Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Maryland

When ChexSystems has negative information tied to your name, opening a bank account in Maryland can become more difficult. A past overdraft, unpaid fee, or closed account may be enough for some banks to turn down your application.

Maryland has banks and credit unions that can make the process easier. Some don’t use ChexSystems when reviewing new applicants, and second chance checking accounts can help you rebuild access to everyday banking.

12 Banks in Maryland That Don’t Use ChexSystems

Below, you’ll find Maryland banks and credit unions that may approve checking accounts without treating ChexSystems as the main barrier.

You can also compare second chance banks in Maryland for accounts that give you another route back into banking.

SoFi

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $400 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.30% APY on savings
  • Over 55,000 fee-free ATMs

SoFi doesn’t use ChexSystems and offers a no-fee checking and savings account with solid perks.

You can earn up to 3.30% APY on savings, access over 55,000 fee-free ATMs, and get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

There are no overdraft fees, balance requirements, or monthly charges. You can also earn a sign-up bonus of up to $400 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

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 doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so approval is easy—even with a rough banking history.

There are no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and you get access to 40,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit by using your debit card—no loans, credit pulls, or interest charges.

Current includes fee-free overdraft protection up to $200 and lets you get paid up to two days early with direct deposit. Optional Savings Pods earn up to 4.00% APY.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No monthly fees or minimums
  • Credit Builder Card with no interest, fees, or credit pull
  • Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
  • Over 47,000 fee-free ATMs

Chime doesn’t use ChexSystems or run credit checks, so anyone can open an account.

There’s no monthly fee, no minimum opening deposit, and access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit with the Chime Card, a secured Visa credit card with no annual fees, no interest charges, and no credit check required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

ACNB Bank

ACNB Bank offers checking accounts for Maryland customers through its regional banking network.

Its checking accounts include debit card access, online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, direct deposit, and ATM access.

ACNB may be a good fit for customers who prefer a community bank with local service instead of a large national institution.

In Maryland, ACNB serves customers in Baltimore, Carroll, and Frederick County communities.

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.

CFG Bank

CFG Bank is a Maryland-based bank that offers checking accounts for customers who want a smaller regional banking option.

Its checking accounts include debit card access, online banking, mobile banking, direct deposit, bill pay, and ATM access.

CFG has a more limited office network than many larger banks, but it may appeal to customers who prefer local service and a Maryland-centered institution.

Customers can visit CFG Bank locations in Annapolis, Baltimore, and Lutherville.

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.

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union offers checking accounts to eligible members in Maryland.

Its checking accounts include debit card access, online banking, mobile banking, direct deposit, bill pay, and ATM access.

The credit union is especially focused on serving members connected to education, so applicants will need to meet its membership requirements before opening an account.

Educational Systems FCU serves Maryland members in communities such as Annapolis, Aspen Hill, Bowie, Cherry Hill, Clarksburg, Easton, Forestville, and more.

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.

Know a bank we missed?

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