Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Louisiana

Struggling to open a checking account in Louisiana 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 Louisiana

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Louisiana 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 4.14% 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 4.14% 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.

SoFi

Our Second Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 4.00% 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 4.00% 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

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

  • Up to $300 sign-up bonus with direct deposit
  • Earn up to 3.50% APY
  • 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 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.

Bank of Montgomery

Bank of Montgomery relies on Telecheck to verify new accounts instead of ChexSystems. They offer seven different checking account options, with the Economy Checking being a popular choice.

This account requires a $100 initial deposit and a $500 minimum balance. If the balance drops below $500, a $7.50 monthly fee applies.

Regardless of which account you choose, all members enjoy unlimited check writing, free online banking, and mobile banking. The mobile app provides convenient features such as balance checks, transfers, and remote check deposits.

Bank of Montgomery has locations in Alexandria, Benton, Castor, Cloutierville, Haughton, Many, Montgomery, Natchitoches, Pineville, Ringgold, Shreveport, and Woodworth.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union

Barksdale Federal Credit Union offers the Fresh Start Checking account for members looking to rebuild their financial history.

The account has a $10 monthly service fee and requires a $100 minimum deposit or direct deposit to open. After one year, members can request to convert to a standard checking account.

Members enjoy benefits like a Barksdale Federal Visa® Debit Card with Rewards, unlimited check writing, and free online, mobile, and text message banking. The account has no dividend earnings, but the $6 monthly maintenance fee can be waived with a $200 daily balance or a BFCU loan.

Barksdale Federal has branches in the following Louisiana cities: Alexandria, Benton, Bossier City, Cotton Valley, DeRidder, Fort Polk, Hodge, Leesville, Oakdale, and Shreveport.

Community Bank of Louisiana

Community Bank of Louisiana doesn’t use ChexSystems or EWS but does require a government-issued ID to open an account.

They offer seven different checking accounts, including a traditional option with a $7 fee if the account balance drops below $1,000. However, after maintaining an account for five years, the service fee is waived regardless of the balance.

Community Bank has twelve branch locations in Louisiana, with branches in Bossier City, Gloster, Logansport, Mansfield, Many, Shreveport, and Stonewall.

Home Bank

Home Bank uses Telecheck when screening new applications and offers three types of checking accounts, all with a free debit card, online banking, and free ATM access.

Each account requires a $100 initial deposit, and monthly fees range from $5 to $10, with Choice Checking offering $10 cashback on surcharge ATM fees.

Home Bank has branches across Louisiana in cities such as Baton Rouge, Broussard, Covington, Jennings, Lafayette, Mandeville, Metairie, New Orleans, Slidell, and St.Martinville, in addition to numerous other locations.

Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union

Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union offers the Second Chance Checking account, designed for people seeking a fresh start in banking.

It includes a free VISA® Debit Card and requires eStatements, with a monthly fee of $11.95 if direct deposit is used or $13.95 without direct deposit.

JFFCU has branches in cities such as Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gretna, Harvey, Jefferson, Kenner, Livingston, Mandeville, Marrero, and Metairie, with additional locations available across the region.

La Capitol Federal Credit Union

La Capitol Federal Credit Union uses Telecheck to screen new members instead of ChexSystems.

They offer five types of checking accounts, all with a monthly fee of $8 unless a minimum balance of $1,000 is maintained.

The fee can also be waived if you make 10 or more ATM transactions per month and have at least $500 directly deposited into your account each month.

La Capitol Federal Credit Union has branches in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Hammond, Harvey, Houma, Metairie, Monroe, Natchitoches, Oakdale, Pineville, and Ruston.

Louisiana Federal Credit Union

Louisiana Federal Credit Union offers a Reboot Checking account designed for members who want to rebuild their financial history.

The account comes with a $10 monthly maintenance fee, requires a $50 minimum deposit to open, and direct deposit is mandatory.

While checks are not available, members receive a debit card for their transactions. Overdraft protection is also offered from savings.

Louisiana FCU has branches in Gramercy, Hammond, LaPlace, and Norco.

Neighbors Federal Credit Union

Neighbors FCU uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to screen new applications.

To be eligible, you must live, work, worship, or attend school in one of its nine participating parishes.

The credit union offers five checking account options, with only one having a $4.95 monthly service fee, which includes perks like roadside assistance and identity theft protection.

Neighbors FCU has 12 branches, including locations in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Port Allen, Prairieville, Walker, and Zachary.

New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union

New Orleans Firemen’s Federal uses Telecheck to screen new applicants.

To qualify for membership, you must be a current or retired New Orleans firefighter, work for a select employer, or live, work, worship, or attend school in eligible areas.

They offer various checking account options, all with free mobile and online banking, bill pay, unlimited check writing, a free debit card, and no monthly service fees.

Their Louisiana branches are located in Bogalusa, Lockport, Lutcher, Mandeville, Marrero, Metairie, New Orleans (Canal Street and General DeGaulle), and Slidell.

Pelican State Credit Union

Pelican State Credit Union offers the Horizon Checking Account, designed to give members a second chance regardless of their credit score.

The account requires a $25 minimum deposit to open and has a $10 monthly fee. Overdraft options are available to members.

Pelican State Credit Union has branches in the following Louisiana cities: Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, Jackson, Prairieville, and Zachary.

Red River Credit Union

Red River Credit Union also offers its Fresh Start Checking account to those who need a path back to better financial management.

It offers the convenience of a free instant-issue debit card and full access to online banking for a low $10 monthly fee, with no minimum balance requirement.

Members can also take advantage of surcharge-free ATMs and ITMs, along with educational resources to help manage their finances more effectively.

Branches in Louisiana are located in Bastrop and several locations in Shreveport.

Southwest Louisiana Credit Union

Southwest Louisiana Credit Union offers the Fresh Start Checking account, designed for those looking for a second chance at managing their finances.

This account features no minimum balance requirement and a $10 monthly service fee. To open, you’ll need $50 and two forms of ID.

SLCU serves members in locations such as Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Longville, with multiple branches available for convenient access.

WESLA Federal Credit Union

WESLA Federal Credit Union uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to screen new applications.

To become a member, you must live, work, or worship in Caddo or Bossier Parish, and open a savings account with a $25 deposit. A one-time $5 fee is part of that deposit, with the remaining $20 going into your account.

The credit union offers three types of checking accounts, including a free checking option with no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.

All members receive a free debit card, unlimited check writing, overdraft protection, and ScoreCard Rewards.

WESLA has branches and ATMs throughout Shreveport and Bossier City, Louisiana.