Struggling to open a checking account in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts
We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Massachusetts banks and credit unions that allow anyone to open a checking account, regardless of their banking history.
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Alden Credit Union
No Boundaries Checking is a second chance checking account from Alden for people who want to rebuild their financial history. There are some restrictions, presumably with the type of record you have with ChexSystems.
If you’re approved, however, you’ll get an ATM card along with 50 free personalized checks. You can also use Alden’s online banking, bill pay, and notary service. It takes $10 to open your account and $7.50 for a monthly service fee.
There are two branch locations you can go to, one in Chicopee and one in Belchertown, Massachusetts.
To become a member, you simply need to live, work, worship, or attend school in Hampden and Hampshire Counties in Massachusetts. Alternatively, you can also qualify if a family member is a current member.
Athol Credit Union
For a simple checking account, regardless of your past issues with insufficient funds at other financial institutions, try Athol’s Fresh Start Checking.
To get started, you’ll first need to become a member and deposit $25 into a savings account. You must also pay off any charged off accounts at other financial institutions.
Once you’ve completed these two steps, you can make your opening deposit of $25. The monthly fee is $9.95, which will be reduced to $7.95 if you sign up for direct deposit.
Membership to Athol CU is open to anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Worcester County, Franklin County, or Hampshire County in Massachusetts.
Greylock Federal Credit Union
While Greylock Federal may utilize ChexSystems, they won’t pull a credit report unless you’re applying for a loan. The Free Checking option requires just $15 to open, then there’s no monthly fee.
There’s also no minimum balance necessary to maintain. You get a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking, and remote deposit capture.
Greylock FCU has branch locations in Western Massachusetts. To join, you need to have some kind of connection. You must live or work in Berkshire County, Westfield, Southwick, Granville, Montgomery, or Russell Massachusetts; Columbia County, New York; Bennington County, Vermont.
North Easton Savings Bank
North Easton doesn’t use ChexSystems to screen applications, so you have a better chance of qualifying. Check out the Totally FREE Checking, branded as a free account for everyone.
The opening deposit is a little above average at $50, but you don’t have to worry about any monthly fees. Plus, you get free access to the usual banking services, like direct deposit, bill pay, and mobile banking.
If you’re located in Southeastern Massachusetts, it’s definitely worth giving it a try.
Rollstone Bank and Trust
There’s no ChexSystems check or credit report check when you apply for an account with Rollstone Bank and Trust.
The Free Checking account comes with basic services with no monthly fee or monthly balance requirement. You do, however, have to add on extra services such as online banking, bill pay, and a debit card.
Rollstone Bank and Trust has several branch and mortgage center locations throughout North Central Massachusetts.
Washington Savings Bank
Washington Savings Bank offers the Online Rewards Checking account, which has less strict requirements for ChexSystems and no credit requirements whatsoever.
You can’t have any fraud or criminal activity in your banking history, and former account charge-offs must be less than $2,000. You’re also required to have a direct deposit, either from a payroll or government source.
The monthly fee for Online Rewards Checking is $9.95, and you can upgrade to a free checking account after a year of responsible account management.
Washington Savings Bank has branch locations in Dracut and Lowell, Massachusetts.
Webster Bank
Consider Opportunity Checking from Webster Bank for a second chance checking account in Massachusetts. The minimum opening deposit is $50 and the monthly fee is $16.95.
The fee can be reduced to $11.95 per month if you enroll in direct deposit. You’ll get a Visa debit card and there is no per check charge. Webster Bank also provides free online and mobile banking, plus balance alerts.
Webster Bank has locations around the Boston area, as well as Cambridge, Wellesley, Attleboro, Brockton, Lexington, Needham, Seekonk, New Bedford, Brookline, Taunton, Fall River, Mattapoisett, Somerset, Quincy, Stoughton, South Dartmouth, and Newton.
Non-ChexSystems Banks by State
Looking for more information and additional options available in your area? Select your state from the list below to explore your options.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington, DC
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming