Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Michigan

If you’ve had past banking problems in Michigan, ChexSystems may be working against you. Many banks rely on it to screen applicants and often deny accounts with negative marks.

Still, there are options. Michigan has banks that don’t use ChexSystems and second chance checking accounts that make it possible to open an account—even with a rocky financial past.

19 Banks in Michigan That Don’t Use ChexSystems

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

Current

Our Top Pick

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.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Sign-up bonus up to $300 with qualifying direct deposits
  • No monthly fee
  • Earn up to 3.80% 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 3.80% 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 $300 when you set up qualifying direct deposits.

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 60,000 fee-free1 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 60,0001 fee-free ATMs.

You can also build credit7 with the Secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Credit Card—no annual fees, interest charges1, or credit pull required.

Direct deposit users can get paid up to two days early2, and cash deposits are free at over 8,500 Walgreens locations.

Central Savings Bank

Central Savings Bank uses credit reports instead of ChexSystems for applicants. A solid credit history qualifies you for one of their two checking accounts.

The No Charge Checking Account has no minimum balance requirement or service charges.

The Personal Now Checking Account offers interest, with no service charge if your balance is above $1,000. If your balance falls below that, you’ll be charged a small fee per debit transaction and a monthly maintenance fee.

Central Savings Bank has branches in Cedarville, DeTour, Kinross, Mackinac Island, Pickford, Rudyard, Sault Ste. Marie, and St. Ignace, Michigan.

Community First Federal Credit Union

Community First Federal Credit Union uses credit reports rather than ChexSystems when screening new account applicants.

As long as your credit is in good standing, what ChexSystems has on file won’t impact your eligibility.

Membership at CFFCU comes with several benefits, including no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements.

You can write as many checks as you like, and dividends are available if you maintain a daily balance of $1,000.

Dividends are compounded monthly and credited back into your account at the end of each month. Additionally, the credit union offers account monitoring to help you keep track of your finances in real time.

Community First Federal Credit Union has branches in Howard City, Lakeview, Morley, and Trufant, Michigan.

Consumers Credit Union

Consumers Credit Union does not use ChexSystems, but instead checks credit reports for new members.

They offer two types of checking accounts: Simple Checking and Interest Checking. Simple Checking is ideal for most members, with no fees as long as you sign up for e-statements and 24/7 online and mobile access.

Interest Checking is best for those who maintain a balance of $1,000 or more and comes with an annual free box of checks.

Consumers Credit Union has 30 branches in key Michigan cities including, Battle Creek, Coldwater, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Mattawan, Muskegon, Portage, and more.

Copoco Community Credit Union

Copoco Community uses Telecheck rather than ChexSystems to screen new members.

To avoid monthly fees, members must maintain a $300 balance or sign up for direct deposit. Otherwise, a $2 monthly fee applies. Members also receive free access to Powerline Audio Teller, online banking, and free check images.

Copoco Community has branch locations in Bay City and Saginaw, Michigan.

Covantage Credit Union

Instead of using ChexSystems, Covantage Credit Union reviews your credit report for new member screenings. There are no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements.

Members enjoy unlimited check writing, access to over 30,000 ATMs nationwide, and overdraft protection.

You can also earn dividends with a daily balance of $500 or more, along with free online and mobile banking, and remote deposit features.

Covantage Credit Union has branches in Crystal Falls, Iron River, and Menominee, Michigan.

Eaton Community Bank

Eaton Community Bank uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to screen all new applicants, which is helpful for those who have been denied membership because of ChexSystems information.

Eaton offers many services to its members, but its checking accounts are on par with large banks.

They provide secure online and mobile banking, text message banking, telephone banking, remote direct deposit, and e-statements for members who prefer a paperless option.

Additionally, Eaton has partnered with MoneyPass, allowing members access to thousands of non-surcharge co-op ATMs nationwide.

Eaton Community Bank has branches in Charlotte, East Lansing, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Nashville, Olivet, and Stockbridge, Michigan.

Family First Credit Union

Family First Credit Union checks your credit report instead of using ChexSystems for membership eligibility.

This is beneficial for those who have been denied membership at other banks due to past ChexSystems history. If your credit is in good standing, you may still qualify for an account with FFCU.

FFCU offers a range of banking services, including free online and mobile banking, free bill pay, and a free debit card.

Members also have access to overdraft protection, wire transfers, personal loans, savings accounts, interest accounts, and Christmas accounts.

Family First has branches in Saginaw and Freeland, Michigan.

Portland Federal Credit Union

Portland Federal Credit Union uses your credit report instead of ChexSystems to screen applicants, making it a great option for those with a strong credit history but past banking issues.

With no minimum deposit to open an account, PFCU offers convenient features like automatic bill pay and 24/7 online access.

PFCU has branches in Caledonia, Durand, Flint, Ionia, Lake Odessa, Lansing, Lowell, Owosso, Perry, Portland, Swartz Creek, and Westphalia, Michigan.

Public Service Credit Union

Public Service Credit Union (PSCU) uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems to screen new applicants.

PSCU offers a range of benefits, including a free debit card, mobile and online banking, telephone banking, bill pay, and ID theft protection.

To waive monthly fees, a balance of $250 is required, but if your balance drops below that, the monthly fee is only $8.95.

PSCU has branches in Detroit, Flat Rock, Garden City, Grosse Ile, Oak Park, Redford, Romulus, Trenton, and Warren, Michigan.

Settlers Federal Credit Union

Settlers Federal Credit Union (SFCU) offers checking accounts to individuals who live, work, attend school, or worship in Ontonagon or Gogebic County, Michigan.

Membership is easy to establish with a government-issued ID, and no ChexSystems screening is required.

SFCU checking accounts include practical features like internal account transfers, loan payment capabilities, and a centralized bill pay system that allows you to manage multiple payments from one dashboard. These tools are especially useful for members looking to stay organized and avoid late fees.

SFCU operates branches in Bruce Crossing and Watersmeet, giving residents access to in-person support in addition to online services.

Straits Area Federal Credit Union

Straits Area Federal Credit Union (SAFCU) does not rely on ChexSystems.

Instead, they require prospective account holders to provide a government-issued ID for screening. If no issues arise, you may be able to open an account with them.

A checking account with SAFCU comes with no monthly fees, access to over 28,000 co-op network ATMs, free checking, free bill pay, and free transfers between savings and checking.

SAFCU has branch locations in Cheboygan, Indian River, and Mackinaw City, Michigan.

TBA Credit Union

TBA Credit Union relies on your credit report, not ChexSystems, for membership approval.

Their checking account has no minimum balance requirements and no monthly service fees. Members enjoy free access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, as well as online and mobile banking.

Additionally, members receive $2,000 in free accidental death insurance and can qualify for bonuses on share certificates when signing up for direct deposit.

TBA Credit Union has two branch locations in Traverse City, Michigan.

Team One Credit Union

Team One Credit Union uses your credit report for application screening, making it a solid option for those who have faced past banking challenges but maintained a good credit history.

If your credit score is in good standing, Team One may open an account for you.

In addition to being able to design your debit card, Team One offers free online and mobile banking, ID theft protection, no minimum balance, and dividends on balances over $1,000.

There are no per-check fees, and the account includes overdraft protection and courtesy pay coverage, with unlimited checks.

Team One Credit Union has branches in Bad Axe, Bay City, Caro, Flint, Owosso, Saginaw, Sandusky, and Traverse City.

United Bay Community Credit Union

United Bay Community Credit Union uses Telecheck instead of ChexSystems, offering a chance to open an account if your financial history has affected you elsewhere.

All accounts are insured up to $250,000 by the NCUA, and only a $5 minimum balance is required. Members can also take advantage of additional savings opportunities, such as the Christmas Club account, IMMA account, and youth accounts.

United Bay Community Credit Union has branches in Bay City, Coleman, Mattawan, Pinconning, and Portage, Michigan.

Vibe Credit Union

Vibe Credit Union checks your credit report instead of using ChexSystems, making it a viable option for those with past financial challenges but a good credit history.

There are no minimum balance requirements, monthly fees, or per check fees. Members receive $2,000 in overdraft protection and can access their account anytime using the free mobile app.

Vibe also offers a fraud protection app that alerts you to any account activity.

Vibe Credit Union has branches in Berkley, Canton, Clarkston, Livonia, Novi, Oxford, South Lyon, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Waterford, and West Bloomfield, Michigan.

West Michigan Credit Union

West Michigan Credit Union reviews your credit report instead of using ChexSystems when opening a new account.

With no minimum balance required, WMCU checking accounts come with overdraft protection.

Additional benefits include shopping rewards, identity theft protection, credit monitoring, cell phone protection, and 24-hour accidental death or dismemberment insurance.

WMCU has branches in Cadillac, Grand Rapids, Big Rapids, and Reed City, Michigan.