Second Chance Checking Accounts in Michigan

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 $400, plus earn a competitive 3.30% 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.

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, with 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 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®. It’s a secured card with no credit check, no annual fee, and no interest charges.

Chime gives you access to over 47,000 fee-free ATMs, early direct deposit, and cash deposit options at more than 8,500 Walgreens locations.

The account includes no minimum balance requirement, debit card access, online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, and eStatements.

Accounts in good standing can automatically convert to standard checking after six months of satisfactory activity.

Fresh Start Checking gives members a clear path back to regular checking while rebuilding their financial history.

Alpena Alcona Area Credit Union has branches in Alpena, Atlanta, Cheboygan, Lincoln, Oscoda, Ossineke, Posen, and more.

The credit union describes this account as a second chance. It has no monthly fee and is designed to help members move toward better financial wellness.

Fresh Start Checking can be a good fit if past account problems have made it harder to open a standard checking account. American 1 also connects the account with financial coaching and its Fresh Start program.

American 1 Credit Union has branches in Adrian, Battle Creek, Brooklyn, Chelsea, Clarklake, Hillsdale, Jackson, and more.

The account is designed for members who want to reestablish a checking account. It has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, free eStatements, mobile wallet access, tap-to-pay, and a Visa debit card.

Empower Checking also includes four free money orders or cashier’s checks per month, which can be helpful if you need a safer payment option while rebuilding your account history.

CASE Credit Union has branches in East Lansing, Lansing, and Meridian.

The account is designed to help members re-establish positive checking history while keeping things simple and affordable. It requires $25 to open and has no minimum balance requirement.

Second Chance Checking can help you get back to using a real checking account for deposits, spending, and payments while building a stronger account record.

Community Focus Federal Credit Union has branches in Brownstown and Ecorse.

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.

The account gives members the freedom of having a checking account while working toward better financial stability.

After 12 consecutive months in good standing, you can apply to move to a standard checking account.

Second Chance Checking can help you return to everyday banking without relying on prepaid cards, money orders, or check-cashing services.

Diversified Members Credit Union has branches in Clawson, Detroit, and Novi.

The account is designed to help members transition into a regular checking account. It gives you a structured way to manage your money, take control of your finances, and work toward standard checking eligibility.

Focus Checking includes access to ELGA’s checking account tools, including a Visa debit card, digital banking, eStatements, and bill pay.

ELGA Credit Union has branches in Bay City, Burton, Clio, Davison, Fenton, Flint, Flushing, and more.

Extra Credit Union says it looks at your story, not just your score. That makes this account a possible fit if past banking or credit issues have made it harder to open a standard checking account.

Clean Slate Checking gives members access to local credit union banking while also connecting them with guidance and support.

Extra Credit Union has branches in Warren and Washington Township.

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.

The account is designed for customers who are rebuilding their banking relationship and want access to a regular checking account again.

It gives you a way to manage deposits, debit card spending, and day-to-day payments through a local Detroit-based bank.

First Choice Checking may be a good fit if past banking issues have made it harder to qualify for a standard account elsewhere.

First Independence Bank is based in Detroit.

The account is a good fit for customers looking to rebuild or establish a banking relationship. It requires $25 to open and has a $5 monthly service fee.

There is no interest, but the account is designed to provide basic banking tools while helping you avoid common fees.

RI$E Checking can help you return to everyday banking with a local Michigan bank while keeping account costs predictable.

First State Bank has branches in Chesterfield Twp, Clinton Twp, Eastpointe, Macomb Twp, Richmond, Rochester Hills, St. Clair Shores, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This account can be useful if past banking issues have made it harder to open a standard checking account. It gives you a way to get back into traditional banking while building a better account record over time.

MercStart Fresh® gives customers a local banking option instead of relying on prepaid cards, money orders, or check-cashing services.

Mercantile Bank has branches in Alma, Cadillac, Comstock Park, East Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland, Ionia, and more.

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.

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.

The account gives members a way to work back toward regular checking. After 12 months of responsible account use, you may become eligible for a Regular Checking Account.

Fresh Start Checking can help you manage daily banking needs while building a better record with the credit union.

Northland Area Federal Credit Union has branches in Alpena, AuGres, Evart, Gaylord, Grayling, Hale, Harrisville, and more.

The account can help if a Qualifile score or ChexSystems record has created problems in the past. It has a $15 monthly fee, which can drop to $10 with direct deposit or a $250 minimum balance.

Fresh Start Checking can convert to Everyday Checking if your account has no overdrafts or returned items for six straight months.

One Detroit Credit Union has branches in Detroit, Highland Park, Inkster, and River Rouge.

The account is designed for people who have been denied a checking account at another financial institution. It gives members a way to return to everyday banking and work toward a stronger account record.

Fresh Start Checking can be useful if past account issues have made it harder to open a standard checking account elsewhere.

OUR Credit Union has branches in Royal Oak, Shelby Township, Troy, and Warren.

The account is designed for customers who have had past financial setbacks and want another chance with a checking account. It gives you a way to return to everyday banking through a Michigan credit union.

Opportunity Checking may be a good fit if you want access to a checking account while working toward a stronger financial record.

Security Credit Union has branches in Burton, Croswell, Detroit, Flint Township, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Imlay City, and more.

The account is designed for people who have been denied a checking account at another financial institution. It gives members a way to start over with a local credit union and work toward better account habits.

Fresh Start Checking can be a good fit if past banking problems have made it harder to qualify for standard checking.

United Financial Credit Union has branches in Auburn, Bay City, Bridgeport, Chesaning, Freeland, Pinconning, and Saginaw.

The account is designed for members who need a second chance and want a path forward when other institutions may not approve them.

It includes no opening balance or minimum balance requirement, a Visa debit card, online banking, mobile banking, bill pay, mobile deposit, early deposit access, and credit score monitoring.

Vibe Vision Checking can be a helpful option if you want a full checking account while rebuilding your financial footing.

Vibe Credit Union has branches in Berkley, Canton, Clarkston, Ferndale, Livonia, Novi, Oxford, and more.