Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Maryland

Struggling to open a checking account in Maryland 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 Maryland

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Maryland banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80.00% 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 3.80.00% 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

Current is a financial technology company that offers mobile banking without ChexSystems checks or credit pulls. It’s a flexible option for anyone looking to rebuild or simplify their finances.

You can build credit just by using your Current debit card—no loans, credit checks, or interest charges involved. There are no monthly or annual fees for this feature.

Current also offers fee-free overdraft protection up to $200, access to over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs, and no minimum balance requirements.

With a Premium account, you can get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Current also offers up to 4.00% APY through its Savings Pods, which lets you earn interest while keeping your money accessible.

Upgrade

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.02% 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 4.02% 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.

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.

Central Credit Union of Maryland

CCU of Maryland offers members Renew Checking, which is specifically designed for those who have had already had trouble opening a checking account.

You could potentially qualify for the account even if you have a ChexSystems record.

To open the account, you must sign up for direct deposit and there’s a monthly fee. After you’ve responsibly managed your account for 12 months, you can upgrade to free Central Checking.

To qualify for membership, you must be an employee of an affiliated business. There are two branch locations, one in Baltimore and one in Perry Point.

Clear Mountain Bank

Clear Mountain Bank offers StartFresh Banking, a checking solution for those with a troubled financial history. You can choose between StartFresh First Step and StartFresh Checking.

First Step doesn’t offer check writing but includes a debit card. It has a $9.95 monthly fee, which drops to $6.95 with direct deposit.

The minimum deposit to open is $50, with no minimum balance requirement. After 18 months in good standing, you may upgrade to a traditional checking account.

StartFresh Checking allows unlimited check writing. Successfully managing this account for 18 months makes you eligible to apply for a traditional checking account. While the bank is based in West Virginia, it also has a branch in Oakland, Maryland.

Market USA Federal Credit Union

Market USA Federal Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking, providing a second chance for those looking to rebuild their financial standing.

This account has no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements and provides you with access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches. Digital banking and bill pay are also included.

After six months, your account will automatically upgrade to Regular Checking, allowing access to mobile check deposit and Privilege Pay.

Direct deposit is required to open Fresh Start Checking, but if unavailable, you may qualify for Provisional Checking.

Market USA has branches in Laurel, Maryland, as well as nationwide locations through the Shared Branch Network.

Security Plus Federal Credit Union

Security Plus Federal Credit Union offers a second chance account called Revive Checking.

The account has a $5 monthly fee, which can be waived if you receive at least one electronic ACH deposit each month.

To open the account, a $25 minimum deposit is required. You’ll receive a Visa debit card after 30 days and your first order of checks for free. Revive Checking also includes online and mobile banking features.

Membership is available to anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school in Baltimore, or is a family member of an existing member. SPFCU has branches in Baltimore and Owings Mills.

Tower Federal Credit Union

Tower Federal Credit Union doesn’t use ChexSystems. They serve DOD employees, contractors, and their families without using ChexSystems.

The credit union offers a free checking account with no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements, along with access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs.

TFCU has branches in Annapolis, Annapolis Junction, Columbia, Ellicott City, Gambrills, Hanover, Laurel, Millersville, Owings Mills, and Pasadena.

United Bank

United Bank does not use ChexSystems or credit reports when approving new applicants, making it accessible for those with past financial challenges.

They offer three checking options: United Free Checking, Platinum Checking, and United Rewards Checking, each catering to different banking needs.

United Free Checking is a no-fee, no minimum balance account, making it a simple and straightforward option. The account requires a $50 minimum deposit to open.

United Bank has branches in Annapolis, Bethesda, Bowie, Crofton, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown, Landover Hills, Rockville, Rosedale, and Silver Spring.

Woodforest National Bank

Woodforest National Bank offers a second chance checking account aimed at helping individuals rebuild their banking history.

The account requires a minimum deposit of $25 to open and includes a one-time setup fee of $9.

The monthly maintenance fee is $11.95, but this can be reduced to $9.95 with direct deposit enrollment. Customers can also opt for e-statements to avoid the additional $3 paper statement fee.

Woodforest National Bank has branches in several Maryland locations, including Aberdeen, Arbutus, California, Cockeysville, Frederick, Fruitland, Hanover, Landover Hills, Laurel, Pocomoke City, Salisbury, and Severn.