Minnesota residents who have one or more negative entries in ChexSystems may face the hurdle of constantly being denied for a new checking account. This can add a load of inconvenience to your everyday life, from having to carry around cash to not being able to shop online. Plus, ChexSystems records stay listed on your report for as long as five years.
But you don’t have to wait that long to get a checking account.
There are plenty of banks in Minnesota that don’t use ChexSystems as part of the application process. There are also several banks that offer second chance checking accounts. This kind of account may come with certain restrictions or fees, but can also be an effective way to start rebuilding your financial history.
Non-ChexSystems & Second Chance Banks in Minnesota
Here’s the comprehensive list of banks, credit unions, and online options in Minnesota that may work for you, even if you have a ChexSystems history.
Chime
on Chime's secure website
With Chime, bad banking history is not an issue. They offer an award-winning financial app, a debit card, and a credit-builder Visa credit card, all with no credit check.
The Chime Spending Account is 100% free and has no monthly fees:
- no overdraft fees
- no monthly maintenance fees
- no foreign transaction fees
- no minimum balance fees
They’ll even spot you up to $200 on debit card purchases with no overdraft fees.
You can also start building your credit with the Chime Credit Builder Visa Credit Card. It’s a secured credit card with no annual fees, no credit checks, and no interest charges.
Chime has over 60,000 fee-free MoneyPass® and Visa® Plus Alliance ATMs. Plus, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days earlier with direct deposit. You can also deposit cash for free at over 8,500 Walgreens.
You can see why Chime is our #1 choice.
Current
on Current's secure website
Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. The company does not use ChexSystems or pull your credit report, and they have a lot to offer.
A Current mobile banking account includes fee-free overdraft protection of up to $100. You also get access to over 40,000 fee-free Allpoint ATMs with your Current debit card, and there is no minimum balance or hidden fees.
You can also get paid up to two days early with direct deposit with a Current Premium account. Plus, Current offers up to 4.00% APY with Current Savings Pods.
Sable
on Sable's secure website
Sable allows you to open a bank account with a debit card and secured credit card in just 5 minutes.
There are no credit checks, no fees, and no minimum deposit required. You can also get an unsecured credit card in about 4 months after using your secured card. That’s 3x faster than what traditional banks offer.
The Sable credit card offers 2% cashback on your favorite brands.
To open a Sable account, you don’t need a social security number or U.S. credit history. You can also send money to 55+ countries and get multilingual customer support.
American Federal Bank
on American Federal Bank's secure website
You may be able to get a checking account with American Federal Bank because they reportedly run a credit check rather than a ChexSystems review.
Their American Free account is truly free with no monthly service fee or minimum balance requirement. However, you’ll need to make a relatively steep opening deposit of $100. Unlimited check writing comes with this account, as does either a cash card or ATM card.
American Federal Bank has locations in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Their Minnesota branch and ATM locations include Ada, Crookston, East Grand Forks, Fergus Falls, Fosston, Hallock, Moorhead, and Warren.
Gate City Bank
on Gate City Bank's secure website
Instead of ChexSystems, Gate City Bank uses Choice Point to verify your identity. Checking account options include Totally FREE Checking, Benefit Interest Checking, 50+ FREE Checking, VIP FREE Interest Checking, and Premium Interest Checking.
Totally FREE Checking is the easiest to qualify for, regardless of age. As its name implies, this account has no monthly fee or balance requirement. However, you do need to open the account with $50 or more.
You’ll instantly receive your free ATM and check card, plus you get free access to online and mobile banking, include remote check deposit. There’s also a free money management tool you can use.
A final perk is that you’ll receive a thank you gift for opening a new account, and also up to $25 when you bring in your check cards and unused checks from another bank or credit union. Gate City Bank has locations throughout West Central Minnesota.
Marine Credit Union
on Marine CU's secure website
The Credit Builder Checking account from Marine is a flexible second chance account in Minnesota. The monthly fee is a mere $5 and there’s no minimum balance needed.
To open the account, you must first become a member of the credit union and deposit $5 into your Regular Savings account. Then you must deposit $50 into your Credit Builder Checking account and sign up for direct deposit. You can upgrade to a different account after keeping your account in good standing for 12 months.
With the Credit Builder Checking account, you get a free debit card plus your first box of checks for free. There’s no per check fee and you also get the usual benefits like online banking, e-alerts, and bill pay. Minnesota branches are located in Rushford and Winona.
Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union
on Minnesota Valley FCU's secure website
You can get a Second Chance Checking account directly through Minnesota Valley Federal. You do need to maintain a minimum balance 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
on United Savings' secure website
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 a Minnesota location in Dilworth.
Westconsin Credit Union
on Westconsin CU's secure website
Despite the name, Westconsin services the following Minnesota counties: Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Isanti, Ramsey, Wabasha, and Washington.
Apply for their Foundations Checking account, which is more lenient for approvals but does come with some restrictions. There’s an $8 monthly fee and you get a debit card but no checks issued with the account. On the plus side, there’s no required minimum balance and no per item charges.
To find a Westconsin branch, you will have to cross the border into Wisconsin if you ever need in-person assistance.