Second Chance Checking Accounts in Michigan

Past overdrafts or account closures can make it difficult to open a new checking account in Michigan, especially with banks that use ChexSystems. But second chance checking accounts offer a practical way to rebuild your financial history and regain access to essential banking tools.

11 Banks & Credit Unions Offering Second Chance Bank Accounts in Michigan

Here are banks and credit unions across Michigan providing second chance checking options for individuals working to restore their financial standing.

Current

Our Top Pick

Features & Benefits

  • Build credit automatically with your debit card activity
  • No monthly fees or minimum deposit required
  • Over 40,000 Allpoint ATMs nationwide
  • Early direct deposit—get paid up to 2 days sooner

Current gives you a simple way to open a checking account without ChexSystems or credit checks. You can start building credit by using your debit card for everyday purchases—no loans, hard inquiries, or interest involved.

There’s no minimum balance to maintain, no hidden fees, and access to thousands of fee-free ATMs across the U.S.

Current’s Premium account also includes early direct deposit and Savings Pods that earn up to 4.00% APY, helping your money grow without sacrificing flexibility.

Chime

Features & Benefits

  • No ChexSystems checks or credit pull
  • Open an account with no minimum deposit
  • Access over 60,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide
  • Optional secured credit card to help build credit

Chime makes it easy to open a checking account, even if your banking history isn’t perfect. There are no monthly fees, no foreign transaction charges, and no minimum balance required.

You can also boost your credit with the Chime Credit Builder Visa®—a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 60,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

SoFi

Features & Benefits

  • Earn up to $300 with qualifying direct deposit
  • No monthly fees or minimum balance requirements
  • Up to 3.80% APY on savings balances
  • Access to 55,000+ fee-free ATMs

SoFi’s Checking and Savings account is designed to help you keep more of your money. There are no monthly maintenance fees, no overdraft fees, and no minimums to worry about.

Set up direct deposit, and you can unlock a sign-up bonus of up to $300, plus earn a competitive 3.80% APY on your savings. Checking accounts earn 0.50% APY as well.

You’ll also have access to over 55,000 fee-free ATMs and the ability to get paid up to two days early with direct deposit.

Credit Union One

Credit Union ONE offers Basic Checking, designed to help members rebuild their financial history.

The account requires a $25 opening deposit. Monthly fees can be reduced or waived with direct deposit and a $500 minimum balance.

Members get access to automatic bill pay, account alerts, and 30,000+ surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. After 12 months in good standing, you may qualify for a standard checking account.

Branches are located in Ann Arbor, Berkley, Detroit, Farmington, Ferndale, Grand Rapids, Macomb Township, Southgate, Sterling Heights, Troy, and other cities.

Farmers and Merchants State Bank

F&M Bank provides a second chance checking option for those working to restore their banking access.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and carries a $9.95 monthly fee, reduced to $7.95 with direct deposit. Members enjoy unlimited check writing, free online and mobile banking, and access to thousands of ATMs.

After managing the account responsibly, you may upgrade to Ultimate, Pure, or Secure Checking accounts with added perks.

Branches are located in Birmingham and West Bloomfield.

Horizon Bank

Horizon Bank offers Fresh Start Checking, providing basic banking access for individuals with previous account issues.

The account comes with no minimum deposit, unlimited check writing, free online and mobile banking, and a debit card. The monthly fee is $5.

After maintaining the account in good standing, you can request an upgrade to a standard checking account with no monthly fees.

Branches are located in Big Rapids, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Fremont, Gaylord, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Midland, Standish, and other cities.

Intandem Credit Union

Intandem CU offers Fresh Start Checking, designed for members working to overcome negative banking history.

The account has no minimum balance requirement and includes unlimited check writing, online banking, mobile banking, and a free Mastercard debit card.

Members also have access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and may qualify for Overdraft Privilege.

Branches are located in Cedar Springs and Grand Rapids.

Marshall Community Credit Union

MCCU provides Fresh Start Checking, a second chance option for those with past account problems.

The account has no minimum balance and includes online and mobile banking, bill pay, and a free debit or ATM card. The monthly fee is $8 but can be reduced to $5 with direct deposit and eStatements.

Branches are located in Battle Creek, Coldwater, and Marshall.

Members First Credit Union

Members First CU offers Fresh Start Checking, designed for individuals working to rebuild their banking history.

The account provides essential features, including free online banking, mobile banking, eStatements, and a free debit card.

There are no minimum balance requirements, and members have access to over 30,000 fee-free ATMs. Monthly fees apply, with opportunities to upgrade to a regular account after maintaining good standing.

MFCU has branches across Michigan, including Midland, Mt. Pleasant, Clare, Gladwin, and other locations.

Michigan First Credit Union

Michigan First CU offers Classic Checking, a second chance account for those rebuilding their financial standing.

The account carries a $20 monthly fee with no minimum balance requirement. Features include mobile app access, online bill pay, unlimited checks, and over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs. You also receive one free withdrawal per month from non-co-op ATMs.

After six months of responsible account use, you may upgrade to Premier Checking with no monthly fees.

Branches are located in Canton, Detroit, Eastpointe, Grand Rapids, Lathrup Village, Novi, Plymouth, Roseville, Shelby Township, and Troy.

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

MSUFCU offers Rebuild Checking, designed for members working to repair their banking record.

The account costs $10 per month and includes direct deposit, free bill pay, check writing, and online banking. Members also gain access to over 5,000 shared branch locations nationwide.

Branches are located in Charlotte, East Lansing, Haslett, Holt, Lansing, Mason, and Okemos.