johnston, Iowa City, Marion, and North Liberty.

Community State Bank

Community State Bank offers BankOn Checking. It’s built to help you establish a banking relationship, whether you’re opening your first account or rebuilding one.

It also works if you’ve run into difficulties in the past and want a second chance.

You can open it with $25 or less, and it carries a $5 monthly service charge. There is no charge for overdrafts or NSF items, no early account closure fee, and no dormant account fee.

You get a Visa debit card, no fee ATM access, online and mobile banking, and online bill pay, with the paper statement fee waived once you sign up for eStatements.

Stay in good standing for 12 months and you become eligible to move up to a different account type. Community State Bank has branches in Altoona, Ankeny, Des Moines, Johnston, Pleasant Hill, and Waukee, Iowa.

Federation Bank

Federation Bank’s Fresh Start Checking is a second chance account crafted to help individuals reestablish their banking trust.

You’ll need a $250 opening deposit, and the monthly fee is waived if you maintain a qualifying balance. The account includes essential features: a debit card, check-image statements, online banking, and mobile access.

Federation serves rural Iowa communities with branches in Richland (Poweshiek County), Montezuma, and Grinnell, among other statewide locations.

Greater Iowa Credit Union

Greater Iowa CU offers Fresh Start Checking, giving members a way to rebuild their banking access.

The account has no opening deposit and includes a $5 monthly fee, with features like online banking, debit card access, and mobile banking.

Membership is open to individuals living or working in one of 33 Iowa counties, along with immediate family members of current members and select employer groups.

Branches are located in Ames, Denison, Des Moines, Indianola, and Waukee.

Marine Credit Union

Marine CU provides My Marine Checking, designed to help members improve their financial standing.

The account comes with no monthly fees, free overdraft protection, access to over 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs, mobile banking, a debit card, and direct deposit.

Marine CU has branches in Davenport, Decorah, and West Des Moines.

North Iowa Community Credit Union

North Iowa CU offers Fresh Start Debit, a second chance account that skips check-writing to help you stay on track.

There’s no minimum balance requirement—just maintain a positive balance—and a modest $8/month fee (plus tax).

You’ll receive a free debit card and access to ACH payments for bills. Overdrafts aren’t allowed, reducing the risk of fees.

North Iowa CU serves the region from branches in Mason City, Clear Lake, and surrounding North Iowa communities.

Quad City Bank & Trust

Quad City Bank & Trust offers BankOn Checking. It’s a way to establish a banking relationship, whether you’re opening your first account or rebuilding one.

It also works if you’ve run into difficulties in the past and want a second chance.

Opening one takes a low $25 deposit, and the monthly service charge is $5. There is no charge for overdrafts or NSF items, and no early account closure or dormant fee applies.

The account includes a Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, online bill pay, and free eStatements.

Stay in good standing for 12 months and you become eligible to move up to a different account type. Quad City Bank & Trust has branches in Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa.

Know of a second chance account we missed?

If you know of a bank or credit union that offers a second chance account, tell us. We'll verify it, and if it checks out, we'll add it to the list.

Did you open the account with a ChexSystems record? (optional)