Second Chance Checking Accounts in Louisiana

Many banks in Louisiana use ChexSystems or similar reports to screen applicants, making it hard to open a checking account if you’ve had overdrafts, unpaid fees, or account closures.

Second chance checking accounts offer a way to restore your banking access and work toward a stronger financial foundation.

9 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Louisiana

Below are banks and credit unions across Louisiana providing second chance checking accounts to help individuals rebuild their banking history.

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.

Barksdale Federal Credit Union

Barksdale FCU offers Fresh Start Checking, designed to help members rebuild their financial history.

The account requires a $100 opening deposit or direct deposit and carries a $10 monthly fee. Members receive a Visa® debit card with rewards, unlimited check writing, and access to online, mobile, and text banking.

The $6 maintenance fee can be waived with a $200 daily balance or a BFCU loan. After 12 months of responsible use, members may upgrade to a standard checking account.

Branches are located in Alexandria, Benton, Bossier City, Cotton Valley, DeRidder, Fort Polk, Hodge, Leesville, Oakdale, and Shreveport.

Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union

JFFCU provides Second Chance Checking, designed to help individuals rebuild their banking access.

The account requires eStatements and includes a Visa® debit card. Monthly fees are $11.95 with direct deposit or $13.95 without.

Branches are located in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Gretna, Harvey, Jefferson, Kenner, Livingston, Mandeville, Marrero, and Metairie..

Louisiana Federal Credit Union

Louisiana FCU offers Reboot Checking, a second chance account to help members restore their financial standing.

The account requires a $50 deposit and has a $10 monthly fee. Direct deposit is mandatory, and members receive a debit card for everyday transactions. Checks are not available, but overdraft protection from savings is included.

Branches are located in Gramercy, Hammond, LaPlace, and Norco.

Pelican State Credit Union

Pelican State CU provides Horizon Checking, helping members rebuild their banking history regardless of credit score.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit and carries a $10 monthly fee. Overdraft options are available, along with access to digital banking and debit card transactions.

Branches are located in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, Jackson, Prairieville, and Zachary.

Red River Credit Union

Red River CU offers Fresh Start Checking, providing an opportunity to regain banking access with fewer barriers.

The account has no minimum balance and includes an instant-issue debit card, full online banking access, and surcharge-free ATM options. The monthly fee is $10.

Branches are located in Bastrop and multiple locations in Shreveport.

Southwest Louisiana Credit Union

Southwest Louisiana CU provides Fresh Start Checking, designed to help members rebuild their finances.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and a $10 monthly fee. A $50 deposit and two forms of ID are required to open the account. Members receive debit card access and online banking tools.

Branches are located in Lake Charles, Longville, and Sulphur.