Second Chance Checking Accounts in Kentucky

If negative banking history like overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures is keeping you from opening a checking account in Kentucky, you’re not alone. Many banks rely on ChexSystems to screen applicants, which can make it difficult to get approved after past issues.

Second chance checking accounts provide a way to rebuild your financial history while restoring access to essential banking services.

15 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Kentucky

Below are banks and credit unions across Kentucky that offer second chance checking accounts for individuals working to regain their 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.

C-Plant Federal Credit Union

C-Plant offers a second chance checking account, with details provided through a representative.

Membership is open to individuals who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in counties like Ballard, Graves, Hopkins, McCracken, and more.

Branches are located in LaCenter, Madisonville, Mayfield, Morganfield, Paducah, and Smithland.

Cecilian Bank

Cecilian Bank provides Choice Opportunity Checking, designed for those rebuilding their banking history.

The account requires a $50 deposit and has a $10 monthly fee, reduced to $8 with direct deposit. It includes unlimited debit transactions, check writing, a Visa debit card, and online banking.

Branches are located in Brandenburg, Cecilia, Elizabethtown, Hardinsburg, Irvington, Leitchfield, Radcliff, Rineyville, Sonora, and Vine Grove.

Central Bank

Central Bank offers Clean Start Checking, a second chance account with all the basics.

Open with $10, and the $10 monthly fee drops to $8 with direct deposit. You get a free Visa debit card, eStatements, mobile banking, and loan discounts for autopay.

Branches are located in Berea, Covington, Crestview Hills, Florence, Fort Mitchell, Georgetown, Lexington, Louisville, Nicholasville, Richmond, and Winchester.

CG Bank

CG Bank’s Clean Slate Checking helps individuals restore their banking access.

A $25 deposit opens the account, with a $10 monthly fee reduced to $8 for direct deposit users. You get a Visa debit card, mobile banking, unlimited checks, and free eStatements.

Branches are located in Berea, Irvine, London, Richmond, and Stanton.

City National Bank

City National offers second chance checking with no overdraft fees and no minimums.

There’s no opening deposit required, and the $5 monthly fee covers debit card access, online banking, and mobile services.

Branches are located in Ashland, Carlisle, Cynthiana, Frankfort, Grayson, Lexington, Mount Sterling, Nicholasville, Paintsville, and Versailles.

Commonwealth Credit Union

Commonwealth CU provides 20/20 Checking, helping members rebuild after financial difficulties.

The account has no minimum balance and a $10 monthly fee. It includes a Visa debit card, mobile wallet compatibility, and digital banking. After one year, eligible members may upgrade to commonWEALTH Checking.

Branches are located in Frankfort, Georgetown, Harrodsburg, Lawrenceburg, Lexington, Louisville, Nicholasville, Owenton, Richmond, Shelbyville, and Versailles.

First Financial Bank

First Financial offers NoWorry Checking, designed to help you avoid overdraft fees entirely.

Open with $25, and the account has a $5 monthly fee, no balance requirement, 55,000+ fee-free ATMs, and a free contactless debit card.

Branches are located in Harrodsburg, Lawrenceburg, Louisville, and Shelbyville.

FNB Bank

FNB Bank’s Start Again Checking helps you rebuild your banking history.

A $100 deposit and $10 setup fee are required. The $12 monthly fee includes free eStatements, online banking, and account access. After 12 months of good standing, you may upgrade to a standard account.

Branches are located in Benton, Cadiz, Mayfield, Murray, Paducah, and Wingo.

Hearthside Bank

Hearthside’s Square One Checking is a second chance account for individuals restarting their banking access.

The account requires a $50 deposit, $10 setup fee, and a monthly fee of $12.99 (or $19.99 without direct deposit). Features include online banking, bill pay, check images, and overdraft privilege.

Branches are located in Harlan and Middlesboro.

Liberty Federal Credit Union

Liberty FCU offers Opportunity Checking, designed for those working to reestablish their banking history.

The account comes with a debit or ATM card, online banking, and bill pay. After 12 months in good standing, you may upgrade to another Liberty checking option.

Branches are located in Bowling Green, Crestwood, Henderson, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, and Prospect.

South Central Bank

South Central Bank provides Green Tree Renew Checking, designed to help individuals regain financial footing.

A $50 deposit opens the account. The $12.95 monthly fee drops to $8.95 with ACH deposit. Features include online banking, eStatements, phone banking, and a Visa debit card.

Branches are located in Bowling Green, Cave City, Elizabethtown, Franklin, Glasgow, Lexington, Louisville, Owensboro, Russellville, and Somerset.

Transcend Credit Union

Transcend CU offers NewStart Checking, helping members rebuild after past banking problems.

The account requires a $5 deposit and has a $12 monthly fee. After the trial period, eligible members may upgrade to a standard account.

Membership is open to residents of counties like Bullitt, Jefferson, and Oldham. Branches are located in Lexington and Louisville.