Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Massachusetts

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.

Upgrade

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Up to 4.69% 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 4.69% 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 4.30% 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 4.30% on their savings and 0.50% 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

  • Earn up to 4.00% APY
  • No monthly fees
  • 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 4.00% 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.

Alden Credit Union

No Boundaries Checking from Alden Credit Union offers a second chance for those looking to rebuild their financial history.

While there are some restrictions based on your ChexSystems record, if approved, you’ll receive an ATM card and 50 free personalized checks. You can also take advantage of Alden’s online banking, bill pay, and notary services.

The account requires a $10 deposit to open, and there is a $7.50 monthly service fee.

Membership is open to those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Hampden and Hampshire Counties, or if a family member is already a member.

Alden has two branches located in Chicopee and Belchertown, Massachusetts.

Athol Credit Union

Athol Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking for those looking for a simple account, even if they’ve had past issues with insufficient funds.

To open the account, you’ll first need to become a member by depositing $25 into a savings account and paying off any charged-off accounts from other institutions.

After that, you can make a $25 opening deposit for Fresh Start Checking. The account has a $9.95 monthly fee, which drops to $7.95 with direct deposit.

Membership is available to individuals who live, work, or attend school in Worcester, Franklin, or Hampshire County, Massachusetts. Athol CU only has one location in Athol.

GFA Federal Credit Union

New Start Checking from GFA Federal Credit Union offers a fresh start for those looking to regain access to banking services.

With a $25 minimum opening deposit, you’ll receive a debit card, free eStatements, and free mobile and online banking. Although there are no paper checks or overdraft protection, your balances are insured by NCUA.

GFA has branch locations in Ashburnham, Gardner, Hubbardston, Leominster, Rutland, and Winchendon, Massachusetts.

Greylock Federal Credit Union

Greylock Federal Credit Union does not use ChexSystems for screening new applicants. Their Free Checking option is easy to open with just a $15 deposit, and there are no monthly fees or minimum balance requirements.

Members receive a free Visa debit card, online and mobile banking access, and remote deposit capture.

To become a member, you must live or work in certain areas, including Berkshire County, Westfield, Southwick, Granville, Montgomery, or Russell, Massachusetts; Columbia County, New York; or Bennington County, Vermont.

Greylock FCU has branches in Adams, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, North Adams, Pittsfield, and Williamstown.

North Easton Savings Bank

North Easton Savings Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems to screen applications, giving you a better chance of qualifying.

Their Totally FREE Checking account is available to everyone. While the opening deposit is $50, there are no monthly fees, and you’ll get access to services like direct deposit, bill pay, and mobile banking.

North Easton has branches in Brockton, Carver, Easton, Halifax, Hanson, Mansfield, Middleboro, Norton, Plymouth, and Whitman.

Rollstone Bank and Trust

Rollstone Bank and Trust doesn’t use ChexSystems or credit reports when you apply for an account. Their Free Checking account has no monthly fee or balance requirement. However, services like online banking, bill pay, and a debit card are optional add-ons.

Rollstone Bank and Trust has branches in Fitchburg, Groton, Harvard, Leominster, and Townsend.

TD Bank

TD Bank doesn’t use ChexSystems, making it a viable option for those who might have struggled with banking history in the past.

The bank offers several checking accounts to fit different needs: TD Complete Checking, TD Beyond Checking, and TD Essential Banking.

  • TD Complete Checking has a $15 monthly fee, which can be waived in three ways, including direct deposits.
  • TD Beyond Checking offers interest and no ATM fees, with a $25 fee that can be waived by maintaining a daily balance.
  • TD Essential Banking is a checkless account with a $4.95 fee and no minimum balance, ideal for basic banking.

TD Bank has branch locations throughout Massachusetts, including cities such as Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Fall River, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Quincy, Springfield, and Worcester.

Washington Savings Bank

Washington Savings Bank offers the Online Rewards Checking account, which has more lenient ChexSystems requirements and no credit check.

To qualify, you must not have any fraud or criminal activity in your banking history, and any charge-offs must be under $2,000. A direct deposit from payroll or a government source is also required.

The account has a $9.95 monthly fee, but after a year of responsible management, you can upgrade to a free checking account.

Washington Savings Bank has branches in Dracut and Lowell, Massachusetts.

Webster Bank

Consider Opportunity Checking from Webster Bank if you’re looking for a second chance checking account in Massachusetts.

The account requires a $50 minimum opening deposit and comes with a $16.95 monthly fee, which can be reduced to $11.95 with direct deposit.

With this account, you’ll receive a Visa debit card, and there’s no fee for writing checks. Webster Bank also provides free online and mobile banking, as well as balance alerts.

Webster Bank has branch locations in Attleboro, Boston, Brockton, Cambridge, Fall River, Lexington, Needham, Newton, Quincy, and Taunton, with additional locations throughout the state.