Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Minnesota

U.S. Bank is now inviting new customers to take advantage of a special online promotion:

• Earn up to $400 when you open a new U.S. Bank Smartly® Checking account and complete qualifying activities.
• Subject to certain terms and limitations. Offer valid through May 6, 2025. Member FDIC.
• Offer may not be available if you are an existing U.S. Bank customer or live outside of the U.S. Bank footprint.

The checking account comes with a free debit card and the option to lock or unlock the card if it’s ever lost or stolen.

Plus, you’ll never have to worry about ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank ATMs or surcharge fees at over 40,000 MoneyPass Network ATMs.

U.S. Bank uses ChexSystems, but it has a history of being more lenient with records than most banks.

As long as you don’t have a history of fraud, or you don’t owe any money to U.S. Bank, you may be able to open a checking account with them.

The minimum opening deposit for this account is just $25, and the monthly service fee is $6.95. However, you can avoid the monthly fee by maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500 or by having a minimum monthly direct deposit of $1,000.

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 is a financial technology company that offers mobile banking without ChexSystems checks or credit pulls. It’s a flexible option for anyone looking to rebuild or simplify their finances.

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.

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 4.02% 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.

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.

Their American Free account has no monthly service fees or minimum balance requirements, though it does require a $100 opening deposit.

With this account, you’ll enjoy unlimited check writing and the option of a cash card or ATM card.

American Federal Bank operates in both Minnesota and North Dakota, with Minnesota branch and ATM locations in Ada, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Fergus Falls, Fosston, Hallock, Moorhead, and Warren.

The Totally FREE Checking is the most accessible option with no monthly fees or balance requirements, though a $50 minimum deposit is required to open the account.

Upon opening the account, you’ll receive a free ATM and check card, access to online and mobile banking, remote check deposit, and a money management tool.

New account holders also receive a “Thank You” gift, and up to $25 when you bring in old check cards and checks from another bank or credit union.

Gate City Bank has branch locations in Alexandria, Elk River, Fergus Falls, Moorhead, Sauk Rapids, St. Cloud, and Waite Park, Minnesota.

You can also get overdraft protection from your savings account. Other than those requirements, you get the same perks as any other checking account at Minnesota Valley FCU.

To become a member, you must live, work, worship, attend school, or volunteer in Blue Earth, Nicollet, or Le Sueur counties.

There are two branches located in Mankato, one uptown and one downtown office.

In addition to their Basic Checking account, there’s also Advantage Checking, and Cha Ching Checking (which is interest-bearing).

Both Basic and Advantage Checking include no required minimum balance and unlimited check writing. The only difference is that Advantage Checking includes identity theft protection services.

To become a member of United Savings, you must live within a 75-mile radius of their home office in Fargo, North Dakota. They have Minnesota locations in Detroit Lakes and Dilworth.

With a $50 opening deposit, no minimum balance requirements, and low monthly service fees, this account provides members with an opportunity to start fresh.

Account holders also gain access to over 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs and over 5,000 Credit Union Service Centers nationwide.

After maintaining good account history for 12 months, members can apply for an upgrade to the Best Free Checking account.

Unity One Credit Union serves members in Texas, Minnesota, and Kansas, with a Minnesota branch located in Maplewood.

This option is designed for individuals who might not meet the requirements for traditional banking due to past financial challenges.

The account has a $5 monthly fee, which can be waived if the account holder is between 13 and 24 years old. A $25 deposit is required to open the account.

Once set up, you’ll enjoy features like online bill pay, mobile banking, and access to over 13,000 ATMs nationwide without additional fees, helping you manage your finances while rebuilding your banking history.

Wells Fargo has branch locations in over 120 Minnesota cities, including Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Duluth, Eagan, Minneapolis, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and St. Paul.