Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Kansas

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $450 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through December 30, 2024. Member FDIC.
• Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $25, and the monthly service fee is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

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 4.14% 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.

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 4.00% APY on their savings and 0.50% APY on checking accounts.

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

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.

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 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 3.50% 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.

Once approved, there are multiple checking account options available, with Prestige Prime being the most straightforward.

This account requires a $200 opening deposit, but there’s no ongoing minimum balance requirement. It includes 40 free checks per month, with a fee of $0.05 for each additional check beyond that.

BankWest of Kansas operates three branches located in Goodland, Colby, and St. Francis.

To open the account, you’ll need just a $30 deposit. The monthly fee is $9.99, but if you enroll in direct deposit, it drops to $7.99.

Account holders also get online and mobile banking, along with bill pay services.

Central National Bank has branch locations in several cities throughout Kansas, including Concordia, Gardner, Great Bend, Hays, Junction City, Lawrence, Manhattan, Salina, Topeka, and Wichita. Many of the branches are conveniently situated inside Walmart locations.

Their Free Checking account requires a $50 opening deposit but doesn’t come with a monthly maintenance fee.

You don’t get access to check writing, but you do get an ATM card with unlimited withdrawals. All accounts do come with online and mobile banking, and bill pay.

To qualify for a new account, you must live in one of the following counties: McPherson, Harvey, Marion, Saline, Rice, or Reno.

Citizens State Bank’s Kansas locations include Canton, Goessel, Hesston, McPherson, Moundridge, and Newton.

You can easily waive the $5.95 monthly fee by meeting at least one of these requirements: enrolling in direct deposit, maintaining a combined deposit of $1,000, or having at least $5,000 in loan balances.

To be eligible for membership, you must meet one of the following: work in education in Kansas, be employed by a partner company, be a family member of a current member, live or work in specific counties, or join the American Consumer Council.

Branch locations include multiple spots in Wichita, along with others in Derby, Goddard, Great Bend, Hutchinson, Manhattan, Pratt, and Salina.

With access to direct deposit funds up to two days early, online and mobile banking, and a competitive $5 monthly service charge, this account provides a financial safety net for those looking to get back on track.

Additionally, customers can work with a personal account coach to develop better spending habits and advance to more rewarding accounts.

Heartland Credit Union has locations in Haven, Hays, Hutchinson, Maize, Ness City, Newton, and Wichita.

They offer free checking, provided you maintain a balance of at least $250. If your balance falls below this threshold, there’s a low monthly fee of $3.

Additionally, you’ll need to open a share savings account, which can be linked to your checking account for overdraft protection.

Membership at KC Fairfax Federal is available to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Wyandotte County, Kansas. The credit union is located in Kansas City, KS.

The account requires a minimum opening deposit of $100, along with a $10 monthly fee. After managing your account successfully for 12 months, you can switch to the Free Classic Checking account.

Applications for Second Chance Checking must be completed in person, so you can visit their Kansas branch in Olathe.

United Consumers also has three branches in Missouri, and membership is open to individuals who live, work, or worship in Johnson County, KS.

With an opening deposit of just $50, no minimum balance requirement, and low monthly service fees, it provides an excellent opportunity for a financial fresh start.

The account includes access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide and over 5,000 Credit Union Service Centers with Shared Branching. After maintaining good checking history for 12 months, members can apply for a Best Free Checking account.

Unity One has locations in Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas City, KS, making it easily accessible to members across multiple states.

This account provides essential features similar to a traditional checking account, making it easier to regain financial stability.

Wheat State Credit Union is open to individuals who live, work, or worship in counties such as Sedgwick, Riley, and Geary, as well as employees of Kansas healthcare organizations. Immediate family members of current members are also eligible to join.

Wheat State has two locations in Wichita.