Banks That Don’t Use ChexSystems in Minnesota

A negative ChexSystems report can make opening a bank account in Minnesota feel impossible. Most banks use it to screen applicants, and one misstep could lead to a denial.

The good news? Minnesota has several second chance banks, along with options that don’t use ChexSystems at all—so you can get an account without perfect history.

9 Banks in Minnesota That Don’t Use ChexSystems

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of Minnesota 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 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.

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

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% 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.

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.

American Federal Bank

American Federal Bank may offer you a checking account by running a credit check instead of reviewing ChexSystems records.

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.

Gate City Bank

Gate City Bank uses Choice Point to verify identity rather than ChexSystems. They offer several checking account options.

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.

Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union

You can get a Second Chance Checking account directly through Minnesota Valley Federal. There’s a minimum balance requirement of $100; otherwise, you’ll be charged a $2 monthly fee.

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.

United Savings Credit Union

United Savings reportedly uses a credit check instead of ChexSystems.

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.

Unity One Credit Union

Unity One Credit Union

Unity One Credit Union offers the Clean Start Checking account, designed for people seeking to rebuild their financial standing.

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.

Wells Fargo

If you’re unable to open a standard checking account with Wells Fargo, you may still qualify for their Clear Access Banking account.

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.