Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Michigan

Struggling to open a checking account in Michigan 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 Michigan

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.

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 lets you open a mobile bank account without ChexSystems checks or credit pulls. It’s built for speed, flexibility, and getting your finances back on track.

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.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • Over 22 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.

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 overdraft 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.

You’ll get access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs through the Allpoint network, including Walgreens and CVS locations. Plus, checking account customers can qualify for up to 20% lower rates on Upgrade loans and credit cards.

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.

Credit Union One

Credit Union One offers a second chance account called Basic Checking, designed to help members build a positive banking history.

With just a $25 deposit to open, members may become eligible for a standard checking account after 12 months.

The account includes access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide, and monthly fees can be waived or reduced with direct deposit and a minimum balance of $500.

Members also have access to automatic bill pay, email, and text alerts for low balances or unusual activity.

Credit Union One has branches in Ann Arbor, Berkley, Detroit, Farmington, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Macomb Township, Southgate, Sterling Heights, Troy, and more.

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.

Farmers and Merchants State Bank

Farmers and Merchants State Bank offers a second chance checking account designed to help members rebuild their financial standing.

There’s no minimum balance requirement, and the monthly fee is $9.95. However, by enrolling in direct deposit, you can lower the fee to $7.95.

With this account, members enjoy unlimited check writing, free online and mobile banking, and access to thousands of ATMs across the country.

Once your account is in good standing, you may be eligible to upgrade to accounts like Ultimate Checking, Pure Checking, or Secure Checking, which offer benefits like ATM fee reimbursements and no monthly charges.

F & M Bank has branches in Birmingham and West Bloomfield, Michigan.

Horizon Bank

Horizon Bank offers a Fresh Start Checking Account without requiring a minimum opening balance. It includes unlimited check writing and provides free online and mobile banking.

The account has a low $5 monthly fee, and you receive a free debit card upon joining.

Fresh Start Checking functions like a regular account, allowing you to pay bills online and make deposits 24/7.

Once you’ve demonstrated responsible account management, you can transition to a standard checking account with no monthly service fees.

Horizon Bank has branches in Big Rapids, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Fremont, Gaylord, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Midland, Standish, and more.

Intandem Credit Union

Intandem Credit Union offers the Fresh Start Checking account, designed for individuals looking to overcome past checking account issues.

For a small monthly maintenance fee, this account provides essential banking services, including unlimited check writing, online and mobile banking, and a free Mastercard Debit Card.

Additionally, members gain access to over 30,000 ATMs nationwide. The account has no minimum balance requirement, and qualifying individuals can participate in the Overdraft Privilege Program.

Intandem Credit Union has branches in Grand Rapids and Cedar Springs, Michigan.

Marshall Community Credit Union

Marshall Community Credit Union offers Fresh Start Checking to those with a troubled financial history.

This account comes with an $8 monthly fee, which can be reduced to $5 with e-statements and direct deposit.

There is no minimum balance requirement, and the account is compatible with both online and mobile banking. Members receive a free debit or ATM card and can access bill pay features at no cost.

MCCU has branches in Battle Creek, Coldwater, and Marshall, Michigan.

Members First Credit Union

Members First Credit Union does use ChexSystems when approving new accounts, but they may still approve your application even with a negative entry or two.

As long as there’s no fraud involved and all previous accounts have been paid, Members First might grant approval.

They offer three types of checking accounts: Kasasa Cash, Kasasa Cash Back, and Everyday Checking. All three accounts are free, with no minimum balance requirement.

Members also get access to online, mobile, and text banking, bill pay, eStatements, a debit card, and phone banking, plus the ability to receive payments two days early with First Pay.

Members First has branches in Clare, Evart, Gladwin, Grand Rapids, Harrison, Jenison, Midland, and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

Michigan First Credit Union

Michigan First Credit Union offers Classic Checking, a second chance account for those looking to rebuild their banking history.

The account comes with a $20 monthly fee, but no minimum balance is required.

With Classic Checking, you can use Michigan First’s mobile app to make deposits, pay bills online, and gain access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs.

You also receive unlimited checks and one free withdrawal per month from a non-co-op ATM.

After six months of maintaining a positive relationship with Michigan First, you may upgrade to their Premier Checking account, which has no monthly fee.

Michigan First has branches in Canton, Detroit, Eastpointe, Grand Rapids, Lathrup Village, Novi, Plymouth, Roseville, Shelby Township, and Troy, Michigan.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union offers a Rebuild Checking Account designed for members who need to repair their financial history.

This account costs $10 a month and includes features like direct deposit and free bill pay services.

Members also have 24/7 access to their accounts through online portals and shared branches nationwide, which include over 5,000 locations.

With the Rebuild Checking Account, you can write checks, manage bills, and work toward building a positive banking history.

MSUFCU has branches in Charlotte, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Mason, and Okemos, 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.